In the United States, and especially in non-profits, titles are a funny thing. They are sour grapes layered in molasses with a sprinkling of unwarranted narcissism. Yes a mouthful. Maybe not even understandable. Americans put a lot of weight behind a title. Self worth is tied to salary, […]
After over a decade in the non-profit world I have met quite a cast of characters. I have heard it all as well. There have been instances in the past where I would be talking to a colleague on a call when all of a sudden […]
Leave your ego at the door A few years ago, I attended a conference presentation where the speaker started his talk by stating “As an executive director” you need to check your ego at the door if you want your organization to survive these turbulent times.” I thought […]
Well that happened Well that happened is an insightful, hilarious written documentary of the life of an executive in non-profits. Dr Mimi intertwines life excerpts with punchy barbs breaking through the hazy facade of what is believed to be the world of the well-intentioned. After reading this there […]
Are you a workplace hugger? Do you go around comforting people by giving pats on the back, hugging them, wiping tears away? Do you hug everyone hello in the morning? Do you hug business colleagues at the beginning of a meeting? Do you cheek kiss them goodbye at meeting’s […]
Many individuals, as I have detailed previously, do not accept feedback well. In particular, critical feedback. Which is why suggestions such as sandwiching feedback (two bits of positive with one negative or more critical feedback) are put forth. These days, employees are oftentimes skeptical of critical feedback even […]
Speaking of not being impressed (ahem, Mckayla the gymnast), can I get an Amen if you like getting feedback? Wow, the room got really quiet there for a second. Undoubtedly, there are people who like giving feedback–managers, supervisors, and the various people who direct others surely love doling […]
American Playwright William Saroyan once said, “A man’s [or woman’s] ethnic identity has more to do with a personal awareness than with geography”. This is doubly true with Hispanics. Unintentionally, by choosing the descriptor “Hispanic” in the title of this post, I am making a personal choice as […]
In the words of Sir Adam Thomson, founder of British Caledonian Airlines, “A recession is when you have to tighten your belt; depression is when you have no belt to tighten. When you’ve lost your trousers—you’re in the airline business”. Anybody who travels for work can vouch for […]
I like money, by which I mean I would rather have it than not have it. Most people are like me. We’re not looking to get rich, just make an honest living. Not that I would turn down being rich. When negotiating a salary for a job, […]