Many of us have heard repeatedly – work smarter, not harder. It sounds good, but is it really that simple? Do we just need to put some thought into how we operate, and we’ll suddenly be way more productive while feeling better? Can we really get more accomplished without burning the candle at both ends?…
Unrealistic and unexamined expectations are at the root of some of the gnarliest (and most common) problems that we face as entrepreneurs, leaders, and helping pros. Our behavior is impacted by the expectations that we and others hold, so if we don’t clearly assess these expectations, we can make choices that aren’t in our own…
Hiring anyone can be challenging, but when you’re hiring someone to do clinical or caregiving work, the stakes can be very high. The helping professions often are very challenging and can be risky. It can be life and death sometimes. So, you really need to be able to trust someone you’re hiring. Especially if they’re…
Becoming a successful helping professional would be so much easier if you were told exactly what to do to make it all work out. So often we get thrown off course by the growing pains or obstacles that are actually fairly predictable. Here are some of the common growing pains I see at each…
As children, our initial instincts are to trust whole-heartedly, with naïve abandon. Our very survival requires that we have trustworthy caregivers to nurture us as we grow. However, over time disappointments and betrayals can build up, making us very cautious with our trust. “Do you trust me?” This isn’t a question we take lightly. So…
So, I usually talk about my psychology background as most of my professional career has been in that arena. It may be hard to believe, but I started at a very different spot. When I talk about how I became a therapist, I often start with the phrase: “I wanted to be a movie star…
Why Networking is a Critical Best Practice for Helping Professionals So many people HATE networking. Especially helping professionals, in my experience. Many helping professionals think that networking is selling or passing a million cards out and hoping they get a referral. That’s just wrong. This mindset can be very short-sighted and, potentially, dangerous. It’s time…
So, when I was talking about my blog earlier this week, someone asked me to write a blog about new managers. This is an interesting topic because there are a number of ways that you can come into that role. Here are some things to think about when you step up into a leadership role.…
Most people see the world through their own eyes and don’t always remember that other people might do things differently. It is important to remember that each person in a team can come from a different background, have a different world view, and like doing things in a different way. This was especially apparent to me…
Okay, so here are my thoughts on the other side of the mentorship equation: being a mentor. As you know, I believe seeking mentors is extremely important when you are making your way up. What about when you have made it (or at least made it part way)? How do you give back? Finding and supporting mentees…