appreciative, Author at Dennis E. Gilbert

20
Oct 15
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Sort of Focused

Tags : best work focus goals half-hearted

People sometimes wonder if the concept of self-fulfilled prophecy is real. They ask from their heart, but the question is only heard in their own mind. To everyone else they don’t get the question, because it hasn’t really been asked, but instead shown in the result.

Some people commit to trying their best, others actually create their best work. Your best work doesn’t come from half-hearted attempts, but trying your best might create just that, an attempt. There is a difference between finding the scapegoat in trying your best when compared with the end result of actually doing your best.

Sometimes giving it your best shot leaves something on the table, but being focused completely and entirely on doing your best work does not. The Sun may sort of be out, or it may be sort of raining, but then some may suggest neither is true.

You likely won’t achieve your goal by trying your best; you have to do your best. Your best won’t happen when you are, sort of focused.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker, and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

15
Oct 15
2

3 Skills Boomers Need To Stay Competitive

Tags : baby boomers change commonalities listening millennials

It is in the news every day. Millennials this and boomers that, millennials are quitting, and boomers need retirement money. Millennials are on their phones, and boomers won’t change. Human resource professionals grow tired of the complaints and the revolving door. While we single handedly won’t solve all of society’s issues overnight, we can take steps to realize the root causes of some of our worst problems and create a path to ease our pain.

Boomers are looking for jobs (and job security) just as the millennials are, and let us not forget traditionals, generation X, and generation 9/11 people. Boomers still represent a large portion of our active workforce, and while large numbers are retiring others are trying to solidify their presence.

Here are three skills that every boomer should be sure they master:

1. Illustrate. Saying is not doing, and being able to talk about issues and taking action are certainly two different things. Boomers need to illustrate that they are eager to learn, that they have empathy, and that they work towards commonalities not just express differences and expect conformity.

2. Listen. One of the most talked about, but often not heard, is the importance of good listening skills. This includes things such as, think before you speak, be curious of the perspective of others, and be patient while seeking to understand.

3. Change. Change surrounds us and it isn’t centered on any generation. While it may be natural to feel some fear when the unexpected occurs all generations need to learn to expect change. Workplace survival may depend on every person being willing to break a tradition, approach something different with an open mind and less resistance, and of course, be willing to embrace new technologies.

If you’ve read this carefully you will probably quickly recognize that there are far more than just three skills to consider. However, when we package them into three specific areas it may help to make practicing to be more competitive, easier.

Are you competitive?

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker, and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

13
Oct 15
-

Paint

Tags : motivation persistence work ethic

Everyday people go off to work, they get in their car, get on a train, a bus, or even an airplane. They work hard, for some it is a labor of love, for others merely a source of income. People find happiness, disappointment, let downs, and sometimes breakdowns. As years go by people sometimes wonder what life is all about, in their minds they count their blessings, replay successes and sometimes their failures.

So often I hear people talk about what they want to do, what they haven’t done, or what they could have done. Often people talk with me about their book, a book they haven’t written but a book they want to write. I hear about barriers, roadblocks, and time. Some will proclaim they don’t want to write it unless they obtain a top publisher, unless they are confident it can be a best seller, or not until their life settles down.

Many people will never paint a picture, and certainly not the Mona Lisa, but they still admire and respect art. Things in life probably shouldn’t be measured by the value that others place on them, they should be measured by the value you place on them.

Count successes, do your best work, write a book, or paint.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker, and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

06
Oct 15
-

Get Started

Tags : boredom career success

You have the motivation Monday crowd and the opposite. You have the days you are energized and feel good about your work and the days that you don’t. Some people wonder what is missing, others believe they are missing the point.

Motivation is sometimes associated with energy. It is the idea that those who are excited are also the most motivated. This prompts some people to believe that motivation is only intrinsic, that it comes from within, and if you don’t have it within you, then you just don’t have it. Few see motivation as a commitment, but those who do, and those who are, also appear more successful.

Many people go to work every day and find the motivation for a task. They unlock the doors, they process email, they take calls, make calls, sell products, attend meetings, brainstorm, analyze, build something, and learn something. More important than the task is the motivation to start it, live it, and finish it. After a whole lot of tasks, or the repetitive nature of tasks, some find boredom.

Minus some holidays and vacations most people will report to work well over 10,000 days during their career. Many people with a career of more than 10,000 days will achieve over a million dollars in earnings. Most people never believe they can become a millionaire, yet depending on the definition, many will.

Every day people will do something—or they won’t.

When you start counting your success, you’ll be more motivated.

Get started.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker, and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

29
Sep 15
-

Speak Early

Tags : bell curve positive change success

Another meeting in the cycle, it’s weekly, monthly, or quarterly. You know the drill, it’s report outs, lectures, and stories of where everything comes up short. Change is what you want and change is part of the talk, but no one challenges the true status quo.

You tell yourself it’s not the right time, the right place, or that it has all been said before. You want to speak up, but you’re feeling the end result will find you black listed, your reputation tarnished, and you’ll be overlooked for future advancement. You know your point is valid and that others agree. It’s been said, discussed, and supported privately with your colleagues and peers.

Change has at least one consistent outcome; its path is always a bell curve. It starts with positive growth on the up side, a peak, and then the dreaded downward slide. The key for best success then will come to those who join in early, benefit from the up side, and ride to the top. Procrastination or waiting won’t work. You can’t coast, stall, or stop, not if you are planning to be ahead of the peak.

Speak early, not late.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker, and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect. Reach him through his website at http://DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

22
Sep 15
-

3 Myths That Drive Millennials Crazy

Tags : loyalty millennials money treatment

Millennials aren’t alone; misunderstandings, disagreements, and stereotyping are problematic for nearly every workforce generation. Unfortunately the millennials seem to be the target of more bad press when compared with traditionals, boomers, gen x’ers, and even the emerging generation 9/11 population.

My workplace discussions with most millennials, including those that I’ve coached, have some common themes or myths that quite frankly, drive millennials crazy.

Here are three that make the list:

Expect Different Treatment. Traditionals, boomers, and generation x all seem to believe that millennials expect to be treated differently. What all workplace generations have in common is that they all want respect. Millennials don’t believe it is about different treatment but it is about the commonality of respect.
Not Loyal. Loyalty is a two-way street at least that is what most millennials will tell you. It seems too often that businesses prejudge millennials as being stepping stone employees; those who are only interested in using the job as a stepping stone. Lack of commitment by the organization then leads to turnover of all generations, but especially the vibrant millennial population.
All About Money. Due in part to the uncertain world millennials have faced during their lifetime some are strong believers in get it while you can. The other side of the millennial population perhaps doesn’t feel as much need since some of them are still attending college, living with parents, or with small groups of friends. In other cases, even those who have left the nest may have portions of their expenses still being paid by their parents. Much of this group is just as interested in compressed work schedules and “comp time” as they are paycheck dollars. In certain sectors they are often known to turn down overtime opportunities for more leisure time.

Of course, all of these characteristics are not representative of every person in the millennial generation. There are many variables that should be considered. Including which end of the millennial age continuum they are on, geographic location, and rural versus urban living.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker, and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect. Reach him through his website at http://DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

15
Sep 15
-

3 Reasons Millennials Are Leaders

Tags : baby boomers generation x leadership millennials

Baby boomers (born 1946-1964) are often viewed as occupying a majority of the supervisory space in the workforce. While they enter their workplace every day brandishing a vast amount of experience, they are certainly not the only workplace leaders. Coming behind them we cannot forget or exclude the generation X population (born 1965-1976) who may, as a workplace generation, be experiencing the highest percentage of migration to supervisory roles and who are in their own way representing a new way of leading. However, it is the millennials (born 1977-1994) who may be creating the most noticeable change in leadership style.

Millennials are popular for discussion both socially and in workforce circles; perhaps mostly because they are making an impact on the climate of every other generation that surrounds them. There are many definitions that characterize leaders and leadership. Both experts and popular wisdom are exerting pressure on traditional definitions while also illustrating those destined for new age leadership. Here are three characteristics that are closely aligned with millennials:

Ground Breakers: Much of this generation has only known a world of constant change, and as such the concept of long-term often has a different meaning as compared to those in generations who preceded them. Normal is perhaps not about stability as much as it is about change.
Technology Savvy: Who would have guessed millennials are highly proficient in technology? [Sarcasm] Solutions to most problems are solved through technology by this group. This is in contrast to other generations sometimes insisting technology is the problem.
Independent Thinkers: High energy and low tolerance for a lack of social or environmental values millennials don’t worry so much about following a norm, in fact the norm my exist in embracing what is new or viewed as different.

The millennial workforce represents the strongest influence on the values of what next generation organizations will look like. How will they shape the climate of business, its culture, and organizational values? Can you answer the questions of who is leading or what is the best leadership style?

Are millennials followers who are becoming the followed?

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker, and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect. Reach him through his website at http://DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

08
Sep 15
-

Talk About Good

Tags : customer service failure mistakes success

What is the worst experience you’ve ever had? What is the best? Often people talk about bad customer service, they talk about mistakes, and they are chronically obsessed with what happens if they fail. The sad but brutal truth about this is that we all experience some bad customer service, we all make mistakes, and we all experience failure.

Let’s face it; it is harder to deal with bad customer service when compared with acceptable or fantastic service. It is easier to accept the outcomes when we received a top score, didn’t drop the ball, or surpassed the competition. Those stories feel good, they are easy to deal with, but yet many people only talk about the shortcomings, let downs, and disappointments.

Sometimes you have to wonder, is a focus on the bad preventing you from becoming great?

Try something new, talk about the good.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, corporate trainer, and keynote speaker that specializes in helping businesses accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. Reach him through his website at http://DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

01
Sep 15
-

Long-term Thinkers

Tags : goals long-term project management

Around the workplace people are often expressing concern about accountability. Of course, the accountability they seek is usually not for themselves but is directed towards someone else. Often there are well meaning managers who come up a little short on holding themselves or others accountable.

It seems that large numbers of people prefer the easier road in life, and of course there is nothing really wrong with that except that often those same people resent the fast-trackers, water walkers, and anyone getting ahead. By nature some people want to do the easy stuff first, the things that can be finished quickly, and require minimal effort to receive a check-off from the to-do list. Also, there is a belief that this is the stuff that gets noticed first, it’s the squeaky wheel, and what will make them appear most valuable.

Are these people short-term thinkers?

What about the hard stuff? What about things that can’t be done immediately or things that require multiple days, months, or some cases even years to complete? The harder to do stuff often faces procrastination and it is put off because it requires commitment, persistence, and focus. Most of all it requires a relentless pursuit of the goal to conquer and beat the odds.

What about that stuff? Perhaps we need more long-term thinkers.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, corporate trainer, and keynote speaker that specializes in helping businesses accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. Reach him through his website at http://DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

25
Aug 15
-

What Did You Learn

Tags : communication learning questions

Do you ask a lot of questions? People are often afraid of questions. They don’t have confidence in how to respond, they don’t know if they should respond, or perhaps they are afraid of the outcomes when they respond.

Of course there are people who never ask questions and yet there are people who start conversations with questions. They may ask questions like:

What did you do today?
What is for dinner?
Where are you at?

Sometimes we ask more direct and personal questions, especially if we are friends. Some common questions may be things like:

Did you get the promotion?
Do you still work at ________?
Is your boss still driving you crazy?

Questions are good. I believe questions get people thinking, they express interest, and they ignite conversations. The question I wish more people would ask is:

What did you learn today?

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, corporate trainer, and keynote speaker that specializes in helping businesses accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. Reach him through his website at http://DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

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