Six Steps to Overcome Culture Shock and Succeed in a New Organization Culture shock. It happens too often when an executive begins working at a new employer. Approximately 40-50% of new leaders fail in their roles in the first 18 months according to available research. There are many reasons for failure, but oftentimes the breakdown…
What Leaders Value in Project Team Members
Why is it that some people are consistently chosen for high-profile project teams? Most of us became familiar with the concept of picking teams during childhood. Whether it was a captain on the playground, a music director or a coach making the selection, the common goal was to assemble a team that would excel. To…
Knowing When and How to Ask for Help at Work
It seems most of us rarely ask for help at work, even when we really need it. There are all kinds of reasons why we don’t want to ask for work-related help, and many of these play into our fears: Others may view that we aren’t capable enough to do things on our own Everyone…
Develop A Proactive Cycle of Success: Dream, Act, Grow and Persevere
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…