“It takes a lifetime to build a good reputation, but you can lose it in a minute.” —Will Rogers These days, we’re hearing so much about the integrity of our political and corporate leaders. But what does integrity mean? It means being honest, moral and ethical. It means doing what is right for the common

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This is a guest post by Maura Nevel Thomas, an award-winning international speaker and trainer on productivity and work-life balance. As a new team leader, you’re faced with a challenge. Employee productivity is now at least in part, up to you. How will you increase your team’s productivity so you can continue to drive value

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Would it surprise you to know that nearly 75 percent of US businesses are affected by time theft? Most companies don’t notice it. To be fair, it’s likely because most employees aren’t even conscious of doing it either. Unfortunately, it’s costing workplaces $50 billion annually.   Image Source Time theft is defined as the practice

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We spend a good chunk of our lives working. If that workplace is toxic, it affects everything from our happiness to our health. From a bottom line point-of-view, productivity, performance and customer service tanks in a toxic environment. Turnover (and the high cost of it) grows. Given that we (and our employees) spend so much

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This is a guest post from Pam Fox Rollin. You would never stoop to blame. Or would you? You’re going to be tempted Especially if the person who last had the job was let go, demoted, or otherwise removed, you’ll be tempted. But even if the last guy was elevated to his/her next walk-on-water job,

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This is a guest post by Elise Keith.  The coffee date with your personal hero, and hopefully, future mentor. The make-or-break sales demo with that perfect-fit client. The last-ditch attempt to mend a broken partnership.   When everyone in the room understands what’s at stake, engagement is automatic. We don’t worry about engagement in those situations.

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This is a guest post by Dr. Cindy McGovern. Every school teaches reading, writing and math as the most basic life skills that will help children grow into successful adults. Selling is also a basic skill, yet only students who choose to study sales or marketing learn how to do it in school. The fact

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Do you ask your team members for their opinions and advice, or are you seeking only their endorsement of your ideas and decisions? What’s the difference, you ask? You are seeking endorsement If you express your own opinion, idea or plan of action first, and then ask employees to weigh in. Even the most confident,

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This is a guest post by Career and Executive Coach, Dean Karrel. Dialogue about the importance of soft skills and social skills in business settings is nothing new. There have been books written on the subject, articles on business websites, and many stories in magazines. You’ve probably received emails about seminars or courses offered at

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Are you a great leader? How would your employees answer that question? One of the smartest things you can do for your development as a leader is to gain a real understanding of how your employees view you as a leader. The only way to do that is to ask. Here are several questions to

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