Browse published articles attributed to Chris Makell, with full-archive search.
I’m sure the tagline reminds you of the television show “Survivor” and in today’s workplace, those who are left after the rounds of layoffs may certainly feel like they are playing the game and handling the daily challenges to win the immunity idol. Now I have not watched the show since the very ...
Lehman Brothers, AIG, Bank of America buys Merrill Lynch, the housing crisis, mortgage mess, fuel and food costs, on and on… While it looks dire, the times are creating opportunities for more people to become true leaders – not just in business, but in their lives. Let’s examine leadership from ...
I recently read some responses to an online question about “what people would do if they knew they would be successful”. Typically the question is: what would you do if you know you could not fail. So it’s an interesting take on it. I was a bit surprised at the answers – maybe you won’t ...
A recent article in Investors Business Daily1 identified some of the actions managers could take to “cure the survivor blues”. I’m not sure it’s something to be cured, maybe managed, but I’ll let you decide. I found some great points to take away from the article that would be valuable for today’s career professional.
Control… It’s something we all crave. It creates and destroys. But we all need something to hold onto, especially today. If you’re a layoff survivor, you know what I’m talking about. You feel unsure about what you can count on. ..what you can believe. Well, I want to give you the top 3 ways to ...
During a recent webcast, I hosted with a highly successful and multi-million dollar CEO, I learned several “insider secrets” about how she created not one, but two network marketing businesses that each yielded over a million dollars, annually! I was riveted by each tip, insight and strategy she gave. And as is often the case, it’s not “rocket science” but sometimes it has to be heard in a different context or from a different person for it to “hit home.”
Shift happens to all of us. It occurs with the change of the seasons, when children are born, when love enters our lives, when new friendships are forged…you know where I’m going. I recently read about a couple of shifts that can give all career professionals, in or likely to enter into a career transition, evidence of the possibilities and a clear approach to making them real, even while “shift happens”. Consider a story in the Wall Street journal about the growth of small venture capital-backed business built on more innovative approaches.
You undoubtedly think that it’s easy to be clear about what you want. Heck, what you want is what you want. No big surprise, right? It just shows up with a little effort. Well, you’re special! Most people get mixed results or don’t get what they want at all. Why? Because they aren’t truly clear about what they want. Being clear means being open to what is in your mind, heart and soul without the impact of exte al thoughts, opinions and input. It’s truly an inside job.
The prospect of coming to a point later in life where you look back to realize that “well that was interesting, but I wonder if…” is really sad to me. I’m not so pollyanna that I think everyone should just abandon what they’re doing now and follow their dream. That’s both reckless and stressful. Even those who look like they just “up and quit one day” really did have a build up or plan to that point.
More often what contributes to the stress in our lives and careers is having so much to do and worrying about whether we can get it all done. Let me help you out, right this very minute. You won’t get it all done! Phew! Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way – trust me, just the awareness of ...
How would you like to accomplish anything you want, faster? There is a secret that is available to any and everyone who wants just that! It’s a secret that is really powerful but sometimes hard to understand and take action around. It’s simple, yet difficult at the same time. But when you get it, you’ve got the key to unlock the achievement of your goals. What is that secret? Clarity. Clarity, as defined in the dictionary is the state or quality of being clear. Clear is defined in part as not dull or cloudy.
It’s a well worn line in the history of business…you either lead or be led. But you and I both know that leadership has so many levels, angles and dimensions. Today you can lead, tomorrow --- led. So as a leader, you are called upon to lead, daily. It is part of who you are. You are providing ...
Well, it’s that time of year… You’re setting your goals, making resolutions, checking your list of 2007 accomplishments, deciding what you want for your life and career in 2008. Regardless of the time of year, I’d like you to set an intention, also known as “deciding”, that this will be your ...
It is the end of January, earnings report season on Wall Street. Major corporations are announcing layoffs. Even with record revenues in some businesses, they are still tightening their belts. We’re facing challenges with interest rates and potential home foreclosures. So how do you, as a ...
As a long term corporate employee for a Fortune 20 company, I’ve witnessed the demonstration of many levels of leadership, from the top of the corporate ladder to the new hire attempting to step into a new leadership position. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing it myself. I can tell you that ...
This year over one half million managers will enter new positions in Fortune 500 companies alone. And certainly with the challenges this economy presents, that number could be larger! This shift may include taking on new leadership roles or starting your own business. In any case, it requires ...
It’s February! Shortest month in the year! A month we celebrate love. A great reminder to love and feel good about all you do for your career! It’s also the second month of a new year. Are you still motivated to make this a great year for you and for your professional development? In the hustle ...
Tis’ the season… Are you celebrating your gifts as a high caliber leader? Certainly each day has been a gift, right? Ok, so now let’s get real. We’re coming to the end of another year and you’re almost ready to look back at all your goals and accomplishments. That’s good and important…key to ...