There’s an old saying that “You only get out of something what you’re willing to put in.” When it comes to networking, there are many groups we can join, but the best fruit typically comes from the second step to fruitful networking; Becoming Involved. Networking groups, Rotary clubs, and other community-minded groups need leadership. Those who are willing to become ...
Recently, a young banker shared with me that he was hired to get involved in the community and network. But he wasn’t sure how. Although others are far better at networking, than I am, I thought this series might be helpful. The first step to remember in networking is Be Targeted. There are many networking groups and opportunities that can ...
Joe is a young man who was looking for a career. I encouraged him to apply at a company I respect, but his online applications went unanswered. Since I believe in Joe’s skills, I asked an owner of this company how best to advise Joe. He generously offered, “Send me his resume.” Joe’s experience was lacking, but because the owner ...
Speaker and author, Nicole Unice, shared with our Des Moines audience recently an incredible insight for those immersed in a workplace conflict. Nicole informed us that distance creates distrust. I don’t know about you, but when I’m having a conflict with someone that I’m struggling to resolve, I tend to avoid them for a while. If I must work with ...
I’ve worked in large corporations and in small businesses. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but I personally prefer working in small businesses. In this series I want to unpack some of the advantages small businesses can leverage. The first advantage is local decision-making authority. When I worked in banking, nothing frustrated customers more than to be told their loan request ...
On a flight back to Kansas City, I was seated next to an entrepreneur who talked nonstop. For the next hour, I listened to this businessman talk about his business. By listening intently, I built trust with him. Suddenly he blurted out, “I had leukemia four years ago. Yesterday the doctors told me they think my leukemia is back.” I ...
Years ago, I was invited to join a networking group. Their purpose for the group was to generate leads for each member. After visiting the group, I discovered that the founder of the group required that I provide him two leads each week. The problem was, I didn’t trust him. There was no way I was going to refer people ...
In an interview with Coach Tommy Bowden, we were discussing how to work with football players who were not living up to their full potential. Coach Bowden said that it was important to get to know each player well enough to know “which buttons to push.” Some of his players responded well to an encouraging word, others needed strong directives. ...
When my father was discharged from military service, he needed a job. Dad didn’t have a high school degree, so when he had an opportunity to work at General Motors, he leaped at the opportunity. 30 years later, my dad retired from that same job. Over those years you couldn’t find a more loyal employee to General Motors. My father ...
Years ago, I observed a boss of mine who had a habit of smiling, praising and pouring on accolades to peers in his midst. However, when his peer left, his demeanor changed, and he would begin slandering and revealing his true disdain for each of them. This had a big impact on me, because when I was with him, he ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
