The field of Neuroscience has taken great strides over the past 10 years in understanding how the brain and nervous system works. While in the past neuroscience findings have been mainly used for medical purposes, discoveries are now being applied to many other parts of our lives, including our work. Dr. David Rock’s book, … Read more
I recently completed a research study investigating the impact of leadership character. I’m always curious about what leads to people being motivated and engaged at work. There are certainly many reasons why a person chooses to be more effortful, but one of those reasons doesn’t have a lot of research backing it. So about two … Read more
The statements we make to people during critical times can either support or hinder their potential. That’s why I call these statements “Power Messages.” The event is crystal clear in my memory. I was fifteen years old and a sophomore in high school. I was being driven home after a church youth activity by … Read more
A few years ago I was talking to a manager who expressed his frustration with the lack of rewards and incentives he was able to give to his team when they performed well. Being an advocate of healthy motivation in workplace environments, I asked him to tell me more about his team and workplace. It … Read more
One of the most powerful environmental influencers is a leader or authority’s language. I call the empowering words a leader uses, Power Words. A parent, teacher, pastor, supervisor, manager, or leader’s words can have a major impact on the people they lead. Numerous research studies have investigated the impact words have on people’s behavior. These studies … Read more
According to a recent study by Leadership IQ, 46% of hired employees will fail within 18 months, while only 19% of hires will become successful in their new role. By any standard, this track record is poor. Human Resources and leaders of every part of the organization continue to search for ways to be more … Read more
A few months ago I had a conversation with a man who stated, “Character can’t be taught. You either have it or you don’t.” As I dug deeper with a few questions, I found that his belief was based on the idea that you learn character as a child and it is set by adulthood. … Read more
But, there is one thing my boys love, and that’s camping. A couple of times a year I get the opportunity to go camping with my sons’ scout group. A couple of years ago when we first started attending these two-day adventures, I have to admit, I wasn’t thrilled. My attitude wasn’t right … Read more
Many people are thinking about losing weight this time of year. It’s by far the most popular new year’s resolutions. My good friend Tim Nations recently blogged about his mindset shift related to his goal of losing weight every year. His new plan, in 2014, is to focus on gaining, rather than losing. No, … Read more
Motivating employees can be tough. Especially employees who are not in a job role they want. You think that is hard? Now, imagine if your job is to motivate prisoners to be law-abiding and productive members of the community. In the U.S. the prison population is four times higher than it was 30 years ago. … Read more