Help to Make an Informed Decision

Part of my job for many years was to examine advertisements and figure out exactly what they really said. For you, whenever buying anything for your home or any other large purchase, take the time and do some research. Read what the advertisements say, filter out the noise, the gimmicks, and the fluff; and then make an informed decision.

I hope this post helps you to recognize the “hooks,” ask questions, and make an informed decision.

Success is often found in small details

Often lost in everything that is written or said about great leadership are small, but very important attributes. Leadership is about building relationships with people, gaining willing cooperation, consistency, and thoughtfulness. Please take a few minutes, read this post, share the points, and add anything that you think is missing.

Learning More about Mental Health and Addiction

I have just finished a 6-month stint working for the Canadian Mental Health Association and was inspired by the incredibly dedicated people who devote their careers to making a difference.

Collectively we need to know more about these issues because they will affect one in four people this year. As we learn about mental health and addiction we need to share what we learn to eliminate myths, eliminate stigma, and to understand how we can help our friends, our family, our coworkers, and our neighbors. Consider this post to be just a very brief beginning of that journey.

keeping a job – a short guide to standing out

I have been helped by some tremendous people throughout my career. To be able to pay back those people who took a chance on me, who mentored me, and who saw something in me worth saving and developing, is the primary reason I started doing these posts.

Who Does What

People have questions. New people to your organizations and even existing staff have questions. Some are complex and some are very basic. Often times the people who know the answers aren’t available. Struggling and not knowing causes stress and frustration. Consider creating a simple tool, a “Who Does What” tool.

What is hiding in your blind spot?

What if the facts that you base your opinions on were wrong? Working in the charitable sector after a lifetime in private business has opened my eyes. Working with vulnerable people has given me a fresh perspective, and made me realize the importance of applying critical thinking to things I previously believed and supported.

Having a Positive Influence

Do you remember a time when your life changed? We all have key days or experiences that fundamentally change our path through the maze of opportunities and challenges.

For me professionally, it was an eight-week course on “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” The course was provided as I approached a precipice in my career and not only saved me from myself but laid the groundwork for the success that I have achieved since; professionally, academically, and with great lessons in my personal life.

Lessons Learned.

I am currently a Project Manager. I have been other things, a consultant, retail executive, a motivational speaker, and more besides.
As a project manager, we record “lessons learned” so we might avoid making the same mistakes in the future. Using that principle, I am sharing some of my “lessons learned,” to help you or someone you know. Some you might have read before; some might be new. Please add your own in the comments.