What’s it really all about, anyway? One of the most powerful sources of energy is passion. When we connect to our most important values and purpose in life, our passion and energy seem boundless. The most compelling source of purpose is spiritual, when energy is derived from deeply held values … [Read more...] about Becoming Fully Engaged Part 2: Defining Purpose
Energy
Becoming Fully Engaged Part 1: Managing Energy, Not Time
Just about everyone is in a hurry these days, juggling work, family and play like so many balls in the air. We pride ourselves on our ability to multitask. We use email, cell phones, and other devices to keep in touch so that we don’t miss anything. About the only thing that seems to be slowing … [Read more...] about Becoming Fully Engaged Part 1: Managing Energy, Not Time
Discover Your Strengths: The Road to Self-improvement
"Most Americans do not know what their strengths are. When you ask them, they look at you with a blank stare, or they respond in terms of subject knowledge, which is the wrong answer." —Peter Drucker "To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life." … [Read more...] about Discover Your Strengths: The Road to Self-improvement
What Drives You? Understanding Our Motivations
Do you really understand what motivates you? Everyone knows how important it is to “know yourself,” yet few people do. Really understanding your motivations is a life-long challenge. Part of the problem lies in the fact that motivations are subconscious, so deeply embedded that we don’t get a … [Read more...] about What Drives You? Understanding Our Motivations
The Meaning of Life – In 25 Words or Less
What is the meaning of life – and could you sum it up in 25 words? What if someone offered you $10,000 for your best description? The website www.themeaningoflife.com is running such a contest, and while it may be a marketing ploy, it’s an astute one. Who isn’t intrigued by this question? But … [Read more...] about The Meaning of Life – In 25 Words or Less
Finding True Meaning at Work
"Without work all life goes rotten- but when work is soulless, life stifles and dies." - Albert Camus Recently there has been discussion among consultants, business owners and CEOs about the search for soul in the workplace. While most agree that religion is not an appropriate topic to approach … [Read more...] about Finding True Meaning at Work
Managing Energy is the Key to Sustaining High Performance
“To be fully engaged in our lives, we must be physically energized, emotionally connected, mentally focused and spiritually aligned with a purpose beyond our immediate self-interest.” – Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz, The Power of Full Engagement, 2003. Some executives thrive under pressure, others … [Read more...] about Managing Energy is the Key to Sustaining High Performance
Beware of Busyness: Harnessing Willpower for Purposeful Action
“Only a small fraction of managers actually get something done that really matters or moves their organizations forward in a meaningful way.” Heike Bruch & Sumantra Ghoshal, in A Bias for Action – How Effective Managers Harness Their Willpower, Achieve Results, and Stop Wasting Time, Harvard … [Read more...] about Beware of Busyness: Harnessing Willpower for Purposeful Action
Facing Conflict: Tough Conversations
“When conflict is ignored– especially at the top– the result will be an enterprise that competes more passionately with itself than with its competitors.” Howard M. Guttman, When Goliaths Clash, 2003 Managers spend an inordinate amount of time putting out fires, particularly interpersonal … [Read more...] about Facing Conflict: Tough Conversations
Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
The concept of emotional intelligence became popular after the immense success of Daniel Goleman's book in 1995: Emotional Intelligence, Why it can matter more than IQ. It was followed by a second best seller in 1998 by the same author, Working with Emotional Intelligence. The business … [Read more...] about Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace