It’s springtime. My husband did a ton of yardwork and trimmed back our azalea bushes. I washed kitchen cabinets and removed dust jackets from my hardcover books, but I need to paint one of our guest bedrooms. We have a million other projects to complete around here, but while I have a few minutes, let…
If you are using HR software of any kind — and that includes platforms to process payroll or create weekly schedules at your restaurant — you’re beating the odds. Most technology never makes it beyond a shaky prototype. There are Universal Forces of Failure™ that doom most technology companies. If it becomes a viable product,…
There’s a new movement you need to know about: joy at work. That’s right. The latest trend is to nag you into finding some joy in your job. Not happiness. Not passion. Joy. And if you find joy, at least a little, things are going to be okay. I don’t hate the idea of finding…
I’m routinely approached by writers who are interested in starting a self-help blog or writing a self-help book. I have toyed with the idea of writing a career advice book many times, too. I keep abandoning the project based on what I know, which is why I’d like to share my insights on self-help with…
Have you ever stopped yourself from working hard to avoid higher expectations? You do just enough for people to think that you are intelligent, accomplished and more. But, as far as raising the bar even higher, it’s an absolute no-go. Well, that, my friend, is self-handicapping—and I do it too. Don’t get me wrong.…
One of the biggest trends in HR right now is radical candor. Have you heard this phrase? According to Kim Scott, radical candor is the moral obligation of managers to care for each team member personally and challenge ’em to grow. Managers must provide feedback that is humble, helpful, immediate, and in person. If you’re…
Hey, everybody. I’m just back from Istanbul. It was my second trip. There is no terror in Turkey more terrifying than two American women walking the streets alone and having fun. I arrived on Saturday afternoon. Jennifer was delayed. I spent the afternoon and evening wandering around — mostly being a tourist and eating. I…
Hi, everybody. I’m back from my crazy trip to Istanbul via London. I had a great time, but I’m exhausted. I went with my friend, Jennifer McClure. We have so many absurd stories that I’ll share next week. But right now I wanted to tell you that Jennifer is reading Thrive by Arianna Huffington. Have…
I told you about DisruptHR in Chicago on Monday. Whoa, guess what? I’m emceeing DisruptHR Philadelphia. Where my Philly people at? You want to hang out and talk about HR? No? Okay, fine, but you should still come to DisruptHR Philadelphia because it looks great. Plus, whatever, just come. The event is May 17, and…
You guys, I’m doing a unique HR event in Los Angeles on May 23 hosted by a company called bigStory. I’m attending a story-driven HR event for executives who want to talk about optimizing performance. What?! Join us in May on a stage overlooking all of Los Angeles, where we will explore the role of…