This is the perfect time of year, when food is front and center in our minds, to honor a woman who has been in the food services industry for several decades. Yet, it’s not about her relationship with food that we’ll discuss; it’s about her relationship with women. Victoria Vega is the National Director of Business Development, Corporate Dining for CulinArt Managed Dining … [Read more...]
Are you a good boss?
Are you a good boss? Really? I know when I ask myself that question, I come to the conclusion that I could be better. So what makes a good boss, and how can we get better? In the January/February issue of Harvard Business Review an article on becoming a great boss offers research and some key tips for improving as a boss. A good boss is typically influential. But where … [Read more...]
Work Drama Mimics Family Drama
“Can you believe it?” said the frustrated voice on the other end of the line. .. “She did it again!” the voice was getting louder. “I think it may be time for me to quit, I can never please her.” This was the essence of the frantic phone call from one of my coaching clients. “Real life is much more intriguing than fiction” was my thought as I began to dig into the drama … [Read more...]
The New Generation Leader
A recent report, Tearing Up the Rule Book: A New Generation of Leaders for 2010, from Aspire and Customer Interpreter measures Leadership Intelligence. This measurement assesses what is important today for leadership success. The results of the research are impressive. What has been traditionally classified as more "feminine" traits emerged as the preferable leadership … [Read more...]
Check-in To Harness the Power of the Start
It seems that someone is always keeping score. Conversations about projects focus on outcomes, deliverables, and take-aways. We're asked "can you beat yesterday’s numbers? Or last week’s time? Or last year’s results?" Incentive programs encourage us to do more, go faster, be better. We say we’re tracking progress but we are really constantly measuring … [Read more...]
Employee Brand Differentiation
Differentiating oneself in the workforce today may hold the key for many employees who are keenly interested and highly motivated to survive downsizing. While it may take extra effort, the payoff can be exponentially greater both short and long range; for the employee and the company. With discipline, determination, and drive, employees can make their mark strategically, … [Read more...]
Top 10 US Cities to Capture Small Business Recovery Act Dollars
Uncle Sam wants small business entrepreneurs to lead the nation to economic recovery--and has billions of dollars to make it happen. Small business owners are in line to receive low-interest loans and government contracts through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). To secure your little corner of the recovery, you'll need to be at the right place with the right … [Read more...]
Authentic Leadership
I was recently at the Pa. Governor’s Conference for Women with the theme of “rethink, resolve, renew”. It was a mighty meeting. There is nothing like thousands of women who are claiming their power to partner with their male counterparts in the world of work. One of the sessions was of exceptional interest to me. The theme was about enabling authentic leadership. That word, … [Read more...]
Leadership is important role for the solo business owner
Having a business for which you are the owner, sole decision-maker and worker bee can sometimes seem unwieldy. Often it seems to be too many things to do and not enough time to do them. How can anyone be successful in a solo venture? I believe the key is to know the importance of the role of leadership. Every organization - whether a one-person business or a mega-global … [Read more...]
The Business Case for Praise
Post by M.J. Ryan, contributing Women On Business writer What if I told you you could improve employee engagement and create greater profitability and productive without spending a dime and expending only seconds a day? You can with a very simple action that too many of us take for granted—praise. Based on ten million workplace interviews in 114 countries, The Gallup … [Read more...]