Author Archives: Jim Ryan
Where is Your Energy Going As a Leader???
You bring energy to work every day, where and how you direct it should be a conscious decision. Typically, most energy flows to keeping things running, which is fine, but some leaders do not focus enough on developing their team … Continue reading
Are You Mission-Driven or Tribalistic?
Do you put the goals and needs of your department before the goals of your organization? Do you do things that undermine other parts of the organization such as: poaching employees, complaining about them in front of your staff, actively … Continue reading
Handle a Painful Experience With Skill and Tact
Several years ago I had a fall rock climbing and caught my foot on a ledge. I didn’t break it, but it hurt like I did. It wouldn’t have been such big deal except that I was planning on climbing two … Continue reading
Do You Have Emotional Courage?
I heard this from a friend not too long ago, “I’m just so unhappy, I don’t think I can do this job anymore.” When I asked her what was up she told me that she was totally stressed out and … Continue reading
How to Use Mindfulness to Enjoy Work More
I partnered with doctor Jose Ribas to developed the below 4 module program on Mindfulness. Mindfulness is a Buddhist practice that focuses on emotional awareness in the present moment and uses meditation to help manage those emotions and improve your overall … Continue reading
What To Do if You Get Written Up at Work
The first time I had to give someone a written warning as manager I was dreading it. An employee of mine was consistently late in submitting her paperwork and I was forced to write her up. She took it very … Continue reading
Stop Believing in Yourself (at least stop believing in what you can’t do!)
In 2001 Takeru Kobayashi, a 5.9, 128 pounds young man from Japan broke the world record in his rookie appearance in the world hot dog eating championship. The record had been 25 hot dogs in 12 minutes. He ate 50. In 2008 Ueli Steck, a Swiss mountaineer, broke the record for … Continue reading
How to Behave in Your One-on-one Meetings with Your Boss
Over the years, I have sat through hundreds of one-on-one meetings with employees. Most were great, but too often staff would come unprepared. When that happened, all we could do is talk about what they did for the past two … Continue reading
Why Being Responsive will Make You Successful
How many people are you waiting on to get back to you with something you need so you can do your job? Someone to an answer an important question, approval on proposal, data for a report? I currently have six. … Continue reading
The Simplest Way to Advance Your Career? Talk!
Early in my career, I had a job where I wasn’t feeling very challenged. So I gave my notice. When the CEO of the company found out, he approached me and the asked if I would be interested in staying and running a department. I was taken aback because … Continue reading