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Articles from Angie Thompson | Selfgrowth.com
- Seven Ways to Be a Better Meeting Participant - by Submitted on Mar 06, 2013 from Angie ThompsonHere’s a safe bet. If you are reading these words, you’ve been in a meeting this week. Here’s a nearly-as-safe bet. You’ve been to at least one meeting recently when you were disengaged, bored, or wished you could have been at your desk getting some “real work” done. While this ...
Views: 696(1 vote) - Capturing Your Flashes of Brilliance - by Submitted on Dec 04, 2009 from Angie ThompsonWe`ve all heard the phrase a "flash of inspiration" or a "flash of brilliance". I don`t know where those phrases came from exactly, but they create a perfect metaphor. Think about the flash from a camera (or if you are old enough, from a disposable flashbulb). Some spark or electrical ...
Views: 696(2 votes) - Six Ways to Build on Recent Success - by Submitted on Sep 21, 2011 from Angie ThompsonYour team has just completed a major project, introduced a new product or closed a major deal. Tremendous effort and dedication was required and as a result success was achieved. Everyone is excited, and everyone is pleased. And, everyone is tired and might not know what comes next. This ...
Views: 696(1 vote) - Five Reasons Why Every Leader is a Salesperson - by Submitted on Sep 01, 2010 from Angie ThompsonWhat images, thoughts and feelings come to mind when you think of or hear the word "salesperson"? * Stereotypical, slick-talking, used car sales people * Well-spoken financial manager * The guy everyone loves who sells his wares on the golf course Whether you have positive thoughts and ...
Views: 695(3 votes) - 4 Reasons You Need Bigger Goals - by Submitted on Oct 07, 2009 from Angie ThompsonIn May of 1961 in Houston, Texas, President John F. Kennedy set one of the biggest goals in human history - to put a man on the moon and bring him home safely before the end of the decade. And many in the U.S., and around the world, thought he was being utterly ridiculous. The validity and ...
Views: 694(2 votes) - Valuing Your Own Expertise - by Submitted on Jul 01, 2011 from Angie ThompsonIf this title has you scratching your head, wondering if I am suggesting you become an egomaniac, relax! That is the furthest thing from my mind (though I`ll talk about it before I`m through). The truth is, while there are people with super-high self images related to their expertise and ...
Views: 693(1 vote) - Leadership Lessons in Humility, Gratitude and More From Kathy Ireland - by Submitted on Dec 05, 2012 from Angie ThompsonLast Saturday I had the opportunity to hear Kathy Ireland speak, and as the picture proves, meet her and give her a copy of From Bud to Boss. Guy Harris, the co-author, and I wrote this book to help new leaders gain success as they move into their new position. Most know Kathy is a supermodel ...
Views: 690(2 votes) - What Do You Expect? Four Areas of Expectations Required for Great Results - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Angie ThompsonPoor performance, turnover, conflict and disengagement. This reads like a checklist of most leaders’ worst fears. I know, because they get mentioned to me nearly every day when I talk with, coach, consult with and train leaders. While there is no single silver bullet answer to solve all ...
Views: 690(1 vote) - Is it OK for Leaders to Be Scared? - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Angie ThompsonAt this time of the year being scared or scary is kinda cool – after all it is Halloween! But this is a short season and leaders lead all year long, so the question asked by the title of this piece is a good one – “is it ok for leaders to be scared?” Most leaders would say No! After all ...
Views: 689(1 vote) - Managing Leadership Expectations - by Submitted on Nov 05, 2012 from Angie ThompsonHave you ever stopped to really look at a spider web? If you aren`t afraid of spiders, the next time you have a chance, stop and look at a spider web. What you will find ais an intricately designed work of art and engineering marvel. Every part of the web is connected to every other part ...
Views: 687(1 vote) - Using Book Clubs as a Strategic Learning Tool - by Submitted on Apr 22, 2013 from Angie ThompsonIt might surprise you to learn that Oprah didn’t create the concept of the book club. While she popularized it for many, most experts feel book clubs have been around since the early 1700’s. At the start they were more often reading clubs – books were scarce and not everyone could read, so ...
Views: 685(1 vote) - Coaching Success by the Alphabet - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Angie ThompsonBeing an effective coach is a leadership skill - as you coach successfully you help create the future you are leading people towards. However, being an effective coach is more than leadership - it is an important life skill as well. We all can be more effective at coaching in our communities, ...
Views: 682(1 vote) - The Best Gifts Ever - by Submitted on Sep 28, 2009 from Angie ThompsonI don`t know about you, but I can pretty easily make a top five list of gifts I`ve received for my birthday or Christmas. Some things stand out for their usefulness, some for the thought that was behind them and some just because they were cool. And while I have enjoyed all the gifts on my ...
Views: 680(2 votes) - Leadership Lessons from Hamburger (Yes, Hamburger) - by Submitted on Nov 30, 2012 from Angie ThompsonPerhaps this post will prove you can stretch a metaphor a long way (almost as far as a mother of six can stretch a pound of hamburger). The reality is that I decided to see what I could come up with because this week is National Hamburger Week. I spent some time thinking about hamburgers and ...
Views: 676(1 vote) - Leadership Lessons from the Berlin Wall - by Submitted on Dec 28, 2009 from Angie ThompsonIn 1961 the East German government built the Berlin wall to stop the flow of people into West Germany. Over time, the wall did more than stop the flow of people. It became a powerful symbol of oppression and stopped the flow of ideas and freedom. On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall ...
Views: 674(2 votes) - Six Ways to Avoid Being a Micro Manager - by Submitted on Sep 21, 2011 from Angie ThompsonThink about your perfect supervisor/manager/leader for a minute. Build a mental list of the attributes that perfect person would possess and think about the words you would use to describe that person. Done? I don`t know what is on your list, but I`d bet the farm on what isn`t. Micro ...
Views: 674(1 vote) - A Fresh (and Important) Look at Strengths and Weaknesses - by Submitted on Apr 22, 2013 from Angie ThompsonMany years ago on the way to lunch an obviously upset friend asked me if he was stubborn, explaining that someone had told him that a few minutes earlier. Rather than immediately answering him, I paused and asked a question instead. “Do you think you are persistent?” To which he ...
Views: 670(1 vote) - Six Commencement Challenges For Leaders Young and Old - by Submitted on May 08, 2014 from Angie ThompsonThe inspiration for this comes in celebration of my son Parker’s graduation from Ball State university this weekend. This is one of thousands of graduation exercises for high schools, colleges and universities that will take place across the country in the coming weeks. My focus is on six ...
Views: 670 - Six Ways to Prepare for a Stellar Presentation - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Angie ThompsonHave you ever given a presentation and when it was over you said to yourself . . . “I should have been better prepared.”? Have you vowed in that moment of stress, frustration and with the sense of lost opportunity that “I’ll be better prepared next time.”? Then, as the next presentation ...
Views: 666(1 vote) - Improve Your Tomorrows By Asking One Question Today - by Submitted on May 23, 2008 from Angie ThompsonThis article is about two things: recessions and a solution to them. Don’t worry this is not an economic treatise about the definitions and causes of economic downturns sometimes called recessions. Rather, it is an explanation of how we can think about these events differently and, when these ...
Views: 665 - Why Discussion Seldom Produces the Results We Hope For - by Submitted on Jan 21, 2013 from Angie ThompsonWatch any marching band in any parade and if you are standing close enough you will feel, as well as hear the clanging of the cymbals and the beating of the drums. Watch any football game and on a particularly big hit, the replay will allow you to hear the noise of the impact between two ...
Views: 664(1 vote) - The Best Leaders Know Self-Esteem is Scarce - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Angie ThompsonA key concept in economics is scarcity. In economic terms, it is when people have unlimited wants but resources are limited. If you look up scarcity in the dictionary, you will find a similar idea: 1. insufficiency or shortness of supply; dearth. 2. rarity; infrequency. (Source: ...
Views: 662(1 vote) - Influence Isn’t a Guarantee - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Angie ThompsonThere is a difference between what we can control, and what we can merely influence. Sometimes we get these mixed up and this confusion causes many problems for leaders (and all of us as human beings too). Today, I want to clarify one piece of this mix-up, a piece that starts with us ...
Views: 660(1 vote) - Ya Gotta Believe - by Submitted on Dec 03, 2012 from Angie ThompsonDuring an unlikely 1973 comeback from last place to first place in the final month of the season, a New York Mets pitcher was credited with the phrase that became the rallying cry of the team and city – “ya gotta believe!” That phrase was widely credited with helping the team go 20-8 to finish ...
Views: 655 - Create a Challenge and Create Your Future - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Angie ThompsonThink of the times in your life when you have grown the most, excelled at new levels and felt the most satisfaction with your life and results. Chances are, in all of those situations, a common element was a challenge that you faced and surmounted successfully. Whether it was the challenge ...
Views: 653(1 vote) - What Happens in Vegas . . . Are Lessons for Leaders - by Submitted on Jun 17, 2013 from Angie ThompsonI’ve spent the last several days in Las Vegas. I am typically there 3-5 times per year on business. On this trip, several things happened in the first couple days that are lessons for us as people and leaders. So let me share each of these moments with you – and what we can all learn from them. ...
Views: 652(1 vote) - A Business Case for Forgiveness - by Submitted on Nov 30, 2012 from Angie ThompsonWe all want it. And sometimes it is hard to grant to others. While there are psychological and spiritual reasons why forgiveness is important, that isn’t the focus here. Make no mistake; I am going to try to convince you why forgiveness is important for you and your business ...
Views: 649(1 vote) - Eight Supportive Behaviors Every Coach (and Every Person) Should Use - by Submitted on Aug 20, 2010 from Angie ThompsonAsk ten people to describe the best coaches they have experienced and chances are seven or more will mention support in some way. Underline and highlight that fact in your personal thinking about coaching. The best coaches are supportive. Knowing and agreeing with that idea is one thing. ...
Views: 649(2 votes) - The Overlooked Secret of Networking Success - by Submitted on May 20, 2009 from Angie ThompsonWhen the word networking is mentioned, most people I know think about salespeople or business owners exchanging business cards any chance they can. Of course networking can be the card exchange. It`s also "doing lunch" and attending events and many other equally valid and important things, but ...
Views: 648 - Thinking About Leadership Style - by Submitted on Apr 06, 2013 from Angie ThompsonThe topic of leadership style is an important one, and one that usually comes up as I teach leadership to groups everywhere. Sometimes the phrase “leadership style” itself isn’t mentioned, and yet it is underneath many conversations, questions, and even excuses (I’ll get to that in a bit). My ...
Views: 647(1 vote) - How to Harness the Power of Our Visual Minds - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Angie ThompsonI often do the following exercise with groups (you can try it after you read it, but I’m not sure it will translate perfectly in writing). “Close your eyes and clear your mind. I’m going to say a word. I want you to think about the word briefly then open your eyes. The word is ...
Views: 647(1 vote) - Programming Your Personal Remote Control - by Submitted on Oct 07, 2009 from Angie ThompsonWalk into most any house and you will see at least one (usually several). They are as helpful as they are ubiquitous. You use them without even thinking about them and even though you don`t know how they work (or how to program them) you probably use them every single day. What am I ...
Views: 645(2 votes) - How to Watch the Super Bowl for Leadership Lessons - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2013 from Angie ThompsonChances are, in a few days you will be watching the Super Bowl. Whether at a party, or home alone, whether you are a true fan, or are watching for the commercials (or as an excuse to eat), the Super Bowl offers you a leadership learning opportunity, if you know what to do. Just like the ...
Views: 642(1 vote) - Eight Uncommon Approaches To Better Presentations - by Submitted on Feb 24, 2008 from Angie ThompsonSomewhere in your organization someone will give a presentation today. It may be you, the person in the next office, or someone who works in another department. Even if you work solo, there are times when you will be the presenter. Few would argue that being able to present effectively – ...
Views: 640 - Lessons From Dads – With a Leadership Twist - by Submitted on Nov 30, 2012 from Angie ThompsonI, like many people feel I learned so much from my father. He was my first boss as well as my Dad, so I learned about Leadership and Customer Service as well as learning about life. Knowing that I wanted to write this and post it the day after we celebrate Father’s Day, I decided to go to ...
Views: 634(1 vote) - Searching for the Holy-Grail of Work-Life Balance - by Submitted on Aug 20, 2010 from Angie ThompsonJust coming off a vacation gives me a good chance to think about work-life balance. As leaders and achievers it is a topic often discussed in workshops and in casual conversations. People are so busy and feel pulled in so many directions that they find this idea of work-life balance ...
Views: 634(2 votes) - Ten Phrases Every Leader Should Use - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Angie Thompson“I made a mistake.”I'm sorry. "I was wrong." "I'm sorry." “I’m not sure.” "I don't know." "Would you help me?" "Could you help me understand? I'm not sure I get it." "What do you think?" “What do you suggest?” "What would you do?" No one likes to show their ignorance, or admit they ...
Views: 634(1 vote) - Leadership Lessons From Presidential Campaigns - by Submitted on Feb 23, 2008 from Angie ThompsonEvery four years the United States elects a new President. The process isn’t simple, and it isn’t short. Because this process plays out in the news media, and because it requires leadership both to gain the job and do the job, there are lessons from the process for the taking. These lessons, ...
Views: 633 - How Leaders Must View Opportunity - by Submitted on Apr 22, 2013 from Angie Thompson124 years today, something amazing and historic happened. The United States government made about 2 million acres of public land in Oklahoma available to homestead. Here’s how it worked.Oklahoma Land Rush Starting at noon April 22, 1889, legal settlers could claim lots up to 160 acres. If ...
Views: 630(1 vote) - It’s All About You...or Not - by Submitted on Nov 30, 2012 from Angie ThompsonWhen you reach milestones in life, like a 50th birthday, it is a good idea to reflect (actually, reflection is valuable every day, but that is a different post). And as my 50th birthday came and went over the weekend, I reflected on some of the most valuable things I have learned in my work and ...
Views: 628(1 vote) - I Want To Win! - The Power And Pitfalls Of Competition - by Submitted on May 19, 2008 from Angie ThompsonThis is an appropriate title for me because I have thought and said “I want to win!” many times in my life. Ask those who know me best and they will tell you that I am a competitive person in just about any facet of life. Ask those who’ve known me my whole life and you might even hear some ...
Views: 622 - The Starting Point of Any Change - by Submitted on Mar 02, 2010 from Angie ThompsonTake a minute and mentally put yourself in a place that you love. You love the sights, the sounds, the activity you are engaging in. If there are others around they are people you are excited to be with. Take a minute and put yourself in that situation mentally right now. Now, imagine that I ...
Views: 622 - Using the Four Types of Feedback Effectively - by Submitted on Oct 03, 2011 from Angie ThompsonAre you incorporating all four feedback methods when working with your team? What? You think there are only 2 types of feedback? Leadership and learning expert Kevin Eikenberry shares tips for using all FOUR feedback techniques. You`ve likely heard when you deliver feedback it should be ...
Views: 621 - Using the Four Types of Feedback Effectively - by Submitted on Sep 21, 2011 from Angie ThompsonOne of the hardest things for leaders is giving effective feedback. It’s perhaps most challenging when you are new in your leadership or supervisory role. If you find yourself in that leadership situation, consider reading From Bud to Boss – Secrets to a Successful Transition to Remarkable ...
Views: 619(1 vote) - If Developing Leaders is the Question, Training May Not Be the Answer - by Submitted on Feb 18, 2013 from Angie ThompsonThat is a very strange title to read from a guy who has designed and delivered training for the last 25 years, and whose company provides a wide range of workshops, both inside organizations and in public settings. But the title is accurate. Training may not be the answer, and it most ...
Views: 614(1 vote) - Six Ways To Read More Effectively - by Submitted on Apr 27, 2008 from Angie ThompsonMaybe you are a voracious reader. Maybe reading has never been your favorite thing (though if that is the case, you’re probably not reading this!) Either way – whether you read a book a week or struggle to finish one a year - it would be helpful to gain more value from the time you do spend ...
Views: 614 - The Leader’s Guide to Popularity - by Submitted on Nov 30, 2012 from Angie ThompsonI don’t really watch it, but the tenth anniversary of American Idol’s first show got me thinking about popularity. Millions of people watch this show, and engage with it by voting for the singers they like best. All of the contestants are vying to win the hearts and votes of the viewers. At ...
Views: 610(1 vote) - Home Runs or Singles? A Leader’s Choice - by Submitted on Dec 19, 2012 from Angie ThompsonToday in 1961, Roger Maris broke the single season home run record of the legendary Babe Ruth when he hit his 61st of the season. Babe’s former record had stood since 1927, and had been seen by many as untouchable (Maris’ record was topped 37 years later and has since been eclipsed ...
Views: 609(1 vote) - A Buffet of Goal Achievement Approaches for Leaders - by Submitted on Nov 29, 2012 from Angie ThompsonImagine walking into an upscale restaurant with a sumptuous buffet – offering a wide range of tantalizing salads, entrées and desserts. (Perhaps a more clear picture will come on Thursday at a Thanksgiving dinner). There are all sorts of foods, providing you with a wide variety of ...
Views: 603(1 vote) - It's Not Easy Being Green - by Submitted on May 27, 2008 from Angie ThompsonWe’ve all been a beginner at something and looked to someone else to coach us and help us become more successful. Sometimes we find a mentor or coach who is really skilled at helping us, and other times, their experience doesn’t seem to translate to being able to help us very well. It is easy ...
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