Every success story starts with a dream or idea – to make improvements, to create new products or processes, to serve an unmet need or support a cause. Ideas spark innovation and lead to new products and services, advances in science, technology, arts, literature and social change. The process of successfully making a dream become…
When to Decline the Job Offer – Factors in Determining What’s Right for You
Years ago, a friend who was between jobs and seeking a leadership role in finance asked my opinion of a position he had been offered by an entrepreneurial firm. As the Chief Financial Officer, he would be charged with implementing new financial controls and upgrading the systems and processes. The position reported directly to the…
Career Disruption Ahead! Five Steps to Keep More Control of Your Career
I’ve worked for two Fortune 100 companies that no longer exist. Both were acquired by larger, more sustainable organizations. These acquisitions happened long before the Great Recession of 2008 unhinged the careers and financial security of seemingly every American. Disruption happens … continually. Always has, always will. Think of all the ways organizations have needed…
Sink or Swim: Four Strategies for Navigating the Waters in a New Leadership Position
You aced the interviews and received an offer for the new leadership role you coveted. Your new organization expects you to bring meaningful, positive change that elevates your team to a higher level. What an opportunity! Confident in your abilities, ideas, experience and passion, you know you can meet or exceed the expectations set…
Will This be Your Breakout Year? Seven Actions to Improve Your Trajectory
I enjoy watching people achieve performance beyond anticipated levels. It motivates me when they emerge from the crowd, functioning at the highest levels and standing as new examples of excellence. We often think of athletes when we reflect on individuals having breakout years. It seems each year a new tennis player, golfer, football player, etc….
Learning from Disappointment and Feedback: Five Valuable Lessons
I’ve come in second place (or worse) on more job interviews than I’ve won during my career. Some losses served as severe hits to my confidence, forcing me to question many things about my preparation, experience and how I came across in the interview. It was humbling, and I likely wore my feelings on my…
How to Thrive during Mergers, Acquisitions or Reorganizations: Four Attributes Key to Positive Differentiation
I’ve been acquired and divested during my career as part of companies or business units being bought or spun off, and I have experienced more reorganizations than I care to count. Whether reorganization was the result of a merger, acquisition or to be more market competitive, the common thread was major organizational change. If you…
Filling in the Retirement Equation: Prepare for Commencement
By the time I hit 50, it was clear that AARP had my number. For that matter, it seemed like the entire financial planning industry had found my contact information. My mailbox started filling up with invitations for a “free” dinner and retirement planning seminars. Telemarketers seemed to have me on speed dial and the…
Navigating Your Manager’s Departure – How to Successfully Transition During Leadership Changes
You’ve been in your job for a while and, suddenly, you find out your manager is moving on. This is the person you chose to work for, the one who hired you into the organization. All sorts of thoughts and emotions play out as this seems to change everything for you. How do you react?…
Networking for Career Growth – Seven Approaches to Broaden Your Network
I once held the misguided notion that networking equaled being “political” and getting ahead based on networked relationships was something less than earning the position based on merit. Fortunately, through coaching and experience, that notion was dispelled. I learned that networking is not about being political or well connected. It’s about establishing and nurturing relationships…