The meetings that shape our professional lives typically bring people together for some kind of collaborative work process. They are important because they provide an opportunity for various players to ask questions, to brainstorm, and to share expertise and perspective. They keep projects moving forward and they also provide a forum where people can raise problems, discuss issues and clarify misunderstandings. Good meeting...

If you’re a carpenter, your work may often speak for itself. But if you’re a manager you may need to create your success one conversation at a time. We talk about what we do at the office, but for many professionals what we “do” is often a function of what we say or write. Certainly the substance of what we talk about is critical, but the messages we actually deliver are influenced by our word choice and delivery style. In...

When a colleague has been diagnosed with cancer, or is facing another health challenge, it is difficult to know what to do or say. And the illness may even make you fearful or uncomfortable. The general rule when a friend is seriously ill is that you find a way to say, “I am here for you.” A get-well card or simple note can help your friend feel loved, connected and more hopeful. That small gesture can be powerful, and it's...

Workplaces today may incorporate wonderful diversity. Globalization means that even small organizations may have employees drawn from diverse ethnic, religious, and social groups. At the same time, the rapid change that characterizes much of our economy is giving rise to extraordinary innovation. Employees at all levels have new opportunities, as well as new ways of doing things.Diversity and innovation can invigorate our i...

In today's fast-moving world, managing change is a major challenge for leaders in all sorts of organizations. The marketplace is evolving constantly, many industries are in a continuing state of restructuring, and even the nature of our communities seems fluid. Institutional leaders are challenged to keep their entities moving forward while operating in a state of flux.The responsibility for stimulating or coping with chang...

If you’re like most professionals, you probably feel much too busy. In fact, I’m flattered that you’re taking the time to read this – you have so much to do!When you’re worried about getting it all done, or you want to work fewer hours and have a fuller life, it might be time to consider new ways to juggle your workload. No matter how organized you are, you might boost your productivity and create some free time by taking a...