The Meltdown

There is often someone in your office who is in meltdown mode. My best advice is to listen, listen, listen. They need you to feel their pain before you able to to help them solve their problems. Once they have fully vented I begin to ask probing questions to truly get to what is creating their stress. Uncovering the source, which is most often the need for the right resources or talent, enables you to begin to provide solutions. If an easy solution is not evident the next best thing is to give them a timeline you will get back to them with some actions. Empathy and clear next steps go a long way.

It Helps To Fail

I had the pleasure of hearing Pattie Sellers, the Editor at Large, of FORTUNE magazine speak tonight. She created the Most Powerful Women list and writes long form profiles. Her views on what makes a strong leader included the following: First, it helps to fail. Second, resilience is important. Overall, she claimed the most important quality for leadership is adaptability and flexibility. Follow her at Fortune.com-Postcards.

My Father Has Always Been A Mentor?

The first manager I ever encountered was my Dad. He taught me two things very early: “Be kind to everyone and never lose your sense of humor.” He connected with people every day and as a dentist they actually enjoyed visiting his office. Not many dentists can say that. No matter what business he has been in he has made everyone feel welcome.