Don't Take a Shortcut in Leadership!

Recently, I have noticed many leaders putting their head in the sand and worrying about themselves and ignoring the turmoil around them. So today pull your head out of the sand, dig in your heels and take charge of your destiny. Life is short and you have a small window of time to make a difference in people's lives - are you making that difference? Here are a few tips to jump start your new path to engaged leadership: 1. Sit down with each of your team members and ask them what they need from you and then share candidly what you need from them 2 Set up your expectations in writing and share with your staff -- actions needed, deadlines and goals 3. Inspect what you expect every day Remember you are responsible for the results of each team member. Not just yourself!

Email is not a Conversation! I have been saying for the past few years that everyone needs to pick up the phone more and call each other rather than having an entire conversation via email. Recently I have seen a few cases where things got heated up because of what was being said in an email conversation. You can not communicate passion, excitement or frustration in an email - it is always misinterpreted. This applies to business, family and inter-office communication. Say what you mean and get it said in less time than texting or typing an email. Everyone is so concerned about the future of relationships. I hear from my clients in the law firms, hotels, medical centers, real estate and retail that they need to build better relationships in and outside of their organization. If you want to influence people you need to talk with them - not to them! Whether you are in sales, a managing partner in a professional service firm or selling a luxury consumer product - people do business with people. So stop being lazy, stop hiding behind the keyboard and reach out to those you want to talk with - you will be amazed at your success!

Immerse Yourself

No matter where you are in your job or in the world, it is so important to immerse yourself into your role. In a work environment, you must get to the bottom of all client needs, dive into your job and challenge yourself to reach goals. I tie this in to traveling around the world. 9/10 I am traveling the world for business, so I'm immersed in my job but I really try and become a part of the city I'm in. Immerse yourself in the city or country you're in, learn the history, eat the food, understand the culture - appreciate what this world has to offer and what you have to offer the world.

The World Belongs to Those Who Explore!

I love traveling and as I sat in Cape Town, South Africa last week I realized that my life is exploring the world. Every minute of every day I am thankful that I get to meet people from all over the world, try new foods, learn about history, get fascinated about cultures, clothes, ideals and of course, the magnificent scenery. I understand that not everyone can travel like I do, but many people are given these opportunities and choose not to go. Exploring is fascinating and you can even do it in the comfort of your own backyard. I believe the world belongs to those of us that are curious. Curious every day, about everything that makes your life more interesting. Try asking questions, challenging the status quo and investing in learning about the future possibilities and you won’t believe the outcome. The world is waiting – what is keeping you from discovering and evolving?

Lost in Translation

By now you know that I have been traveling internationally for the past 4 months ~ with that in mind, you must also know that I need to have my nails done, hair colored and I run out of the usual amenities such as a "razor." This is where I find how much we have in common but how different we communicate. When my co-worker called down and asked for a razor, the bellman brought an "eraser." When I tried to explain that I had a "cow lick" in my bangs when getting my hair done, the stylist brought me a "food magazine with a picture of beef" on the cover. Although very funny - it just goes to show that we are still very close but oh so far away. And this my friends was just about personal needs, not about corporate business, politics or heavy conversation. That is where things really go a miss. So today try to communicate with a global touch. Ask deeper questions, try to understand each other in their own world and be a "teacher." Try and help others out and learn to take their help as well. Your way is not the only way and when you live like a global citizen you learn to love "all people."

When Do You Walk Away?

There are times in business and in your personal life when you feel you have done everything you can do to get to a certain goal. How long do you strive? How much effort do you put in, before you finally give up? Knowing me, like most of you do would imagine that I would say NEVER – Never Give Up! But that brings up a good point. What are you missing while you continue to try and reach a goal that looks like it will never be achieved? Goals must be aggressive but realistic at the same time. Did you consult with anyone before setting your goal? Did you look at what worked in the past and what did not work? In sales, we sometimes are told what accounts to go after, what market share to steal without a lot of direction. You can’t achieve your goals if you are doing what you have always done. The same thing applies to your personal life. You will never lose the weight, quit smoking, start exercising, live a healthier life style, save money or buy that house, if you just keep doing what you always have done. Get bold and place your top 3 goals on a large sheet of paper and place them where everyone can see them. Then ask for feedback. Give everyone Post-It notes and ask that they write down ideas for you to help get you to your goal. You will be amazed at the results. Much more than that – you will be blown away at how real your friends, colleagues and family will be as they call it like it is and set you on your final path to reaching the goals that you have never achieved. So yes – NEVER GIVE UP – but start asking for help!

Everything I Learn About a City, I Learn at the Beauty Salon!

I believe that the “real” people of a city are the employees who are least likely to be asked about where to eat, shop and what the best sites are in a city – these people are the doorman at hotels, sales clerks in stores and for me the hairdresser at a beauty salon! Yes it is “Steel Magnolia” – I know that is what you are thinking. I have begun to spoil myself and when I arrive in a city I go and have my hair blown out – just like the movie stars! I talk to my stylists, the shampoo person and the receptionist. I ask about their favorite local restaurants, where they get massages and what would they suggest we do for the weekend before we start work on Monday. Without fail, I find the best spots -- The local foot massage in Hong Kong which costs 150 HKD vs. the hotel spa where the cost is 900 HKD. I guarantee you if you visit me in my home town I will show you the best spots – not the most expensive. So, even if you don’t get your hair done all the time I invite you to talk to the locals and find out what is really the best in the city you are visiting. Remember who wants a concierge on auto pilot. The real passion is the person who loves their city!

Self Promotion

So... I am reading a leading sales and marketing magazine and there is an entire 4 page article dedicated to the subject of “How to Hire the Best Sales Trainer for Your Sales Team.” As I read the article, I realize that the author is actually a sales trainer and everything he is suggesting is promoting himself. Here is where I think that some “subject matter experts” have become vanilla in the world of professionalism. Sure, I can write a great article about why you should hire me – but in my mind that would be considered a promotional piece – not an editorial by a “subject matter expert.” The time has come for the charlatans in business today to be recognized as self promoting corporate cowards! I know this is strong language – but nothing is more aggravating than listening and reading about people that self promote without calling it that. We live in a world of organizations that recognize each other constantly, awards are given out to each other by each other, and even some organizations have figured out ways to pay for customers to post great things about them. Enough is Enough! Can’t we just win fair and square? Hard work pays off and the customers know who they can depend on. Promote yourself all you want – I do believe in self promotion but at least call it that and not an editorial.

Fly The Friendly Skies!

Let me be the first to say that I love flying. I love the time to read, watch movies, listen to music and catch up on the all important sleep. BUT… let me also be the first to say that I love – and I mean love talking to people.

Now of course some of you reading this are thinking – “Please don’t talk to me.” But, then again you must be a person who doesn’t “need” anyone! I am the opposite. I “need” everyone. I believe strongly in serendipity or the random moments of connection.

Of course, you are a weary traveler – you made it through security without the “friendly pat down” or 'TSA Massage' as I call it, you got a bite before the flight, bought the most recent magazines and are all settled in. And then you meet Cindy!

At least introduce yourself to your seat companion – “Hi my name is Cindy, looks like you have some great magazines for the flight.” You may be thinking – no way, but I challenge your thinking. You are going to be sitting next to this person for a few hours and in my case sleeping next to this person on long haul flights. I think it is only polite to say hello.
I look for some common interests. Recently on a flight back from the Middle East I sat next to a gentleman who was carrying a guitar. Of course I mentioned the guitar and asked what kind of music he played and where he was playing on this trip. He said we are with a band that plays Persian music and I said, oh I used to go to a Persian restaurant in Irvine and I loved their music. This created a great conversation that lead to many more interests and now a new customer for our restaurant.

Of course, there is always time to read your book, watch the movie and move into your “zen zone.” But I will argue with anyone that doesn’t want to talk to people on planes. Likeminded people find common interests and they find new opportunities. Unless you love pounding the pavement for new contacts and new business I would suggest saying hello to your seat mate on your next flight.

The Leader of the Pack Makes All the Difference!

As I sit with yet another client (not mentioning who, what, where or when) I find it utterly ridiculous that a senior leader could be so detrimental to a team. A leader who comes in and sits down with a new team of people and runs the meeting like this:
• “I am here to change things up and (points with a finger) you, you and you need to change how you are working right now”

• “I don’t care how this makes you feel – this is who I am and this is how I work – take it or leave it!”

• “This is not personal – it is work”

So I ask you as a reader of my blog – how does this make you feel? Even if you were taking over the toughest, worst and unproductive team of people, would you start like this? How dare anyone in a leadership role today treat people so poorly? People, I might add, are what make a company function – a leader alone can’t produce the results needed. Maybe this leader has a lot of work to do and doesn’t feel the team in place can do it. How can this leader make this decision so fast?
So my message today for any of you taking over a new team –
• Start with a clean slate
• Give a motivational and energetic welcome to all employees
• Lay out your plan to make some positive changes that will affect everyone in a positive way
• Share your ideas of how you are going to turn things around for more productivity
• Meet individually with all your direct reports and have a candid, open and honest conversation while listening to them as well
• Attend each one of your direct reports first meeting with their departments to hear how they give “your message” and correct any of the “he said, she said” stuff
• Treat everyone as if they are the most important person on your team and give them solid feedback and direction so that they understand what is expected of them so they can live up to it

At the end of the day, you can continue to replace “people” but who may need replacing is the leader that just doesn’t get it!

This World of Uncertainty

I just returned from Dubai, working with a consultancy firm and realizing that all we think we know, we really don’t know. I have always been a curious person, which has contributed to my success. But today I continue to learn even more as I spend more time in the Middle East and Diplomatic arena. Many people are too set in their ways and believe their way is the only way, and that has led to a stagnant future.

There are a lot of individuals in the market for a job. They either got laid off, or quit a job for a new one and have found that they are not fitting in with the new company and culture. This can be a very tough time for some. The moment you think you know what you need to do in a job, someone comes along and tips you upside down.

In a rapidly changing world you can no longer predict your way to success. You must actively engage in making your future happen. An uncertain future can be daunting unless of course you are on top of your game. Surround yourself with like-minded positive people and never stop learning. The minute you think you have it under control, the wind blows in a different direction.

Have fun, be nimble and make the best out of this fabulous world of uncertainty.

Networking is not for the "tender heart!"

I was in London last week for meetings and in the evening was by myself. I am not one to sit in my room and watch movies and have room service. I like to go out and about and meet people. Yes, I said meet people. New, exciting people that don't know me and I don't know them. Now again, I have written about this in my book "Living with no balance and Loving it," and still I receive feedback from people that they would never go out alone as a woman, especially a married woman and meet people. It would feel too much like they were trying to get picked up. I couldn't disagree more. I meet the most interesting people and have connections all over the world that have led to friendships and new business opportunities.

So in London the same story played out. I went to a hotel I know very well, went into the bar where I know the bartender and sat at the bar and ordered a drink. Within 5 minutes I had met a couple from the states, a travel agent from Saudi, and a British investor who lived in the neighborhood. When I sat down they were all there but no one was talking to each other until I got the conversation moving. Within minutes it was like a group of friends who met for a drink.

Did I get any business from this - YES! I have already connected with one of the people I met and we are exchanging emails and discussing future business.

If you are in sales, marketing or communications I would highly recommend taking your social networking skills outside with "real people." It is interesting, fun and creates human connections versus "friend requests."

Do you know where you're going to?

Do you know where you’re going to?


Years ago I used to sing this theme song from Diana Ross’ Mahogany. As a young girl searching for what I wanted I joined a band for a short period of time and sang Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross songs. This was one of my favorites because everyone is searching for who they are and who they want to be. Just hum the tune ~
“Do you know where you’re going to, do you like the things that life is showing you – where are you going to – do you know? Do you get what you’re hoping for, when you look behind you there’s no open door – what are you hoping for – do you know?”
Everyone deals with conflict in their life and work – should I or shouldn’t I? Always a question between you and you! No one knows the answer better than you do, but making those tough decisions is always the hardest and these decisions can’t be made in a vacuum. Think about the decisions of your past – which ones were right and which ones do you wish you would have listened to someone for advice. The key word is advice. No one can make the decision for you, but listening to your advisors, mentors and coaches can add to your thoughtful decisions.
What are you searching for – some people want freedom, while others want to be safe. Some want to go out on their own, while others want to be part of something bigger. At one moment we want this and the next moment we want that. Fighting internally with ourselves for what we “think” we want but don’t know what we really need.
As a personal coach I am always asked the question - what should I do? The answer is simple – I asked them back the question – what do you want to do? Why do you want to do it? If you could do anything in the world what would it be? 5 – 10 years from now when you look back where will you be looking and will you be happy?
Happy, successful people know how to make these decisions. They plan, they think, they collaborate and then make final choices. The choices must be made so that you always know where you are going and there is always an open door.

Reinventing the Wheel Constantly in Business Just Gets you a FLAT!

Every where you look managers are struggling with sluggish sales, lack of employee accountability, increased costs in doing business and just simply getting worn out based on how hard you have to work today versus a few years ago to get the same results. So what is their answer - change things up - look for a magic wand to spark a recovery to their business.

Well I have news for you. There is no special wand or secret weapon - there is only one consistent means to the end. Straight talk, hard working leaders that create the future leaders. Not managers hiding behind the latest book, or the last speech they heard, but seriously doing what they were hired to do. Make things happen!

There is such a difference between a manager and a leader. Today the difference is even more glaring - either show up and make a difference or play your politics until someone plays harder than you and wins. Make no mistake about it - there is only one way to really win and that is to get into the game and play - not sit on the sidelines and coach in a game where you really don't even understand the rules!

Stop trying to come up with a new "widget." Just get serious about the reality of your business and do it better than everyone else.

What Means the Most in Business Today?

Understanding what is important to your clients comes down to a simple message - communication! Why is it so hard to build rapport and develop relationships today? Are you kidding? You must know the answer. Everyone hides behind email, social media, the phone, websites and the corporate coward politics that empower no one.

So today look in the mirror. Do you hide behind any of these things? If you do - why? As I set in a meeting in Europe with executives of a non-mentioned firm, I listen to them give each other kudos, pats on the back, and bragging rights about what they have done. I ponder how they can continue to believe a false sense of security. Personal assistants are asked to call clients back, emails are forwarded to interns to handle and hours of meetings are held that seem to go no where.

What is going on here? Why don't we just get down to business? Just when I think that the politics of business went out of style in the 80's - I am faced with more political rhetoric than I can deal with. I just want to scream at the top of my lungs - Stop the madness and get down to business; and business my friends is about clients - without them we have NO business.

So try this idea for one week. Call your clients everyday - new ones, old ones, and current ones. Engage in conversation - it may be tough but give it a try. Spend one week and focus on one thing - client engagement. Sure you will have to spend a few hours dealing with the "drama" of the workplace but see how happier you are when you just talk to clients.

Someone Changed My Life...

Life throws us so many curve balls and it is so easy to allow those down moments to send you into a downward spin. I keep a very positive attitude but there are those moments that I just feel like “Really, is there one more thing to throw my way.” That was until I met Kenny.

I recently boarded a flight from Orlando to LAX and like many of my long hauls I was not getting upgraded. I went into a minor pity pool, walked over to the bistro to get “a bite before the flight” and even that was messed up. I ordered quiche and some hummus and pita bread. I received two take away boxes thinking one was the quiche and the other was the hummus. I open the bigger box and there was my quiche with the hummus spread all over the quiche. Now who does that. Anyone knows that hummus doesn’t go on quiche – oh well, I ate away. I got out my United drink coupons planning on having a few red wines on my 6 hour “coach” flight home while I watched MoneyBall for the 5th time.

What I didn’t expect was to meet Kenny. Kenny was 11 days old and born perfectly normal. He and his mother were in a terrible car accident in Los Angeles and the doctors didn’t think Kenny would ever survive. His mother was determined to keep her son alive and she did – I met Kenny on his 35th birthday coming back from a trip to Disney World where he has celebrated every birthday since he was 10 years old. Kenny can’t speak, he is legally blind but can see some shapes and shadows. He can hear and makes gestures to respond to his mother. He is fed through a tube in his stomach and needs to be changed like a baby during our flight.

So how did I become so familiar with Kenny? I was waiting to board with the rest of the crazy, hurried, overworked and “I’m too cool for school” crowd when they called my name and asked to step up to the podium. Of course I immediately thought – “I’m getting upgraded after all.” Well that was not the case – I was called up because I had the seat next to Kenny and his mother and they wanted me to board first since I had the window, so that I could get settled while they assisted Kenny on board.

For the next 6 hours I sat with Kenny and his mother – I didn’t have one sip of wine, I didn’t watch the movie, I didn’t read one book or listen to music. I became friends with Kenny and his mom. A women that has more courage than most people I have met. Her ability to look life in the face and take it with every grain of salt was just amazing. That 6 hour flight gave me back what we sometimes lose in our busy days of “business.” It brought reality back to me about life, love and what any mother would do to save her child.

I will always remember Kenny. He will never remember me, but that is ok, because in many ways Kenny, without knowing, is changing the lives of others.

Holiday Spirit is Everywhere!

As a sit in my office very early on this morning of December 22, 2011 I can't help reflecting on this past year and what it means to finally take a breath and celebrate joy. It doesn't matter what religion you are, you should have the ability to take a minute, slow down and learn to appreciate your blessings. I have no time for "bah humbug" or those who feel it necessary to take the spirit out of this holiday. I am receiving cards from friends all over the world that celebrate this holiday even though they may not be Christian. How hard is it to let others enjoy their "time?" How difficult is it to have some quiet peace on earth? It shouldn't be hard at all if you could for one minute think of others instead of yourselves.

As business slows downs for at least a few days try and collect your thoughts, organize your life for 2012 and be at peace. Look at all the problems you could have, deal with the ones you do have and decide to change the ones you can. I am a firm believer in re-booting for the next year. It helps me prioritize, organize and finalize my 2011 to move steadily into 2012.

So let's get ready for a splendid new year and remember "if you can't sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep!"

Tom Peter's 7 Step Path to Sustaining Success & Cindy's Twist on This!

I have always been a big fan of Tom Peters and his recent blog on the 7 Step Path to Sustaining Success really says it all...
-You take care of the people.
-The people take care of the service.
-The service takes care of the customer.
-The customer takes care of the profit.
-The profit takes care of the re-investment.
-The re-investment takes care of the re-invention.
-The re-invention takes care of the future.
(And at every step the only measure is EXCELLENCE.)

Read this again and think about it carefully - it makes perfect sense. You live this every day, if you do your job right and take pride and care in the company you work for or own. A big, successful company takes care of their people which in turn creates happy people. Those happy people are now in charge of your clients and provide excellent service. That excellent services gives you an ecstatic customer base which makes them return and continues to build your profit. The more profit you make, the more you re-invest to make your company better and stronger for the years to come. That re-investment turns to innovation which leads you in to a successful future.

Practice these steps as you continue to think about the new year that is shortly upon us!

End the Year with Positivity & Teamwork!

This week, my team focused a lot on teamwork and being positive in the workplace. Yes, yes - we all say this and talk about this a lot - but do you actually act on it? I know that as tired as I am sometimes, I don't always have the most upbeat attitude but I will say, I do try my ABSOLUTE best every single day. Now, it's your turn and my team's turn. I will tell my daughter all the time when I call her - let's be a little more positive Jess! Sometimes, she gets annoyed with me by saying that - but later, she thanks me because just smiling will make you feel better. TRY IT. A successful team cannot operate with negative vibes and attitudes - bottom line. As hard as it can be, don't bring the drama to work with you; not only doesn't it make your day less productive - it weakens your team players. End this year on a positive note and make your goals strong for a SUCCESSFUL 2012!

The CEO or Team Leader is Ultimately Responsible!

The time has come to call out the great leaders and the ones that are just sailing along. I think about what has happened recently with some businesses and wonder how many leaders have looked the other way because of "their friend" that works for them or the fact that if they hold people accountable then someone might blow the whistle on them.

How can any business owner, CEO or team leader not walk the talk every day? Why is it too difficult for leadership to be authentic, have integrity, embrace teamwork and empowerment? Simple...too many people are hiding behind the fallacy of what actually got them to this point.

Don't hide - speak up, shout from the rooftops and take charge of your destiny now or someone else will. You have very few chances these days to make a difference - today is your chance!