Aligning with the boss

Avril and I

The conclusion of a few studies: "There is frequently a significant gap between what a superior thinks a manager's job really entails and what the manager thinks that job entails."

As a sales leader, we have to meet the needs and expectations of our superiors while at the same time performing critical functions for our direct reports who need us to get their work done.

I find that my boss is more likely to get behind my efforts at improving the performance of my work unit when my support and actions are properly aligned with what my boss needs.

The unspoken need

"What do people need at work?" a recent survey asked.

I personally think it is a sense that we are progressing and advancing...the belief that we are moving toward the fulfillment of our dreams. Because people spend most of their lives working, so we should enjoy it, or at the very least know it is moving us in the direction of our dreams.

Win over or weed out

"3 strikes you're out,"- Baseball rules

Unhappy workers are an infection that can cause lingering damage. If some employees do not respond to efforts to win them over, they may become like a virus and spread their discord. People who clearly will never be won over should be weeded out.

The parenting years

"We are trying for a child. If it comes, it comes,"Nico murmured before downing a mouthful of Tuborg beer.

By choice or chance, life has blessed some of us with a son. In raising him, we undertake one of the most important, creative and demanding practices that life offers.

I reach out to you as another parent: The years go so quickly. Enjoy them while you can

Borrow a solution

Albert gave a few ideas on eldercare products during the steamboat dinner last night.
Whenever I want to try something that's new for me, I look around to see how other people have handled it. Why reinvent the wheel, when there are other people who've already figured out the best way to do it?
I borrow ideas every chance I get, because it just makes so much sense. Why would we want to figure out a problem on our own, when somebody has already done it for us? Sometimes we don't have nay choice, of course. In some situations, what we want to do is unique. Most times, we can borrow a solution.

Change happens

I started with the on-boarding program for the new GSA today.
Change is tough - but history has proven - it happens. It happens all over the world.
I have began the change process. I have a vision for the organization and will use that vision to accomplish my new strategies.

Caregiver withdrawal

It's 11 days since gramma died.
My aunt is having "caregiver withdrawal". She's tsruggling to define the strange feelings that accompany all her memories of all the things that were so hard to do. And she's trying to learn to let go of some memories and accept the relief that she feels without guilt.
The 1st thing she should learn is that the journey continues.