You may not think it, but it is good to be the dumbest person in the room. Knowing and acknowledging it to others lets you learn. This allows you an opportunity to learn what otherwise would be lost. The room may be full of...more
Recently I was speaking with a young attorney who was lamenting the workload and hours the partners at his firm expected of him and talking about his time at night and on the weekends being his time, not theirs. This struck...more
Each of us is a part of a group in relation to our work. You are a part of the company where you work. And you are probably part of smaller formal groups comprised of you and co-workers, as well as part of other...more
If you compare your life with others, especially those you believe to be more successful or happier than you are, you will be unhappy in your life. Teddy Roosevelt said “Comparison is the thief of joy” more than a century ago...more
Poor time management limits success more than people realize it does. The people you work for, whether bosses or clients, will notice if you show up late or miss a deadline. When you do, it reflects poorly on you and your...more
Many people sugarcoat what they say to save another’s feelings. I think this is because most people shy away from potentially confrontational conversations or don’t know how to effectively communicate something negative or...more
Inspiration can hit you anytime. When it does, you know it instantly. Many times, the timing is inconvenient. When this happens, you have to take steps to not lose that inspiration. It happens to me frequently and at...more
Many attorneys (and I assume others) have this somewhat canned response when someone asks them how it’s going. It’s generally some version of “It’s another day” or “Different day, same stuff.” The message being communicated...more
What are you doing right now? Are you focusing on reading these words, or do you have an eye on your email, texts, social media, or maybe all of them? Or are you on the phone? We all think we can do this and do it well, but...more
Failure is an important part of success. Hockey great Wayne Gretzky said, “You’ll always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” How true. This statement recognizes that people are seriously afraid to fail. Similarly, people...more
Some of you may be asking, what does he mean? Some of you may be saying, “work/life balance, I’ve got it!” Others are saying “Good luck on that!” I’m focusing on the importance of concentrating on this balance, whether you...more
Celebrating anniversaries and milestones in business is more than just a tradition; it’s a strategic practice that fosters a sense of accomplishment, unity, and motivation within the company. They serve as significant markers...more
Elevating the performance of those around you versus solely focusing on your own results is a critical distinction in personal and professional development. When you prioritize lifting others, you contribute to a...more
“Frequently wrong, but never in doubt” captures the essence of confidence without competence. It characterizes individuals who assert their opinions and judgments with unwavering certainty, even when those assertions are...more
When you think about radical thinkers you often think of people who inhabit the fringes of society, where their unconventional ideas are free to flourish away from the constraints of mainstream thought. You may think of...more
Inspiration does not come when it’s convenient. Inspiration does not care about the time of day, your schedule, or if you’re busy at the moment. When it comes it comes, you need to pay attention. If you don’t, it is to your...more
Hope is a powerful force that drives all of us in all facets of our lives. In the realm of business, hope often manifests as the belief in innovation and the potential for growth. Entrepreneurs embark on new ventures with the...more
Brevity in communications is a fundamental skill that enhances clarity and impact. It is expressing ideas concisely without sacrificing meaning or depth. By using precise language and avoiding unnecessary words, brevity...more
Learning to accept compliments graciously in a professional setting is not only a matter of politeness, but also a skill that can enhance your interpersonal relationships and boost morale within the workplace. When receiving...more
When I say study minimalism, I’m referring to the value in adopting a lifestyle philosophy that encourages you to declutter your life and focus on quality over quantity. By embracing minimalism, you eliminate excess and...more
Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important.” When I recently saw this quote, I thought of self-created emergencies versus real emergencies. I have had many clients...more
It has now been a few days since Thanksgiving. And, in 2023, it seems like it will be celebrated in a world gone crazy. When I was thinking about writing about being thankful or expressing gratitude, I looked back to my posts...more
A recent experience reminded me why preparation matters to all of us heading into an important meeting, presentation, or even a networking event. I called a client to set up time to prepare for an essential meeting. The...more
I recently heard someone at a networking event seemingly trying to impress others in a conversation by forcefully stating how he lived the mantra “everything all at once” as if he was trying to win a race. My first thought...more
This is a fundamental truth in business: success doesn’t come to those who sit on the sidelines, but to those who actively participate, take risks, and make strategic moves. In the competitive arena of business, companies and...more