Well-Being

Say Thank-Yous Often…and Accept Them Graciously

Say Thank-Yous Often…and Accept Them Graciously

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“Thank you.” “No, thank you!” One thing we will never agree on is who should be thanking whom. In 1996, I met Norm Adams. Norm was older than me and served as a life guide until his passing. His teaching lives on. In late 1999, I was considering starting my own company. I shared with Norm that I did not know what to do. The idea of leaving a secure job, in which I was happy,…
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Our Lives Are Covered in the Fingerprints of Others

Our Lives Are Covered in the Fingerprints of Others

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No two fingerprints are the same. We all leave fingerprints, and we all are impacted by the fingerprints of others. While fingerprints can be cleaned off, the fact that a person left fingerprints cannot. When we wash a child’s toy, we wipe off their fingerprints. Yet years go by, and we find it hard to let go of the toy. Why? Because someone we love touched it. Fingerprints leave memories and stay with us long…
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A Message for Grads: Success Is a Zigzag, Not a Straight Line

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Graduation season is here again. It’s exciting to think about all the young people with a lifetime ahead to shape as they choose. There are so many possibilities available, so many paths they can take. Yet, another word for “many possibilities” is uncertainty. Sometimes, for young people (and for all people!), uncertainty can be quite scary. They may worry that the decisions they make right now will set their course for life. What if they’re making…
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How to Relieve Anxiety and Build Trust in the Workplace

Closing the Loop Relieves Anxiety and Builds Trust

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Anxiety is a real emotion, and one that receives lots of attention. Why? Because it can be a very serious issue that impacts a person’s well-being. But anxiety isn’t just connected to issues in our personal life. It also manifests in the professional realm. The form of anxiety we’ll explore today is the anxiety that can happen when we don’t “close the loop” to assure others that action has been taken. If the person you…
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Making the “Get-to” Shift Can Change Your Life

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Are you a “get-to” person or a “got-to/have-to” person? I start many of my presentations with a PowerPoint that shows the terms “get to” and “got to/have to” with a mark through the terms “got to/have to.” I share that while we will cover lots of material, if there is one action I hope they leave with, it is using the term “get to” versus “got to” and/or “have to.” I then ask them to…
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Business deal

The Power of Replenishment and Gratitude

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How does one replenish themselves and others? A common definition of the word replenish is “to make full again.” This is often used in terms of supplying what is lacking, used up, etc. I have heard the message that one should stay hydrated. To hydrate is to replenish oneself. That is physical replenishment, and it’s important…but mental and emotional replenishment are also important. Much of my current work is focused on helping organizations create cultures of replenishment.…
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Applause, success and winner

In Tough Times, Enthusiasm and Optimism Are More Important Than Ever.

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As a leader, do I bring the needed enthusiasm to those I meet? Do I express optimism about the future? Lately, these are questions I’ve been thinking about a lot. With each of my books, columns, articles, podcasts, and presentations, I hold up the self-awareness mirror. The question I ask myself is: How well am I following what I recommend to others? Sharing best practices in leadership provides such an opportunity. It is normal for me to come…
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thankgiving

Being Thankful for the Opportunity to Give

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In this season of Thanksgiving, it occurred to me that one thing I’m deeply grateful for is the opportunity to give. Since well before the inception of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group (HPSG), my colleague, Quint Studer, and I have tried to demonstrate a closeness to the healthcare industry…and part of that closeness is illustrated by looking for opportunities to give back.  One of the most tangible illustrations was the amount of time that Quint has…
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Successful millennial businessman boss

It’s Time to Take a Closer Look at Commonly Accepted “Truths.”

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How many times have you heard, or even said, phrases like the following? You must keep your personal and professional life separate. If someone gets complimented, they will get a big head. Too much praise may cause people to become complacent. It is important to balance positive and negative feedback. We may accept them as truths…but are they really? These are a few of the statements that came to mind as I listened to Tom Dahlborg present at EntreCon®,…
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Thank you card in hands

Take Time to Thank the Difference Makers in Your Life

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Who made a difference in your life, or at least in a situation you faced? Do they know it? The response to my column on how small gestures can make a big difference was wonderful. The emails and/or posts with people sharing their stories suggested my own experiences and the experiences of others are much the same. In most cases, the person who made the difference is probably unaware of their impact. It is important…
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