How to Communicate Effectively

communicateOne of the greatest challenges we all face is to communicate effectively.

Effective communication can lead to better relationships and better teamwork. We also need to communicate more effectively during presentations.

Whether we are communicating one on one, to a small group or a large audience, there are some basic ways we can plan and execute to help us communicate effectively.

Here are five ways to make sure our communication works: Read more

The Value of a Personal Development Plan

personal developmentDo you have a personal development plan?

A document that provides a plan for areas for which you want to receive education and training?

It can be areas you are just interested in learning about and you are not really sure why.

It can also serve as a roadmap to help you learn what is needed to move your learning along in the right direction.

I have personally found that with the plan I become more focused. Without the plan I can waste time moving from topic to topic, things that either do not hold much interest or are not what I should be focusing on to achieve my goals.

Remember that most people do not have a personal development plan, so if you take the time to create one you will make more progress over time than you otherwise would.

Here are some reasons to develop a Personal Development Plan: Read more

Simplify Your Way to Greater Productivity

productivityIs your work life too complicated?

Do you ever feel challenged to simplify your work or personal life?

I have faced this at times and it is a never-ending battle to keep my life simple.

It can be done but it takes determination and commitment.

Every time I simplify I increase productivity at work, and in my overall life.

Here is a four step process to help you simplify your life and stay there. Read more

Five Benefits of Investing in Education and Training

education and trainingMany of us believe there are benefits to education and training, but have you ever stopped to think about what they really are?

If we want to reach our potential and live the life we have dreamed of, we cannot get there without ongoing education and training.

All of us want to live the best life we can and contribute to the world in which we live as well as to the lives of others.

Education and training are the keys to making that happen.

Here are five benefits of investing in education and training: Read more

Create the Energy Needed to Always Have a Productive Day

energy

Do you want to have the energy it takes to have a productive day, every day? Do you ever feel fatigued throughout the day?

I know that I want to be at my peak every day and have learned from many people how I can have the ultimate energy each time I get up in the morning.

We want to be productive so we can enjoy our lives, get more work done, and spend time nurturing the relationships that matter the most. Here are a few ideas to help you generate continual energy for whatever your calendar has in store for the day.

These are habits that will help to increase energy and productivity, so work on forming them and executing them every day. Read more

For Long-term Success, Focus on Culture

cultureHave you ever observed a company whose success has occurred over a long period of time?

Chances are it has a great culture.

The long-term success of a business has more to do with the culture than anything else so if I am a leader, culture must be one of my highest priorities.

Merriam Webster defines culture as “the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization.”

Examples include: How people are appreciated, do we celebrate success, are we honest in our dealings with others, do we respect people, do we hold people accountable, etc.

Culture is primarily the responsibility of the CEO as the Chief Culture Officer, but every leader and manager is responsible for living out the company’s vision, mission and values if we are to propagate the desired culture.

Even our team of people on the front line can hold each other accountable for living out the why and what of the company.

Here are some ideas on how we can create and sustain the culture we want in our companies: Read more