Leadership, Generations, and Customer Service ~ Appreciative Strategies ®
Blog
The Power of Fear
Listen carefully to what people say, the actions that they take, and the results that they get. Successful people assume more risk. Period. “I considered saying something, but couldn’t bring myself to do it.” “I wanted to volunteer but I figured they wanted someone more experienced.” “I thought about saying ‘hello’ to the owner of
You’re Talented!
People often work very hard to develop their talent. What is sometimes surprising is that people work even harder to develop their weaknesses. The same is true for businesses. Spending time and energy on fixing weaknesses has both merit and value. Becoming entirely focused on fixing weaknesses, as compared to developing talent is probably the
Same Old, Same Old
Routines become part of life, if you allow it. A routine of getting prepared, being organized, exercise and healthy eating may all be considered good. Routines in support of the status quo, limited learning opportunities, and only accepting what comes easily in life may not be so good. Many people pursue life as one big
Good Intentions
We seem to believe that good intentions mean something. I thought about trying to improve, but I didn’t take any action. I thought about calling the customer to offer the special but then I got busy with email. I thought about changing my diet, but then I thought it really doesn’t matter that much anyway.
Collaboration Combination
You’ve heard about win-win. You suggest it, you stipulate it, and you tell others that it is the only way you roll. Do you pride yourself on win-win relationships? Are you sure? Sadly most business propositions are more focused on the win, as opposed to a win-win. Failure to see or understand the difference between
Hearing Confidence
Often people tell me that they are “trying to stay positive,” which is not a bad statement to make, or hear. What is often more troubling is that when they speak, they speak defeat. If you listen carefully you will hear words like: Can’t Never Won’t Bad Difficult Not that these words shouldn’t be used,
Strategy and Logic
Good strategy doesn’t always align with what many would believe is good logic. Looking back not everyone agreed with the concept of the personal computer, the internet, and cellular telephones. It doesn’t mean that any of those were a bad idea. Often what is necessary for a breakthrough involves breaking down old habits, traditions, and
Spending Smart
It seems reasonable that all businesses spend money on marketing and advertising efforts. People too, they spend their energy and resources on networking, relationship building, and future positioning. Some businesses will just throw money at a problem; throw money at building their brand, or at marketing and advertising efforts. It doesn’t mean they are any
Under the Bus
We see it in action thriller movies and we hear it used metaphorically in the workplace, but one outcome most of us never want is the feeling of being thrown under the bus. That undesirable situation when a trusted peer, direct report, or boss completely breaks down any trust and respect by taking advantage of
People Numbers
We’ve heard quality over quantity, law of large numbers, and the economy of scale. While all of these may have importance for achieving your goals or creating your success, the single most important factor may be surrounding yourself with the right people. It is often suggested that positive thinking, seeking the positive from any situation
