So why does it matter if colleagues are connected? Connecting personally builds trust, which is valuable to your team, business, and organization.
You share things about yourself, which moves us toward vulnerability-based trust, which helps fuel teamwork and productivity.

As I reflect on my life personally and professionally, the time does seem to have flown by. There are so many highs, lows, and in-betweens, and they have all taught me something.
Although the lessons often showed up long after the event, I know that every triumph, setback, laugh, and tear has shaped me into the imperfect but eager-to-learn person I am today.

It’s important to understand that if we don’t have self-acceptance, it can create this kind of internal disconnectedness, where in your subconscious, you are having feelings of anger, disappointment or shame.

Whether it’s a habit or accomplishment in your sights for 2024, ensure you have some structure to keep your goal setting on track for 365 days. 

When we start to share information, it increases trust. Your team will feel safer going to you if they’ve got questions, concerns, or the next big idea that will change the company’s trajectory!

If your manager isn’t walking the talk, what can you do about it?

Start with a respectful conversation, one-on-one. You can say, ‘Hey, I’m a bit conflicted here. You know, we just did a seminar on prioritizing work-life balance yet, I’m not seeing you do it, and I’m not seeing the CEO or the CFO do it either. I’m not sure what to do.”

What if you flip the script and change your mindset to having a new goal: returning from a business trip more refreshed than when you left? It’s possible, believe me.

I want to express my gratitude to all of you. Thank you for reading this newsletter every month and staying in touch with me, for sharing it with your friend circles and business networks and for reaching out with great questions and suggestions

For me, routines have been foundational for achieving my goals. I want to share 9 morning, noon and night tips that I use to start the day strong, keep my energy high and creative, end my day with a sense of accomplishment and prepare for a restful sleep. These are easy-to-follow routines; you just need to be disciplined and consistent.

Becoming a better public speaker is easy, and this skill will positively impact all aspects of your professional and personal life. 

I’ve worked with countless leaders and executives who refused to take time off in the summer, and if they do, they make it a “working vacation,” which defeats the purpose of taking some well-deserved time away from the office.

Some employees hesitate to return to the physical office because of their long commute or introversion. Others are bored of working from their remote workstation of solitude and can’t wait to start collaborating with their colleagues face-to-face. I think the majority of folks are somewhere in the middle.

The game slows down a bit for you, but you are still playing at a good pace. If you pay attention and learn about yourself, understand yourself, learn about others, understand others, and let your ego fade into the background, things unfold around you, and you can navigate them with a little more grace and ease.

Healthy conflict enables organizations to operate at peak performance because it fuels new ideas, creative problem solving and friendly competition.
But it is essential to make sure everyone on the team gets to express their different point of view, regardless of their comfort level with sharing or defending ideas in a group setting.

Workplace conflict can range from low to high intensity and everything in between.
Some organizations or teams will have false harmony and refrain from conflict. It usually starts with the leader who pretends everything’s fine. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, you get ugly, mean-spirited attacks and anger that go unchecked. And somewhere in the middle, there’s this healthy conflict. This is what you want

I wanted to share some new year’s wishes for you in the hopes that some of these tips may be able to help you find your desired work-life balance, stay strong mentally and physically and embrace all the growth opportunities that come your way in 2023!

The Holiday Season is a magical time of the year. But for many, it can quickly turn into Stress-mas.

Your personal and professional calendar is bulging like Santa’s gift sack. There’s the school Christmas concert, community events, the big family dinner – oh, and you’re hosting this year, the office party, lunches with your boss, clients and friends, etc. So many invitations! Of course, all this is in addition to decorating, putting up your lights, tree-shopping and last-minute gift-buying and wrapping.

Did you know superstar Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady can skip Wednesday practices? 

After winning multiple Super Bowls and MVPs, there’s no doubt the GOAT has earned this enviable job perk. 

Too many team managers fall into the trap of believing that each team member needs to be treated equally. But fair and equal are not the same thing. Here’s why: we don’t all perform equally, and we don’t all invest in the team or organization equally. 

So, if you’ve got a high-achieving member who has, for instance, intimated they want a better work-life balance, why wouldn’t you explore that with them? Ultimately, it’s going to make them more satisfied and more productive -- so it’s a win-win. 

When an employee is struggling in a role, he or she knows it. This can provide an opportunity to consider a career change or find a work culture that better fits them.

And by making a move, you’re creating an opportunity for your team to reach its full potential because you can find the right person for the role.

For many business leaders, September marks a return to the office after stress-free, sun-drenched days at the beach or a cottage with family and friends.

It’s a return to routines, time to refocus and finish the year by hitting targets set in January.

Lately, though, I’ve thought that September – rather than the start of the new year – is a better time to map out your goals and plan of attack for a successful year for your business and career.