We don’t get what we deserve. We get what we believe we deserve. –Don Cooper Being a good communicator is an acquired skill and most of us do not do well with it under pressure. In general: Decide in advance what you want to accomplish. Then ask for what you…

Life was always a matter of waiting for the right moment to act. –Paulo Coelho Choosing to do nothing while you watch and wait things out may be the most prudent in a work environment. Hopefully, you have used your tools, and you have a solid idea of what you…

Do Nothing. Communicate. Leave. When it is time to evaluate your professional options, it comes down once again, to the three potential solutions: do nothing, communicate or leave. Are you willing to fight for yourself in this situation?  While we hope for a win/win, we have no power unless we…

Time for self-reflection. Use a checklist to determine where you are in terms of work relationships:Reciprocity: Do I initiate goodwill? Am I a good contributor? Do I give positive feedback?Reliability: Can I be counted on to get the job done? Am I predictable? Can I be trusted?Respect: Do I show…

The stronger your inner circle, the more opportunities will be presented to you. –Ryan Malinowski At this point it is time to decide is this a one, two or three circle job or career. If less than three, decide what is workable and what you are willing to put up…

When a workplace becomes toxic its poison spreads beyond its walls and into the lives of its workers and their families. –Gary Chapman Planting flags is a way of giving us a sense of control and is less creepy than poking pins in a Voodoo doll. If necessary, disguise your…

Use a checklist to assess your professional relationships: Reciprocity: Is the work being shared equally? Do I feel I am being reimbursed fairly? Are my cheerful greetings returned? Reliability: Are my colleagues and supervisor(s) reliable and predicable? Do they help get the job done as promised? Respect: Do I feel…

The whole concept of treating people with dignity and respect is a concept that isn’t a business concept, it’s a life concept. –Greg Brenneman According to a Pew study, 57% of Americans quit their jobs because they felt disrespected at work. But what exactly does respect look and feel like?…

If I made a commitment, I stood by that commitment – and try to make it real…the most important thing you have is your word,your trust. –Michelle Obama Reliability and predictability at work. How can anyone not be reliable and still have a job? It is baffling. Yet time and…

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all. —Sam Ewing Are you doing most of the heavy lifting? Reciprocity of effort is what makes the world of work, work. It’s the essence of building…