I was asked recently, what is the major issue that keeps an executive from getting promoted or even costs them their jobs?

While there can be many factors that lead to a passed promotion – lack of skills or competencies, lack of related experience, etc. – there are really two major issues leading to job failure.

These factors are… Continue reading ‘Issues that Cost Executives Promotions and Jobs’ »

Today I’m expanding on yesterday’s post by asking the question…

Performance or Politics – Which is More Important to You?

I’m asking this question because of two reasons…

1. It’s Your Choice
2. It has a direct influence on your long term status in your job

Let’s look into these two reasons. Continue reading ‘Performance or Politics – Which is More Important to You?’ »

During this week I have come across several situations whereby a client or friend has discussed with me their problems or issues. Usually this is well after the fact and too late for me to assist them in solving those problems.

However, after some thought, I realized I was looking at a trend of issues from people who have the natural talent to be very successful – yet, are having difficulties in getting to that next level of performance. Why is this happening? Continue reading ‘Go it Alone or Ask for Help?’ »

Got to thinking about this primary question regarding human development – Are You Open to Change?

There are a large number of people who talk about change – both positive and negative – and then there are the people who will not even discuss the possibility for change. This is where it gets interesting, especially if you are expected to coach this person to the next level of performance. Continue reading ‘Are You Open to Change?’ »

Just spent a couple of hours listening to the authors of Emotional Intelligence Coaching – Improving performance for leaders, coaches and the individual. This is really good information. If you get a chance get the book and read it. It is full of very valuable information and provides a toolbox for implementing the process in your organization.

Some of the basic concepts contained in this outstanding book include information on how the brain actually works. It explains what happens when stress overrides the logically mind and the emotional or reptilian brain takes over our decision making process.

After connecting the dots on the mechanics of the brain, the authors then take on emotional intelligence -or the ability to remain calm dealing very stressful environments so you make better decisions. Better decisions lead to better or more effective leadership skills.

Now Robin had time to visit with the authors about a key determining factor of one’s performance – your subconscious beliefs. They were very impressed and want to discuss more about the process she uses with her clients to reprogram the subconscious mind for more effective performance.

If you are interested in her process, go to her blog – PowerofMindset.com and read about some of the life changing power she uses with her client. Enjoy the research. Then, if you want more information, please call her at 901-757-4434.

While discussing the potential of certain employees with a HR manager, a question was raised by the HR Manager… What Are People Skills? At first, this sounded like a simplistic question yet the more we discussed it, the more complex it became.

So, let’s take a look at this key term – People Skills.

There appears to be certain factors that resonant with the term People Skills – other than People are involved. There appears to be six key elements when looking at people skills: Continue reading ‘What Are People Skills?’ »

I got a couple of calls about “what is the Twenty Idea Method?” So, I will share this great creativity tool. Anyone can use it – kids to adults, employees to executives, men or women – it is a universal creativity technique.

First, you get a piece of paper (yes, you can use a computer – I prefer pen and paper) . Down the side number 1 to 20. At the top of the page, write a goal or problem in the form of a question. The more specific the question the higher the quality of the answers. Continue reading ‘Twenty Idea Method’ »

Today I want to share a tip when you are presenting your ideas – in a speech, sales presentation, leading a meeting or having a one on one discussion with someone.  The tip is very simple – Make Eye Contact with Others while you speak.

While working with clients I have seen very smart people get ignored by others or question their competency due to a total lack of eye contact. The worst case is people talking with their heads down – not necessarily reading anything, just staring down while they speak – and others lose interest in listening. Continue reading ‘Eye Contact gives others confidence when you speak’ »

Yes, it is the middle of the year, the beginning of July indicts we have made the middle of the calendar year. Are you making the half-time adjustments to your goals and annual plans?

Just like the best football teams in the country, making half-time adjustments is a key skill that makes great coaches – well, great! If a coach did not adjust to what was happening on the field of play during the halftime, then two things would happen.

1. The opponent would make changes in their game plan to take advantages of the weaknesses they found in the first half and exploit these areas to their advantage.
2. The team would not be in a position to improve their position in the game.

Okay, so we are not talking about a football game in the middle of the year, however, we should be talking about your goals or your team’s goals (assuming you use a calendar year rather than a fiscal year.). Your personal goals are definitely on a calendar year – so it is time to review your progress.

Here is the process for reviewing your goals using a half-time adjustment review: Continue reading ‘Are You Making Half-Time Adjustments?’ »

Whether you are in sales, managing a project or leading a group of people, there are three reasons why people don’t buy what you’re selling or offering. When you look at these reasons, it is obvious and simple regarding what it will take to get them to buy from you.

Okay, let’s look at the three reasons people don’t buy what you’re selling or offering:

1. They Don’t Want it – They simply don’t want what you have to offer at that moment in time. It’s not personal, they are just not buying in because it is not important to them.
2. They Don’t Have the Money or Investment in Time and Effort – They simply can’t afford to invest in your offering – be it a sale or a project. In many cases, it is the lack of available time to devote to entering a new project or direction.
3. They Don’t Believe You – Now this is the tough one. When people don’t believe you, it shows a total lack of trust. This is the toughest issue to deal with since it feels personal rather than an objective feeling or truth.

So how do you deal with the three reasons listed above? Let’s take each one in more detail: Continue reading ‘Three Reasons They Don’t Buy or Buy-In’ »