Posted on

Episode 016: How to get your critical ideas heard

Woman holding a light over her head

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Organizations have a bit of a cognitive dissonance or conflict when it comes to critical thinking and critical thinkers. Corporations and nonprofits alike want thinkers who have hardcore critical thinking skills, but in my observation, while they want people who are good at finding better ways, finding improvements, finding opportunities, finding more revenue, and finding cost savings, They often want the skill but don’t always ask employees to exercise it.

Posted on

Episode 015: How to find your purpose

Person looking out at the ocean

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

“What is your purpose?” “What is the meaning of your life?” Have you ever thought about these questions for yourself? The concept of purpose is broad, transcendent, and certainly not something you bring up in casual conversation, but knowing our purpose is critical to our success in life. It gives us focus, meaning, and a prism to view our life through to determine whether we are focused on the right things or not. If you look around, the people with the deepest sense of purpose seem to do the best.

Posted on

Signs that you may be partying with Burnout

Like a candle burned out, our inner light can also feel extinguished

Let me tell you about Burnout. Burnout and I used to party a lot back in the day. He and I have shared legendary binges and hangovers together. I’ve always found that Burnout used to show up at my door at times when I have been out of balance for a very long time (e.g., going full force at work, or on some project without any reprieve or recovery) But when Burnout arrives, his idea of a party doesn’t include anything fun like games, dancing, or wine & cheese platters. No, his idea of a good party, involved many unhealthy behaviors…

Posted on

The 90% Solution

The Glass Mostly Full represents the 90% (or almost perfect) solution

Perfection can be like an unhappy spouse who is abusive, unreasonable, and never satisfied. It can prevent us from getting started, finishing, or making decisions. The reason why, is Perfection fears Imperfection and the possibility of making mistakes. Yet this fear is completely irrational because anything we do is bound to be imperfect either in our own eyes or in the eyes of others, but we cannot let it stop us from moving forward. Done is always better than perfect. Good is always better than perfect. If you struggle with Perfection like I often do, then this may provide a helpful out for you. I call it the 90% Solution.

Posted on

Episode 014: How to manage the micromanager

Martial Arts Legend Bruce Lee does his classic pre-battle face down

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

In a previous episode, “Confessions of a Micromanager” I talked about what’s really going on inside the head of a micromanager – using myself as the case study.

In that episode, I talked about “the problem”, how micromanagers operate primarily from a place of insecurity, fear, or a lack of control or trust. In some cases, their behavior comes from extraordinarily high standards. In this post, we explore “the solutions” on how to effectively manage the micromanager so that while that manager is getting on everyone else’s nerves, you will have some peace and sanity.

Posted on

Episode 013: Confessions of a Micromanager

Fist around a flower

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Early in my career, I worked for a person who was the very dictionary definition of micromanagement. It was so bad working for them they actually gave me heart palpitations for months. Because of that experience, I swore I would never become a micromanager. Until about eight years ago…

Posted on

Episode 012: Why I want a divorce from perfection

Girl punching guy in the face

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Hello, my name is Mark, and welcome the Perfection Support Group. I am married to Perfection. I’ve been married to Perfection for over 30 years, but I’ve come to realize that I have a problem. Perfection has not been the spouse that I thought she would be.

Posted on

Episode 011: Why we really need a holiday from our screens

Girl on Mobile Device

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

If you look around any waiting room nowadays, you notice people doing one of several things, but mainly one: they are using some kind of screen (phone, tablet, computer, TV) to pass the time. While our electronic devices have become necessary for work, communication, connection, and re-creation, at what cost does it come? I believe we sacrifice something of ourselves on the altar of “keeping busy”. Here is what I think we gain when we turn off the screens in our life…

Posted on

13 ways that you know it’s time to move on from your job

Exit Sign - Sometimes we need to exxit our jobs, but how do we know when it's the right time?

While I am an advocate for giving an employer a reasonable tenure (the standard is at least 2 years), I feel there are times when a situation can be so bad that we have no other option but to leave. I’ve seen this many times in my own career, and in other’s as well. How do you know when it’s time? Let’s explore some of the reasons why the “grass may actually be greener” somewhere else in the organization, or somewhere else entirely.