When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand. It will fill you with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it. ~ W. Clement Stone Does your life have a clear sense of purpose? Most people have a fundamental need to seek and find their calling in life, be it through work, … [Read more...] about Finding True Meaning in Life
Goals & Motivation
The Progress Paradox: Doing Better, Feeling Worse
As a society, we’re achieving more yet feeling worse. Even when well paid, we’re dissatisfied. Most of us accomplish plenty but lack feelings of well-being. While every metric of society is improving worldwide, our happiness levels are declining — and the more we have and achieve, the less … [Read more...] about The Progress Paradox: Doing Better, Feeling Worse
Are You Bored—or Boring? The Brain Science Behind Boredom at Work
It’s no wonder that so many people count themselves among the zombies who show up for work each day. When two-thirds of people report feeling tired or bored at work, it’s time to ask why—and what can be done. If you feel as though you’re going through the motions, without experiencing any real joy … [Read more...] about Are You Bored—or Boring? The Brain Science Behind Boredom at Work
Managing for Peak Performance: 5 Key Steps
Most managers want their people to achieve excellence at work. We really can’t ask for more. In fact, peak performance can be defined as a combination of: Excellence Consistency Ongoing improvement How can managers bring out the best in their people? To achieve peak performance, each … [Read more...] about Managing for Peak Performance: 5 Key Steps
Information Overload: 45,276 Ways to Stop It
How many times have you screamed to yourself: “There is too much information online! Make it stop! Argh!” According to a 2009 study conducted by the University of California, San Diego, Americans consume on average approximately 34 gigabytes of information a day. This translates to about 100,000 … [Read more...] about Information Overload: 45,276 Ways to Stop It
What’s Your Story?
“The most important story you will ever tell about yourself is the story you tell to yourself.” ~ Jim Loehr, The Power of Story, Free Press, 2007 Stories that don't work happen to everybody. Each of us operates with a variety of organizing principles, or “stories,” that swirl around our brains. … [Read more...] about What’s Your Story?
The Power of Empathy and Focus
Without empathy and focus, you’ll never be able to communicate effectively and relate well to others. People who lack empathy are sure to face interpersonal difficulties that lead to inferior performance, negative outcomes, and poor relationships with coworkers and customers. As a competency skill, … [Read more...] about The Power of Empathy and Focus
Autonomy: Are You Master of Your Destiny?
We are most intensely motivated when we’re challenged to complete a self-assigned task that meets our personal needs. When we seek internal satisfaction, we give our best efforts, sustaining attention until resolution— no matter what. How do we create enough autonomy at work to choose tasks that … [Read more...] about Autonomy: Are You Master of Your Destiny?
How to Be an Inspirational Leader
What can we learn about inspirational leadership from successful start-up companies? Conversely, what can failed corporations teach us? Think about the inspirational leaders of Apple, Amazon and Southwest Airlines. You can probably name them: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Jeff Bezos, and Herb … [Read more...] about How to Be an Inspirational Leader
10 Myths about Motivating People… and the Real Truth
How can managers improve their ability to motivate performance? Spend enough time in meetings or the executive lunchroom, and you’re destined to hear your fair share of managers’ complaints about their employees. But as these leaders vent their frustrations, they’re actually looking in the wrong … [Read more...] about 10 Myths about Motivating People… and the Real Truth