Be less of a jerk. That may be the most simplistic leadership advice you'll ever receive. Why then, is it so difficult to achieve? Because, we glamorize people who act like jerks. By definition, they are quick, sharp and sudden, which are … [Read more...]
Do You Have a Personal User’s Guide?
If you did not come with a user’s guide, write one. You might think working with you is a dream. You are in your head all day, so, you know your intentions and beliefs better than anyone else, and I am sure they are all sound and reasonable. The … [Read more...]
Your Uniqueness
What makes you unique? There are some people who revel in that question and have no problem running through a litany of attributes and quirks they find charming about themselves. Then there are others who shrug and have a slight panic attack. It … [Read more...]
Why Does Your Follow-up Suck?
There are two types of follow-up. First, the kind you initiate: “I am calling about the proposal I sent you.” “You committed to that action by Tuesday, how is it going?” “Did you remember to send your mother a birthday card?” Second, the kind … [Read more...]
Ask Your Direct Reports Their Opinion and They May Hate You Less
Probably your direct reports don't hate you, Things are not that bad. It might be mild discontent. But, what could explain the fact that they don't seem to get it. If only they could stop driving you crazy and just do their job like they are supposed … [Read more...]
Passion Gets Too Much Credit
There is an inherent danger in people citing passion as their primary reason for deciding something because passion has nothing to do with reason. It is all emotion. As a result, it doesn't require thinking. Once an emotion consumes all the energy … [Read more...]
Have you set a theme for your year yet?
Have you set a theme for your year yet? I am a big fan of planning your year and creating metrics to keep you on track SEE HERE. A theme is something different. It is simple focusing. Many people do not plan the night before, meditate the day of, … [Read more...]
15 Prescriptions
In the last post, "How Many of the '15 Ailments' Do You Have?" I used a recent address from the pope to inspire reflection on your own leadership and the development of your team. Now, with a little positivity and grammatical jujitsu, I offer a … [Read more...]
Cease – Commence – Continue
The Triple C In the waning days of the year, think about ways to improve your performance in any area of your life by spending a quiet moment reflecting. Use the Triple C as a guide. Cease - Think about one or two of the biggest things you … [Read more...]
Poor Planning
3 Common Mistakes Busy Professionals Make That Keep Them Feeling Anxious About Planning Their Year. Learn how to avoid making those same mistakes yourself with this better planning guide from Karl Bimshas … [Read more...]
Let’s Take a Walk Around the Block
Early in my management career I had a span of control of about 20 people. Most of my direct reports were scattered around customer locations in downtown San Diego. Meeting with employees for one-on-one conversations was sometimes a challenge. Pulling … [Read more...]
Predicting Your Top 10 Worries
You might be a happy person. I would still bet that you have a few things worrying you. Grab a piece of paper or a Post-it note and list ten things that quickly come to mind right now. I'll wait. Many years ago a study was conducted about the … [Read more...]
Where in the World are You?
Where in the world are you? Where in the world do you want to be? What mechanism do you have to correct for errors along the way? Nearly every vehicle you drive or ride in requires answers to those questions if you want to reach your … [Read more...]
Plan on Success
At the end of every year, busy professionals are faced with the problem of a nagging sensation that they neglected their personal goals; because they did. Sustaining high-performance in your professional life can take a toll. That’s why I … [Read more...]
20 Interests
Several weeks ago, a friend referred me to a TED Talk video with Larry Smith, titled. "Why you will fail to have a great career." A blunt, funny, and all too true talk, worth checking out. There is a brief section where he discusses the difference … [Read more...]
Less Until, More Unless
Have you ever noticed how many times the word 'until' gets used? Although not reserved for the office, it tends to crop up in staff meetings and with status updates. It also, usually, has 'wait' or 'can’t' as a prefix. Pay attention to how often you … [Read more...]
You May Be A Poor Leader
Great leaders occasionally have doubts in their leadership. Poor leaders never do. How do you know if you are a poor leader? Rate how often you demonstrate the following traits. 0 = Never, 1 = Rarely, 2 = Sometimes, 3 = Frequently, 4 = … [Read more...]
4 Musts for Building a Successful Team
Here are what I believe are four musts to build a successful team / organization / family. A word of caution; they do not come easy and you will have to refine them to meet your culture. Of course there other components, like technical and job … [Read more...]
4 Elegant Steps to a Productive 2nd Half
Are you ready for the 2nd half? Here are 3 questions and 1 action that will align you toward your next great goal. Question 1 - What do you want to have, do or be by December 31, 2014? Question 2 - What has to be true on that day that … [Read more...]
Have a Point of View and Act on Purpose
Has anyone ever asked you want kind of leader you want to be? How about what kind of parent, or student, or roommate, or any other role you can think of? Have you asked yourself? If your answer is yes, good for you. I hope you’re living up to your … [Read more...]
The Influence Cycle
Recently a client asked me a question about change and I thought I’d share my answer with you. She’s a results oriented professional who said she was emotionally driven, meaning she trusted her gut to make decisions. She felt thinking everything … [Read more...]
Why You Should Stay in Your Comfort Zone and Grow It
Seemingly inspirational graphics on social media encourage people to reach way outside of their comfort zone, across wide and perilous chasms, because everything that’s out of reach is apparently, where the magic happens. Everything you want in life … [Read more...]
Success is in Your Hands
Depending on your perspective, Sunday nights can be filled with anxiety or anticipation, as thoughts of Monday and the week ahead inevitably creep in. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed with too much to do, or apathetic and without a clue, let me … [Read more...]
Be the Hero of Your Year
We complained about the Halloween costumes sold before the kids went back to school. We bemoaned the Pre Black-Friday promotions that arrived before the Candy Corn was gone. It’s part of tradition to lament over the Christmas decorations for sale … [Read more...]
18 Lame Excuses and Their No Nonsense Remedies
New Goals Podcasts with Reflections on Leadership on BlogTalkRadio Here is a review of the eighteen lame excuses I’ve heard, (and have given) for not doing something new, and the no nonsense remedies that will help you grow and get you … [Read more...]
Is It That Bad?
When things get overwhelming it helps to get some perspective. Here are a few steps and checks that will aid you if you're feeling less than stellar and things don't seem to be going your way. Do you have enough air to breathe? Do you have food … [Read more...]
Where in The World Are You?
Many people look for help finding their direction. I don’t know how it is where you are, but for as long as I can remember the sun has risen on the East and set in the West and the compass points North, unless it’s broken. When you’re overwhelmed … [Read more...]
Do You Have a Dashboard to Help Guide Your Life?
Have you ever been on a boat, sailing carefree, with the sun shining and the distant shore in sight only to have it suddenly obscured by a thick unexpected fog rolling in? Having the right instruments to help guide you out of an emergency can save … [Read more...]
Attracting Success
This month Karl Bimshas Consulting is giving away tools to help leaders, artists and entrepreneurs find the aha within. Today, the popular program, "Attracting Success; A Goal Planner Primer for High Performing Goal Getters" Find out … [Read more...]