stop bugging me: handling disruptions at work

Last week’s challenge was to look at interruptions from both sides: good and bad. But what if you are interrupted – repeatedly – by a coworker and it is disruptive? The short answer: Suspend judgement; Investigate the situation; clarify expectations. Simple. But how you implement these three easy steps is what will make or break the situation.

situation

Meet Bob. He is a motivated business development professional. He is a master at building new relationships and strengthening old ones. Recently he has noticed that Pam, head of production, has been involving him in meetings, calls, and decisions relating to her department. Bob see’s this as a disruption to his work. What can he do?

discover more »

30 powerful questions for coaching and reflecting

To be, or not to be: that is the question. ~William Shakespeare

Powerful questions can be used in coaching, self-reflection, leadership development, team collaboration, and even critical thinking. Often one question can be enough to ignite an illuminating conversation ending in the all powerful ‘ah ha’ moment of a client or team mate. Below is a collection of 30 questions I have used over the years in coaching, consulting, self-reflection, and in a collaborative team setting. If these inspire critical thinking on your part, then I can enjoy the knowledge that I can inspire from a distance. If these questions inspire more questions, please let me know by leaving a comment.

discover more »

from blank page to powerful presentation

‘I’ve been struggling for days with this presentation. I don’t know where to start or stop. How do I make it powerful? How do I make it memorable?’ Many clients ask for my assistance in creating powerful presentations. Though each case is unique, I thought I would share a little bit about the process I go through in going from blank page to powerful presentation.

Blank Page. I know this can be scary, but it is important that you start fresh. You need a blank page. Use a white board, a piece of paper, a text document, or a blank slide in your presentation software. The tool does not matter, the white space does. Discover the remaining steps…

discover more »

How Not to Read

I love books. No, this isn’t a new realization. Anyone who knows me knows that my home away from home is the local Barnes & Noble bookstore. I have shelves and shelves of books on topics from science to Snoopy. But I have a problem. I buy more books than I can read, and I feel I should read everything…and now!

Am I alone? How many books have you bought because they either:
1) look interesting,
2) are a classic and you feel you ‘should’ have it, or
3) it’s on the ‘must read’ list of some respected person.

expectations managed

Well, today I’ve come to the realization that I will never be able to read every book I want…because I want to read them all! My expectations were set high once I discovered the magic and power of books many years ago. I’ve often had the fantasy of being independently wealthy enough to do nothing but read. I wanted to read every book. Not only that, but I wanted to understand everything in those books! And finally, I wanted to write my own books. Now that I read that I’m thinking…how boring!

(read more of the goodness!)

discover more »