It starts with convenience and familiarity. The lousy leader is known to you; charming and fun to be around, or they may have helped you during tough times, so you feel indebted. Soon, they want you to do special favors for them. They are acts you … [Read more...]
Be Outspoken
Diplomacy and tact are worthy pursuits. It doesn't harm you to slow down and provide a little thought before spouting off something that could be hurtful to others. There's no reason to be intentionally rude when making a point. When you've got the … [Read more...]
Rejecting Leadership
There's a trend where a lot of good people are distancing themselves from the term, "leader," because it leaves a bad taste in their mouth. What about you? Do you reject leadership? I can't blame you, you might have lousy role models, be … [Read more...]
Pushing Back the Ocean
When we are focused on pursuing meaningful goals, it is easier to push back on the unrelenting wave of cynics crashing across our path. Introduction: Tide Turning It’s amazing to me the number of people I have come across who do not appear to put … [Read more...]
Two Lousy Leaders
When a good leader turns a blind eye to a bad leader, you have two lousy leaders. Life is full of difficult choices. Loyalty and honor are real but can get warped. Pay attention to who earns your loyalty and how you define honor. Does your code hurt … [Read more...]
Don’t Be Afraid to Lead
I come across a lot of capable people who are afraid to lead. Frequently they are blind to the fact that they are already leading. By having a vision, acting upon it, and gathering resources to help fulfill it, they are well on their way. It … [Read more...]
The Write Goal; How to Finally Get Your Writing Project Written
I've come across many people filled with a desire to start their writing project. Nearly all of them have a book in them, but few can get it out. Introducing a new program from Karl Bimshas Consulting. In The Write Goal, you'll … [Read more...]
Empathy and Curiosity
Empathy and curiosity are two traits a lousy leader can't comprehend. They are the same traits a great leader calls upon instinctively. Empathy is about warmth first, even without fully understanding the predicament. It is grace and compassion … [Read more...]
Must Be Present to Win
Every day there's more history being made. It's important to learn from the past. How did others face challenges similar to your own? The future is predictable only if we study patterns, test models, examine theories, and dare to imagine. The … [Read more...]
Passion on a Pedestal
Stop seeking passion. It will elude you until it sees you working. What you are passionate about is the thing you are most willing to suffer for, enduring it for 10, 15, 20 years or more. Passion is the endeavor you cannot stop doing. It consumes … [Read more...]
New Day
When you are on purpose, the dawn of each day is filled with potential and excitement. It's your chance to hit the reset button while countless others around you fumble for the snooze. Such is the power of a great goal. It fuels your mornings, no … [Read more...]
Don’t just sit there. Think about it.
When was the last time you thought? I'm not talking about dwelling, regretting, wishing, or worrying. I'm talking about honest to goodness, calorie burning, serious thinking. Not scenario planning and what-iffing, not endless rumination. … [Read more...]
Be a Better Gatekeeper
Stop taking random advice from people. Be a better gatekeeper and pay attention to those who make you think, laugh, and take action. Preferably all three. We have such excellent access to knowledge, new perspectives, and views of the world. … [Read more...]
Summer Special on Assessments
Karl Bimshas Consulting's popular leadership assessments are a quick way to get a sense of self and gain perspective. 📕DISC, for how you communicate 📗Emotional Intelligence, for how you make decisions 📘Hartman Value … [Read more...]
Your 90 Day Review
1. Review the last 90 days of your life. You set some big goals -- how ya doing? Do you need to adjust them? Don't go smaller. Reach higher. 2. You met new people. Did anyone positively influence your life, your goals, your success? Have you … [Read more...]
Don’t Be the A-Hole on The Team
How can you be a good team leader without being an a-hole? They say there’s no I in team, yet, executive suites and corner offices remain havens for barrel-chested man-babies who treat people like they are disposable. In “Don’t Be the A-Hole on … [Read more...]
Harmony Over Balance
I don’t like the personal development industry’s “Wheel of Life” because I think balance is the wrong thing to attempt to achieve. Have you ever tried to accomplish perfect balance? Balancing anything is difficult and all-consuming. The practice … [Read more...]
13 Months
I keep a baker's dozen of empty Wellbutrin bottles in my closet and look at them once in awhile, to remind myself of the 13 months of hellish depression I went through several years ago. The cause doesn't matter. Once depression grabs you by the … [Read more...]
Quick Ways to Be a Good Leader
I’m pleased to announce the second volume in our new three-part leadership series, "Manage Better and Lead Well." These short read e-books are designed for busy professionals who want to manage better and lead well in their new or … [Read more...]
Visceral Leadership
I have a visceral reaction to leadership that has never let me down. It operates on both extremes of the continuum. It's no secret that lousy leadership pisses me off; not only because these type of leaders tend to be arrogant dicks, but because … [Read more...]
How to Fix Your Whine at Work
Whining is unattractive, unproductive and unprofessional. I’m pleased to announce part-one of a new three-part leadership series of e-books for busy professionals who want to manage better and lead well. “How to Fix Your Whine at … [Read more...]
How Do You Invest Your Time Over a Long Weekend?
Remembering? This weekend, you will no doubt make time to remember fallen heroes. Reconnecting? Do you make time to reach out to family, friends and the other important people in your life? Relaxing? Will you spend time in a hammock or a … [Read more...]
“Let Me Fail.”
I recently shared dinner with a dear friend who was about to embark on a new adventure. She alternated between bouts of excitement and nervousness, possessing the natural joy that comes from stretching outside your comfort zone, coupled with the … [Read more...]
How You Become Successful Matters
Becoming successful, however you define it for yourself, is great but don't get lulled into thinking there's only one path. Avoid putting people whose success you admire, on a pedestal. Lousy leaders can be very successful, but there's a toll and … [Read more...]
Simple Rule
Ask yourself, “What would a lousy leader do?” Then, make damn sure you don’t do that. Success leaves clues, so does failure. Pay attention to the lessons that surround you. Very few wake up in the morning determined to be a lousy leader, but through … [Read more...]
You’ve Got This
Great leaders do not get that way overnight. They face obstacles and the temptation to take the easy way out. Unlike lousy leaders, they do not succumb when things get difficult. Effective leaders persevere through crisis and stay fixated on their … [Read more...]
Alone, or with Your Flock, Soar
Sometimes you have to be independent and chart your own course. You will fly high, and far, and have a broad perspective on your world, up above the fray. Other times, you will want company, share resources, communicate with your friends, cheer … [Read more...]
Why? Because!
Once you become an adult, there's something you can stop doing, but most don't. It is important to know your *why* - the motivation, inspiration, reason that compels you to pursue the big goal in your life. It helps you to understand why, but you do … [Read more...]
Enjoy Leading or Don’t Lead
Not every day is sunshine and unicorns. Leading is not always fun. You need to make tough decisions between choices that aren't any good. That is what leaders do. If you thought it was giving commands to people to satisfy your whim, you … [Read more...]
There’s a lot of Great Leadership Out There
There's a lot of great leadership out there. The problem is, many of the great leaders are not in leadership positions. Partly because some of them do not consider what they do to be leadership. Their humility is refreshing, but they are wrong, … [Read more...]
No Refuge for Poor Leaders
If you pay someone for advice and they caution you against hiring a capable and attractive person of the opposite sex so that you may protect yourself and resist temptation, fire them. If you take their advice or have hesitated to hire qualified … [Read more...]
Walk with Purpose, Not Confusion
You will not know where you are headed every moment of every day. Life is full of surprises that will push you off track, distract you, or lead you in an entirely new direction. Know your purpose and be undeterred. Relish the adventure of the unknown … [Read more...]
Leadership Ingredients
There are lots of attributes they say a leader should have. Ignore them. Those attributes are the seasoning that gives the meal a pleasant flavor. As a leader, concern yourself with the proper nutrition first, then spice it up. Otherwise, it … [Read more...]
Does Your Criticism Suck?
Leadership takes many forms and comes from many voices. We want more of those leadership voices heard, so we occasionally publish a guest post on our "Reflections on Leadership" blog. This one is from 30-something millennial, Jenny Christopher. If … [Read more...]
Today is Your 90 Day Review
Review the last 90 days of your life. You set some big goals -- how ya doing? Do you need to adjust them? Don't go smaller. Reach higher. You met new people. Did anyone positively influence your life, your goals, your success? Have you … [Read more...]
You Always Make a Difference
If you don't think you do ... keep thinking until you find a way you can. Then go do that. You won't always know how, when, or why, but you will always make a difference. You won't always know who, or what is affected by your actions, but it is … [Read more...]
Lead the Change or Lead the Same
Want to change things? Lead the change. Don't want things to change? Lead the same. You can sit back and be a nonparticipating observer 95% of the time. You will either remain blissful or stew in resentment; depending upon your attitude and … [Read more...]
Sometimes You Are Wrong
You are not infallible. You make mistakes. It is an uncomfortable feeling, knowing you goofed. Many people try to avoid the sensation of being wrong by never speaking up, never standing up, never venturing into the unknown. They feel safe and secure … [Read more...]
Be The Better Option
You defeat lousy leadership with better leadership. Be the better option. Smug rhetoric and incoherent arguments do not contain better ideas. Fear and paranoia driven tirades do not beckon better angels. Sowing chaos as a management technique is … [Read more...]
Be Ready to Lead
Ever sit with a bunch of people and awkwardly talk about what to do next? Everyone is tentative and polite. No one wants to offend or look foolish. People are going out of their way to avoid disagreements and confrontation. And that is only trying … [Read more...]
Something Missing?
You know those times when you feel like things just aren't right? Things aren't firing on all cylinders. You're not panicking, but your frustration is growing. You feel stumped because you cannot figure it out. Things should be going better, but … [Read more...]
Monday Excitement
If you are aren't excited each Monday, you're working on the wrong stuff. Act on purpose. You don't HAVE to like your job. Few people get excited about their commute and interacting with busybody coworkers, always asking about their weekend … [Read more...]
Luck and Good Fortune
Instead of looking for luck and good fortune for yourself, why don't you secretly provide it to others? Typically you have to work to grow your fortune. Some people have to work harder, and they earn less, while others seem to stumble into … [Read more...]
Protect Your Purpose from Comfort
The reason I have started requiring people who work with me to know their purpose and values is because if they do not, they will be susceptible to the whim of others. When you know your purpose and values, you do not allow others to blow you off … [Read more...]
Are You Acting On Purpose?
I believe happiness and purposefulness come about by the active pursuit of a worthy goal. Therefore if you want to be happy, you should never be without a great goal. Imagine if every woman, man, and child you know had at least one great goal that … [Read more...]
How You Doin’?
When was the last time you asked someone how they were doing? Here's how you can tell if someone is more concerned with power than they are with good leadership. Someone concerned with power is going to use "I" and "Me" when they speak. When … [Read more...]
Never Feel Lost
When you know your purpose and values, you feel great about making decisions that support who you want to be and where you want to go. When you set your mind on your dreams and you celebrate along the way, you are making … [Read more...]
Fix It
Good leaders know when they've goofed up. Not right away -- but eventually, they know. They ask for feedback, pay attention to criticism, and are astute to the things NOT being said. So what happens when you realize you've goofed; when your … [Read more...]
Great Goal
Want to build your strength, confidence, and integrity? Set a great goal for yourself and achieve it. You don't have to tell anyone else, but you do have to write it down. You don't have to include others in your plan, but you've got to have … [Read more...]
You Don’t Need Permission to Lead
You don't need permission to lead. You need a purpose. Don't wait to be anointed or appointed. Lead from where you are. If the purpose is important to you, if the timing and circumstances are right, you must rise. Prepare, knowing you … [Read more...]
Head and Heart in Leadership
If you can't choose between the head and the heart, pick the heart and trust the head to find a way to figure it out. Maybe this seems off topic for a leadership advisor. It's not. If you're leading without heart, you're doing it wrong. The … [Read more...]
Are You Bad for Business?
Treating your employees poorly is not only lousy leadership, it's bad for business. 1. If you're a manager, supervisor, leader -- anyone who has a team, and you treat them poorly, that's one strike. You're messing up your role. 2. If you can't … [Read more...]
Don’t Wait to be Empowered
Empowerment is great, and I don't mean to split hairs, but I've never liked the word. It implies power is being given to you by someone else. Yes, I suppose you can bestow that gift to yourself, give yourself permission to rise up, take authority, … [Read more...]
Raise Your Standards
Anyone who devalues you, your ambitions your contributions, or your talents, has no place in your life. Raise your standards and minimize their influence on you. Lousy leaders do this all the time. They treat you like they're doing you a favor. … [Read more...]
It Starts with Purpose. If you don’t know yours, how can you act on it?
Want to be a good business owner, executive, or friend? Know your purpose. Want to be a good lover, companion, or spouse? Know your purpose. Want to be a good investor of time, talent or treasure? Know your purpose. Want to manage well and … [Read more...]
Five Reasons Why Some Executives Do Not Put Poor Performing Leaders on Corrective Action
Most people do not enjoy paperwork, and they like confrontation even less. Effective leaders are no different, but they take a deep breath and do it regardless. Lousy leaders do not. Here are five reasons some of these lousy leaders don’t put poor … [Read more...]
Knowing Your Values
Here's why knowing your values is so important. When you know them, you make decisions faster, and those decisions support you, they don't sabotage you. You know the difference between when you are acting congruent with your values, and when you are … [Read more...]
You Can Thank Your Lousy Boss
You have worked for a lousy boss at some point in your career. You’ve had a manager, supervisor, professor, or teacher who not only didn’t “get” you; they did not seem to interact well with anyone else either. Maybe you felt like they micromanaged … [Read more...]
Your Professional Bio
When was the last time you updated your bio? A professional biography should put your best foot forward. Does yours? Does your bio still reflect who you are and where you want to go, or has it become stale? Does it attract the attention of your … [Read more...]
Happy New Year
May your year be filled with joy, adventure, prosperity, love, and learning. … [Read more...]
“Capital to Help Recent Grads”
Every day I challenge leaders to approach things differently. Today, I follow my advice. I am raising funds to help grow my business. I'm looking to build capital quickly, which I will use to offer a draw against commissions. The short-term … [Read more...]
Daily Focus
Try The Daily Focus -List 10 things you need to do that will bring you closer to your goal. -Brainstorm 10 ideas to improve a problem you're facing. -Give 10 compliments to other people. -List 10 things you're grateful … [Read more...]
How’s Your Leadership-Life Going?
As someone who helps individuals and organizations to lead better, it is not uncommon for me to ask people, “How’s your leadership-life going?” I get one of three responses. Overly Enthusiastic The Overly Enthusiastic are quick to … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Weekend
Thanksgiving weekend has traditions as diverse as our nation. Some go shopping in the wee hours of the morning. Some recover on the couch in front of a football game or binge-watch the latest on Netflix. Some start the day with leftover pie for … [Read more...]
Free Planning Bundle
Thanks for following Karl Bimshas Consulting. We are grateful for the opportunity to help develop your leadership, challenge your thinking, widen your perspective or make you laugh. Please accept this gift. The “Planning Bundle” includes … [Read more...]
30 Ways You Can Manage Better and Lead Well
Effective management and leadership can be difficult. There are days (and nights) when external motivation or internal inspiration is lacking, and you feel directionless. That is not a luxury you can afford if you are serious about managing better … [Read more...]
Lousy Leadership Is Easy but Expensive
There is a prevalence of lousy leadership because it does not take too much effort to be a poor leader. There is not a huge barrier to entry for anyone who wants to become a leader. The difficulty arises when you are committed to being a “good” … [Read more...]
How Many #MeToo Experiences Happen Under Your Watch?
If nothing else, the awareness campaign should have opened your eyes to offensive behavior. Statistics vary, but not by much. *1 in 3 women age 18-34 is sexually harassed at work. *About 80% experience verbal harassment. *Nearly 45% endure … [Read more...]
Leaders Ask
Leaders think differently, which is one of the reasons they stand out from the crowd. Crowds tend to settle, content with how things are, or lamenting about how things were. Leaders like comfort too, but in smaller doses. They know too much … [Read more...]
Poor Leadership Pisses Me Off
Rationale, reflection, and gratitude for my business and a quest to improve the state of leadership. Throughout my management career at both Fortune 500, and regional companies, I encouraged direct reports and peers alike to stop deferring … [Read more...]
18 Lame Excuses
Below are eighteen commonly made (and lame) excuses you may have heard -- or made -- for not engaging in something new. See if any of these excuses sound familiar and review the suggested no-nonsense remedies to help you achieve your next great … [Read more...]
Help Others Who Are Lost
Transcription on the screen. Hear more => https://anchor.fm/KarlBimshas … [Read more...]
Stop Wasting Your Talent
Transcription on the screen. Hear more => https://anchor.fm/KarlBimshas … [Read more...]
Moving Your Passion Toward Excellence
We all have a passion for something, whether it is for golf or little league; cooking or writing; acting or reading. Wine connoisseurs and bottle cap collectors abound. What is your passion? Can you see it? Most of you can. What do you want to … [Read more...]
Are you Ready to Lead?
Summer is waning. Are you ready to lead? The quick video below reminds viewers that Karl Bimshas Consulting is the wise alternative between big name (big fee) firms and sketchy coffee shop-surfing coaches. We have the business acumen for … [Read more...]
Hedge Less; Lead Better
Those who have read my work for a while know that insight frequently strikes me via the rule of threes. The first mention of something might prompt me to make a casual note. The second mention prompts familiarity and begins to breed curiosity. The … [Read more...]
Don’t Retreat
Don't retreat. Don't let other people's patterns become your habit. Whenever there is a tragedy that consumes our collective imaginations, we gasp and grieve. Some get pulled into news feeds and outlets, and overdose on images replayed endlessly … [Read more...]
Do Your Direct Reports Need Leadership Development Coaching?
Effective leadership coaching requires commitment. Is it worth investing in outside resources for a direct report who is facing change or second-guessing their abilities? Here are five considerations for your decision-making matrix. VALUE - Are they … [Read more...]
We’ve added Writing Services
Lead with Writing Not all leaders are good writers, and not all writers are good leaders, but when good leaders and good writers meet great things happen. Today we have announced the addition of Writing Services to our growing list of leadership … [Read more...]
Refuse Generational Labels; You’ll Lead Better
Scroll through your social media feed, and it’s highly likely you’ll see a post that bashes Millennials and the generation of kids today. Usually, there’s a picture of a string of teenagers looking at their phones or taking selfies with dire warnings … [Read more...]
Adapt Your Style
There are writers who have a particular style, and there are writers who can adapt their styles to different needs. There are leaders who have a particular style, and there are leaders who can adapt their styles to different needs. There's not a … [Read more...]
Keep Wallowing to Five Minutes or Less
Don't tolerate wallowing in yourself or your team. We wallow when we're feeling relaxed or lazy. Lazy doesn't pay well, action does. We wallow in our victory and success, forgetting how short-lived they can be without vigilance and … [Read more...]
For Leaders who Cringe on Sundays when they think of Mondays
Well-meaning managers and leaders fail to find the time to recharge because you know you could be managing better. It is not imposter syndrome. It is because you have left something unresolved and allowed it to fester over the weekend, if not over … [Read more...]
Valuing Liberty
Two hundred and forty-one years ago John Adams suggested that all future Independence Day celebrations "ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this … [Read more...]
Podcast Appearance
I was honored to be interviewed by guest host Patrick Antrim, on Talent Culture's #WorkTrends Podcast recently. We discussed leadership and why I believe you should resist using generational labels. You can read a recap and listen to the show … [Read more...]
Something to Work On
Leaders keep learning. It does not matter your industry, the makeup of those who follow you, nor your experience. Effective leaders stay curious and keep learning. We know there's no shortage of other people telling you what you need to improve. A … [Read more...]
Solve a Damn Problem
Being careful with your language can show sensitivity, compassion, and at least some tolerance in an increasingly intolerant country. As a writer, words matter, that is why I believe we should not sugarcoat what we face as a nation and as … [Read more...]
Don’t Listen to Them; You’re Fine
People make a lot of money off your lack of self-esteem or self-awareness. You’re not good looking enough, your car is too wimpy or guzzles too much fuel. Your teeth could be whiter, your family happier, your waist thinner, and if you want to trust … [Read more...]
Is Your Leadership Working?
There’s a strong chance that your leadership isn't working, and you may not even know it. Leadership success increases by doubling down on your strengths, acknowledging your weaknesses, and adapting to the current reality. Do you want to strive … [Read more...]
Writing Letters to Your Younger Self is Facing the Wrong Direction
It is all the rage, particularly during graduation season, for well-meaning self-help gurus to encourage you to write a letter to your younger self. Invariably to find words of wisdom accumulated through years of experience which support the phrase, … [Read more...]
