Ego is often thought of as a negative, as in "He has a big ego." But the dictionary defines it as "a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance." We value healthy self-esteem. Sometimes we are afraid to try something new, concerned that we'll fail and our ego...
Grow Your Key Talent Blog
Reassessing During Your “Recessment”
I made up the word "recessment" to express my feelings -- and perhaps yours -- during this time of self-isolation, assuming you and your loved ones are well and practicing safe behaviors, and you aren't an essential worker working outside the house. (Granted,...
Lessons Learned from Doing Stand-Up Comedy
In August, I decided I wanted to add more humor to my content-rich presentations. I can be funny among friends, but I was having trouble finding humor for my keynotes and trainings. I researched nearby stand-up comedy classes starting around Oct. 1. However, my friend...
Life Is a Self-Designed, Personal Growth Seminar
Our lives have incredible highs and some heartbreaking lows. The former are exhilarating. In the moment you think, “How can life get any better?” The lows often involve blaming ourselves, feeling stupid, and being embarrassed for our part in the mishap. Or you...
Stand Out As a True Professional
What makes someone stand out as a true professional? Is it their deep knowledge of their job? Their pleasant attitude and cooperation? Their willingness to tackle tough topics and projects? The ability to creatively problem solve? Yes. All of these. Additionally, an...
Honesty, Without Caring, Is Abuse
Nearly everyone I’ve known has said they want honest feedback on areas they can improve. Hearing this, some perceive it as an invitation to be mean. Sometimes really mean. Insulting. Demeaning. Humiliating. Abusive. No matter how much we say we want honest, blunt...
Is Your Self-Reliance Dooming You?
A pal has been a supervisor at our local hardware store for eight years. He recently shared a story about Eric, the new general manager — someone who’d never worked in a hardware store and was hired about 6 months ago. Eric is a nice guy, but he doesn’t see how he’s...
Take Calculated Risks
“Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash.” —George S. Patton from a letter to Cadet George S. Patton IV, June 6, 1944 Taking calculated risks means boldness with forethought. It means weighing the outcome and avoiding unwise action. A calculated...
Harness the Power of Commitment
“Do or die!” “Don’t give up the ship!” “Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead!” Military expressions are valuable during war when the price of failure is death. But they lose impact in our business or private life: failure is not quite as final. However, these...
