Dual Existence

The world of work presents a ton of challenges. 

How do I look? 

How do I sound? 

Am I prepared? 

Did I cover every potential issue? 

Did my slide deck work well? 

Did I say too much? 

Did I say too little? 

What do people really think of my work? 

Work can be exhausting...and I'm not even talking about doing the actual work.

Professional Persona

After so many years in traditional conservative corporate environments I fully appreciate the series of questions above. My colleagues and I literally worried about this stuff day after day after day.

While it's important to be prepared and present well, I've discovered as I look back that the snap judgments that abound in those settings are ridiculous.

Why in the world would we judge someone based on one presentation? Why is it that an obsession with playing office politics is more important than pushing boundaries, challenging old-school thinking, and constantly taking risks to help the organization break through to a whole new level.

By the way...organizations often herald their cultures, but rarely back up that rhetoric by rewarding risk takers. The risk-takers are the first ones ostracized and targeted for retaliation because "they are no longer a good fit."

People are not shoes. We can be more flexible on "fit" with human beings.

Life Balance

I've (finally) recognized that I can not honestly separate who I am professionally from the person I am outside of work. Work/Life balance is a fallacy. For me it is simply about life balance.

I've integrated my work, music, fitness, social media, blogging, representing my amazing company and time with family and friends all into one wild ride.

The days of a dual existence are over for me. It is only about living my life to the absolute fullest every minute of every day. It's about pushing myself...trying new things...failing occasionally...and finding new ways to hustle.

How About You

Are you still leading two lives? How does that feel? For me, it was an exhausting struggle that ultimately no longer made sense. Professionalism will always be required...just don't sell out and become something you're not. 

The personal side of you is awesome...make sure you let that side show too.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

Welcome Aboard...Sucker

So you finally filled that leadership vacancy and the new person's start date has arrived.  They dutifully attended your fabulous new employee orientation and met with their supervisor to get a sense of the "hot issues" that need to be reacted to over the first few months on the job.


Then what?


Usually not a whole lot, that's what.


Fire Can Get Very Hot

What are you expecting out of your new leaders?  Are they allowed to get up to speed similar to your other staff? Or, do you believe that new leaders, simply because of their experience (and ability to win you over during the interview process) can suddenly walk in the door and begin performing at a high level? That's crazy, right? That's setting them up for failure. But time and time again orientation efforts are put into front line staff, while leaders are expected to find their way alone.  


Talk Is Cheap


Oh sure, we tell them "let me know if you need anything" and "don't hesitate to give me a call."  How many employees, leaders or other staff have you ever met that were performing at their peak as soon as they started a new job?  I'll tell you how many I've met...exactly zero.  Including yours truly.

Sure, some leaders can start fast and make an impact early on, but the reality is they need time.  Time to learn, time to network internally, time to build trust, time to learn the politics of the organization (yes, every organization has politics)....what they need is you.

How About You


Are you going to let your new leaders gasp and flail around the company trying desperately to do a good job?  Or, are you going to be the one that reaches out, schedules time to meet, and really connects to give them that little something extra? Don't wait for them to call.  It's up to you.  Once I finally figured that out, I've been amazed at how well it works.


I'd love to hear from you.


No Excuses.



pic courtesy of School For Heroes