“What?” 

“Yes, you heard what I said.  Stop selling!”

A sales relationship isn’t about the sale!   It’s about the combined product that is created when two people come together in a shared purpose. 

How does that happen?   First, determine what you bring to the table.  As a coach, the first thing I bring to the table is “ME”.  I am the product that my perspective client wants.  And chances are, you are no exception.  The widget you offer, tangible or intangible, can be found elsewhere.  You, on the other hand, are unique.  … Continue Reading

We’ve all heard the term “Human Assets”.  But, what exactly does that mean?  Well, here’s a concept:  What if humans in an organization were considered as assets not unlike the equipment or mechanical assets used to operate a business?

Now, before you become offended, read on!

If a piece of equipment is not oiled, greased, fuelled, and kept dirt-free it will slowly start to show neglect, become less productive, and eventually quit.  Humans are no different in that respect and it doesn’t matter where the human fits within the organization, from the person … Continue Reading

How many times have you heard the statement, “HR is the necessary evil” “the paper driver” or “the only time we see HR is when they are carrying a pink slip”   Hard to swallow this statement and unfortunately, too often a reality and a self inflicted wound.

When was the last time you; HR Practitioner, stepped away from your office desk and found your way out to the field, over to another department area in your building, or in your own department just because you wanted to say “hello”?  How often do … Continue Reading

The Human Resource function of a company is a very important partner in any business, whether or not it has been recognized by the Executive Team as such and invited to the boardroom table.  The HR Department holds the master keys to compensation and benefit structures, policies, procedures, employee morale, employee performance… well, I could go on but you know what you do.  I truly believe the HR Department drives the overall health of an organization because it holds these keys.

Unfortunately, all too often … Continue Reading

In a recent discussion on the HR Association of Calgary LinkedIn Group the agility of HR was discussed as it relates to organizations going through major transition.  In another discussion on the International SHRM Networking LinkedIn Group, Alan Collins, President & CEO at SuccessInHR.com posed the question;  “What ONE THING Frustrates HR professionals the most?”

The most common theme in both of these discussions was that HR is not respected as a strategic partner and suggested that HR plays more of a role as … Continue Reading

In times of change and challenge, one often has the opportunity to reflect on life and look at the events that had significant impact.

I probably don’t remember the first visit to the optometrist, only recalling other visits thereafter.  But what I do remember is the moment I put on my new glasses.  I could see!!

We had an old, red Cockshutt, crank start tractor sitting next to the house by the porch.  I remember going out on the porch and I could see the tractor.  I ran inside all excited, calling out to my mother,”I can see the tractor, I can … Continue Reading

Some days, trying to find something to write about that would be of interest to you is a bit of a challenge and so today I studied the reports from my blog to see which blogs are generating the most interest.  I find it quite interesting that the ones that are being read most often are ones that are grounded by my personal experiences, like “A Morning Dose of DUH”, and “New Year’s Resolution….”, and “Bystander in the Grieving Process”.

It … Continue Reading

Many, many, many years ago I found this poem in a Reader’s Digest “Points to Ponder” section.  It struck me with such meaning that I pulled the page out and tucked it in my wallet.  (Don’t worry; it was my own Reader’s Digest… not one at the doctor’s office!!)  At first I referred to it often and as the years went by, I read it less often.  Today, as I was searching for something in my wallet, I came across it once again.   It still holds the same meaning today as it did so many years ago.   I thought I … Continue Reading

This has not been one of my better mornings; however, I have to laugh because it’s funny.  I know I have a lot on my plate these days when something occurs totally unplanned and unexpected, driving me in the wrong direction, and leaving me standing in total confusion!!  This is truly an indication of what affect stress can have on someone without them even knowing it until it stops you dead, and then affects the rest of your day.

I had a 7:30 a.m. meeting at Bow Valley Club this morning and I knew exactly where I was going and what … Continue Reading

How does a leader or manager get promoted into a position of incompetence?  Is it possible the individual was simply promoted until it became obvious he/she was inept and the company feels a sense of loyalty to the individual;  is it possible the corporation may be in a situation where they were caught up in The Dilbert Principle, which suggests that an incompetent employee has been intentionally promoted to prevent him/her from doing harm;  is it possible the individual is in the position because he/she … Continue Reading

We often go through our lives accepting status quo.  We lack motivation to change the little things that bug us or larger things that are too difficult to face.  We carry on and hope one day things will be different.  But nothing changes and today is the same as yesterday.

• I feel like quitting, but I can’t…
• I really need a break…but I don’t have time
• Something is gnawing at me… but I am not sure what it is…
• There’s a change that is inevitable, but I’m not ready…
• I feel like I’m the only one doing anything…
• I am so drained…
• I worry about…
• I want to … Continue Reading
  

It’s a new millennium and an opportunity to start something new!!  Well, so they say!  How often have you made a New Year’s Resolution only to drop it almost before you get started?  This year I am going to…  and before you know it… you get caught up in your old habits and life remains unchanged.   That’s ok.  Making goals this way is often not the best way to do it anyway.

Recently, I came across two resources of information that triggered a thought process that describes my own philosophy that it takes both a strong will to survive and self-efficacy … Continue Reading

There are times in our lives where a certain amount of stress is common and we take it on with little or no thought.  However, the Christmas Season is often a time that brings about emotions that seem more intense and can find us unprepared and vulnerable.   It’s a time when family is supposed to gather and happiness and laughter occur spontaneously. It’s a time when we are supposed to be filled with joy, love, and peace.  But what if you find yourself surrounded by other emotions?  What if the Christmas season just causes you sadness and stress?

Well, let’s try … Continue Reading

That ol’ adage….  if life hands you lemons…. add tequila ….oh wait… lemonade… something about lemonade…  ahh, who am I kidding…. bust out the tequila, add salt, and make life interesting!!!

Once upon a time… in my professional life journey, I stood up to what was in my opinion; bullying.  I took a stand against something I felt was unethical and dishonourable against myself and others; the mental abuse of an entire department of employees.  The person I stood up to was my boss and unfortunately, when I felt forced to take the issue to senior management they were not willing … Continue Reading

You feel like you are standing alone, your colleagues have been laid off, the budget has been slashed, and you are left to pick up the pieces, carry the extra load, and do a first-rate job.   The work piles up and time seems to have been sucked up in a huge vacuum and has swallowed your personal life with it.  Your family and friends are giving you the gears for spending too much time at the office and… you’re bushed.

When I put out my blog last week and asked for subject matter of interest to you, I was presented with … Continue Reading

We all have people in our lives that always seem to be in a crisis or experiencing negative events.  At the office, as an HR professional you become the “go to” person and oftentimes find them standing in the doorway of your office ready to take up your morning complaining about other office staff, a difficult manager or difficult employee, lack of resources for the job, long hours, or whatever happens to be the complaint of the day.

Patiently, you listen, offer suggestions on how to deal with things and genuinely try to help this individual move forward.   However, there are … Continue Reading