Despite knowing it when they see it, people often ask, "what makes a good leader?" It is important to note that leadership capability runs along a continuum, less based on time and experience and more on situations encountered. Many newly minted … [Read more...]
Journals With Purpose
Let's talk about journals. I don't share this lightly because it makes me feel a little old, but I've been journaling in some form or another since 1981. The point is, making time to capture important events or insights, reflecting on problems, … [Read more...]
Time to Lead
In good times and in bad, one thing people want is leadership. They want reassurance, they want to know what the point of it all is, they want to be acknowledged and appreciated, challenged, and inspired. While I firmly believe everyone can be a … [Read more...]
What Have You Learned?
For all the misery, shock, and pain 2020 inflicted, it also revealed many things we suspected but didn’t dare admit. We learned a lot this year, and not all of those lessons were pleasant, with many people still struggling to reconcile brutal truths. … [Read more...]
State Your Intentions
Everyone seems eager to toss this year into the scrapheap of history and declare their intentions for the new year. While there's something to be said for riding the group momentum, if you’re not feeling it yet, particularly based on everything 2020 … [Read more...]
Ponder Your Year
Before the end-of-the-year rush gets too crazy, grab a beverage of choice and spend a few minutes pondering your year. Examine it, don't whine about it. 1. What are you most proud of this year?2. Which limiting beliefs have held you back this … [Read more...]
Servant Leadership Rant
Recently, an otherwise informative webinar by a noted speaker spectacularly fell off the rails when the host ranted on his disdain for Servant Leadership; the leadership style practiced over thousands of years, though branded differently in the last … [Read more...]
Stoic Resolve
As we squabble amongst ourselves, emotions flare, beliefs get challenged, and a way of life feels threatened; you must pursue love and patience to weather this storm least outside forces exploit our divisions. Despite bombastic rhetoric and the urge … [Read more...]
Bounce Back, A 9-Point Plan
Some people have found a way to thrive this year, while many others are struggling -- badly. It's easy, convenient, and justifiable to blame 2020 for your troubles. We now know the "I don't have enough time" excuse wasn't valid, but this is not the … [Read more...]
Servant Leadership Matters
As a middle-aged straight white man, I'll get by no matter who's president. Unfortunately, many of the people I know and care about do not enjoy that collection of privilege and feel threatened or directly harmed by the current administration's … [Read more...]
Sit or Stand
Be wary of those who claim to be part of the silent majority during this election cycle. Over 40% of those eligible to vote sat out in 2016. You never want to brag about being a part of the silent majority. If you’re a serious leader, you want your … [Read more...]
Regain Strength
We tragically and violently lost 2,977 people on 9/11, and the world mourned with us. As a nation, we came together, unfurled flags over bridges, treated strangers with kindness (as long as their skin color matched our own), and gave justified praise … [Read more...]
2020 STRONG
Most people agree that 2020 has been a dumpster fire of a year. From the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardships, devastating natural and societal storms, autocrats making their moves across the globe, and the emotional and physical divisions that are … [Read more...]
On Planning
Sometimes people treat their planners like precious and delicate things. They spend a lot of time and maybe money trying to find the “perfect” one. Then, they hate to mark it up because they don’t like their penmanship, or they don’t want to commit … [Read more...]
Success Is In Your Hands
Depending on your perspective, some nights can be filled with anxiety or anticipation, as thoughts of commitments and deadlines inevitably creep into your brain. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed with too much to do, or apathetic and without a … [Read more...]
Nine Easy Ways to Look Outstanding in Your Field
There are nine things you can do instantly that are easy unless you’ve had a hard time with them in the past. Pick one or two habits that give you trouble and begin improving your performance. Many of the people you interact with do not put in … [Read more...]
Attracting Success
Good News! You can set goals anytime you want. Download Attracting Success, a 22-page workbook to help you find your values and purpose, and then put them to work for you on the most critical areas of your life. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE … [Read more...]
The Kick-Ass Boss Program
A little bit more about Karl Bimshas Consulting and our accountability partnering programs. There's one that we have specifically for creative professionals, small business owners, solo-preneurs, people who work alone. Maybe you’ve got a … [Read more...]
Our Big Three
Question: "Tell me about Karl Bimshas Consulting." At Karl Bimshas Consulting, we have three general categories for what we offer. The first one is Accountability Partnering, and that's for people who have a goal, but they are a … [Read more...]
Change the Leader, Or Change the Leader
We do not lack the knowledge or capability to improve our condition; we lack the will and the leadership. Appeal to one, the other will follow. Valid for most problems we face, from battling a pandemic to making healthier life choices. While … [Read more...]
Video Book
People wonder how they can become a better leader. The simplest answer is to give a damn. This quick video explains further. … [Read more...]
On Expectations
“I have been criticized lately of being too harsh. That my expectations of others are too high. That I do not let people bask in the glow of achievement before searching for that little bit extra. That frequently, my disappointment in the failure of … [Read more...]
Two Flavors of Regret
Regret is available in two flavors; “Have Done” and “Not Done.” When you regret something you have done, you must own it, or it will own you. When you regret something you have not done, rectify it quickly, either by doing it or making peace … [Read more...]
7 Excuses Timid People Give For Not Leading
You could be leading right now, but you have convinced yourself not to. Below are seven common excuses. Identify yours and then take action to rectify your reasoning. The world needs leadership, and your justifications for sitting on the sidelines … [Read more...]
What Role Will You Play?
Every once in a while, a set of events line up and become a catalyst for change. Some of us are blindsided and harshly jostled into reality, and some of us willfully stay blind, refusing to believe the game board has shifted, and that there are new … [Read more...]
What’s Your Learning Style?
Action? Information? People? Find out, here Loading... … [Read more...]
Ten Questions with Teri Wilder
Karl Bimshas Consulting’s “Leadership in Unusual Times,” looks at how busy professionals are navigating the physical, mental, economic, and societal challenges in 2020 and beyond. Q: Who are you and what have you been doing lately? I am … [Read more...]
Repeat after me, “Yes, I am a leader.”
The world is changing. That's always true, but 2020 has amplified the sentiment. Not everyone wants the changes, nor is everyone prepared. That's irrelevant. The change is happening. Whether positive or negative, progressive or regressive, peaceful … [Read more...]
Ten Questions with Chris Hallisey
Karl Bimshas Consulting’s “Leadership in Unusual Times,” looks at how busy professionals are navigating the physical, mental, economic, and societal challenges in 2020 and beyond. Q: Who are you and what have you been doing lately? I'm … [Read more...]
Positively Combat the Challenges
I believe that during the next 18-24 months, it will be crucial to stay focused on four primary areas — physical, mental, economic, and societal health. We are in the early stages of a global pandemic, which, if handled poorly and let’s be … [Read more...]
All ‘Good’ Leaders Must Be Better
In my opinion, all good leaders must step up to disrupt and dismantle the entrenched complacency of lousy leadership. Yes, better leadership development and accountability are required to bolster the essential skills and effectiveness of established … [Read more...]
Joyless Leaders
I remember a time in college when I returned home to visit my mom. She told me about a troubling sight she had just seen: a school bus had stopped at a light beside her, and the faces of sullen and despondent teenagers filled every visible … [Read more...]
Complacency, Our Alluring Faux
We’ll get used to it, we always do. Two thousand extra daily deaths aren’t too bad to those unaffected. We’ve proven that we are okay with the spontaneous manslaughter of schoolchildren. We’re doing fine with heart disease and … [Read more...]
Four Threats and Where to Put Your Focus
Q: As a leader, where do I put my focus right now? As a leader, I think over the next 18 to 24 months, realistically, in my opinion, there are four areas you should be putting your attention on because there are four threats that we're … [Read more...]
Routine and Serendipity
Edited Transcript How do I cope while being under quarantine? So how do you cope while being under quarantine? You know, it doesn't matter whether you think of it as house arrest or helping saving lives; it doesn't matter where you fall in the … [Read more...]
Leading in Unusual Time
Leadership Advisor, Writer, and Podcast Host, Karl Bimshas answers leadership questions during these unusual times. Q1: How do you help employees embrace new practices? Q2: How do you inspire creativity and problem-solving? Q3: How do you … [Read more...]
Courage Isn’t Possible Without Fear
Although our physical location is closed in support of social distancing efforts, Karl Bimshas Consulting remains open virtually. While we had planned to offer in-person group coaching later this month, we will instead migrate to online … [Read more...]
Leader’s Guide to Change
Like it or not, well-planned or unplanned, your business is going to go through some rapid change. As a leader in your organization, you have the obligation and opportunity to be forthright and tell people what to expect. Knowing what the change is, … [Read more...]
How Do You Face Adversity
Watch how people react to a pandemic; it mimics how we treat climate change but at a faster speed. Sentiments like, "that's their problem, not ours," "It's a hoax," "That's what they want you to believe," begin to give way to well-meaning people … [Read more...]
Troll or Leader?
Before you post something online from behind the safety of your keyboard, ask yourself if your contribution is educating, entertaining, or otherwise enlightening people, or if you are acting like a troll. Of course, sharing your ideas and beliefs … [Read more...]
Q&A: Is leadership a learned skill?
GO GET IT!
Your Guide to Finding Purpose, Setting Goals and Maintaining Success You can make your leadership life better with a clear purpose, great goals, a deadline, and discipline. INTRODUCTION - Your Best Year … [Read more...]
Q&A: Why is improving leadership so difficult?
Q&A: What are the two most important leadership attributes?
What’s Your Theme?
New Year’s Day is a fun time to declare your intentions because it seems like everyone else is, and there’s something to be said for riding the group momentum, but if you’re “not feeling it,” relax. Generally speaking, the ones who proclaim their … [Read more...]
Pushing Back the Ocean: Tide Turning Leadership Lessons
Introduction: Tide Turning It's amazing to me the number of people I have come across who do not appear to put any thought or action into their lives. They float about, rudderless, just drifting with the tide and changing winds. They react, … [Read more...]
What Can You Do in 16 Months?
You see something wrong, and you find a small way to right it. You start alone. It is difficult, but you do not flinch, you stay on purpose. Some people join you; some fade away. You stay true to your vision, you study your convictions, share … [Read more...]
Motivational Gifts
With the holidays fast approaching, are you looking for the perfect motivational gift? Leadershirts Plus, the online shop that strives to challenge people to maximize their strengths, look at things differently, and provoke positive … [Read more...]
Popular Leadership Assessments
When was the last time you assessed your team? Yourself? Highly successful professionals are aware of the importance of taking regular assessments. Not only are leadership assessments favorable for a successful professional’s team, but for the … [Read more...]
5 Ways Good Leaders Can Become Better Leaders
GUEST POST BY MAIA FLETCHER Being a leader is a huge responsibility that requires a lot of dedication and drive. Great leadership can take your business to the next level and bring you more opportunities in life. So what does it take to be a … [Read more...]
Write Advice
"Write Advice" is ten years old. It's another short book full of inspirations, tips, and thoughts for leaders and artists. It's now available on Leadershirts Plus with a new cover. Please share it with your writer friends who are feeling "stuck" … [Read more...]
The Redesigned Disposable Journal
You know writing is a powerful communication tool. Did you also know it’s therapeutic? Introducing the redesigned Disposable Journal, Now available at www.disposablejournal.com Whether you call it therapeutic writing, journaling, expressive … [Read more...]
Leadershirts Plus
If you're a fan of my writing, podcast, or leadership guidance, the new store, Leadershirts Plus, is the place is for you to find fun gifts and tools for yourself and others. What's in a name? Leader shirts - … [Read more...]
Oscillate. Don’t Vacillate.
It's okay to oscillate in your life and with your leadership. In fact, I'd encourage you to do so. Regularly scan your surroundings and your interests, back and forth; taking note of changes in the landscape, people's beliefs, and your opinion. This … [Read more...]
Defense Against the Dark Arts of Lousy Leadership: Verbal Attacks
In a perfect world, adults have the maturity and the skills to handle conflict without name-calling, shaming, and other methods of cloaking their insecurity, and we wouldn't have to concern ourselves with their childish outbursts. Alas, we have not … [Read more...]
Change It Up
Are you in a rut, feeling stuck or aimless? Then you probably need to do the opposite of what you've been doing. Examples: In your head, plotting, and planning? Stop. Go do. Make mistakes and learn how to recover from … [Read more...]
Low Expectations
Never want to be disappointed? Have low expectations. You exert minimal effort and plod through life. You don't expect much; you don't get much. It's a cynical philosophy way too many people adopt because it's easier. It's also crappy advice lousy … [Read more...]
Leadership Strategy or Whim?
Do you have a leadership strategy for your business, or is it closer to whim? Answer True or False to the following. You have established short and long-term goals for your business.You know the leadership skills, behaviors, work environment … [Read more...]
Gameboard
Download this Leadership Development Gameboard and print it out to help you and your team to hone key leadership attributes. Pick the day of the week and roll a die, or randomly select a square and reflect on how you demonstrate that behavior. … [Read more...]
10 Questions to Help Busy Professionals Act on Purpose
I hope this quick guide helps if you're feeling a little wonky about your purpose. To download the free self-assessment, click the button. … [Read more...]
Your Inspiration Likes Attention
When did you last feel inspired? Did you do anything with that feeling? Inspiration often feels elusive, particularly to those who pursue creative fields. People call it their muse and often go off in search of it like it were a mythical creature. … [Read more...]
Snakebite and Venom; A Short Story for Busy Professionals
Two friends walked along a path when they happened across a rattlesnake warming itself in the sun. One of the men, pompous and careless, severed the snake with an ax, but not before it bit the foolish man on the wrist. The man wailed and flailed his … [Read more...]
Halftime Pep Talk for Busy Professionals
You are halfway through the year. How are you doing on your goals? Riding high, or don't want to think about it until you're back from vacation? Halftime is a great time to review the past 90-180 days of your life to see what's been going … [Read more...]
How Women Can Give Their Careers a Much-Needed Boost
GUEST POST BY GLORIA MARTINEZ Are you looking for ways to improve your job prospects, but aren’t sure where to start? If your career needs refreshing, there are plenty of avenues to explore. You have to define your goals and explore ways to … [Read more...]
30 Things a Reasonably Decent Manager Can Do
1. Either find the time to have meaningful and regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings with members of your team, or reconsider how you use the word “manager.” If you cannot find the time to sit down with your team individually and learn more … [Read more...]
Build a User’s Guide
You might think working with you is a dream. You’re in your head all day, so, you know your intentions and beliefs better than anyone else, and I am sure they all sound reasonable. The problem is; no one else is in there with you. Even your closest … [Read more...]
What’s Your Life About?
If your life were like a book or a movie and someone asked, “What’s it about?” What would you reply? If you don't know, don't get bent out of shape by people who don't "get" you. If you don't know your purpose, others won't either. Purpose isn't … [Read more...]
Burnt Out? Shape Up!
This five-part shape up plan is for people who are feeling a little burnt out in their current role. If you still have some fuel in the tank and to want to be helpful to your organization you’ve got to place yourself where you can make the … [Read more...]
Your Talent is a Terrible Thing to Waste
A case for your personal and professional development Would you believe the average person spends more time and money on activities that contribute to their personal detriment than to their personal development? They unwittingly develop habits … [Read more...]
Take Action
Decide. Then take action.When you take action you take away the excuses. An overabundance of thinking tends to mean a scarcity of action. Think, yes. Then make a decision. Commit to that decision. Take action. No more excuses. If the action … [Read more...]
Feel Better Fast
Feeling blah and want to feel better fast? Take a quick assessment of these regular positive activities. Keep track in your head or on your fingers, or download the Feel Better Fast worksheet from the Karl Bimshas Consulting website. To make it … [Read more...]
Dismantle Dismay
Let’s face it. Sometimes things stink. They just do. If you let the little things in life start to bring you down, you’ll have no resistance to the big things. And now you have dismay. If you’re feeling blah, or just kinda bummed, you’ve got to … [Read more...]
Two ways you can improve your leadership…
Way One - Improve your self-awareness by learning which motivators most influence you. Take the Motivators Online Assessment and receive your personal Motivators Report for only $39 Way Two - Leadership can be lonely and you frequently feel like … [Read more...]
Do All Your Customers Love You? Nope.
I recall a research study based on reciprocity, that discovered we have far few friends than we think we do. About half as many, if you define a friend as the kind of person who foregoes their Saturday plans to help you move, in the rain, because … [Read more...]
The Triple C
Here’s a quick tool to help you think about ways to improve your performance in any area of your life. Carve out no more than 15 minutes to sneak away for a cup of coffee and reflect on your Triple C. It will give you a rough plan of … [Read more...]
Are you Facing a Problem or a Challenge?
When I was a new operations manager I would regularly meet with my sales counterparts to review activity at our shared accounts. At the time, the organization valued positive language, sometimes to the extreme. One day, a crusty account executive … [Read more...]
Lead by Example
To hear more of my interview with Teri Wilder, click the button below. … [Read more...]
Leadership Spotlight: Teri Wilder
For Leadership Spotlight, Leadership Advisor Karl Bimshas, speaks with a diverse array of busy professionals in various stages of their career and along different paths of their leadership journey. Here’s a summary of his conversation with Teri … [Read more...]
Complain Complain Complain
What could you accomplish if instead of complaining you either took action or kept your mouth shut? Complaining is easy. Everyone complains, either out loud or to themselves; and there is an infinite number of things in our world about which to … [Read more...]
Foggy Forest
Imagine being lost and disoriented in the middle of a foggy forest in the dead of night. You're unable to figure out which direction to step and return towards the safety of home -- the place where you find comfort and nourishment. You take a … [Read more...]
Are you Running a Learning Organization?
No matter the size of your organization, if you want to become more efficient, increase productivity, increase profit, and grow client satisfaction, there is no better way than building a workplace environment geared toward continuous … [Read more...]
Compliments
What's the best compliment you've ever received? It felt nice, right? How many have you given lately? Give ten or more genuine compliments today. You can find 29 other thought starters and positive actions in the book, "Perspectives: A 30-day … [Read more...]
Leading Rebels
Good leaders don't tell you to "sit down," "stay in your lane," or “wait your turn.” People with a threatened agenda do that. Good leaders listen to the beat you dance to and incorporate it into their vision. They recruit you and make you … [Read more...]
What if You Were Curious Instead of Offended?
Being offended doesn't accomplish much. The arguments between those experiencing insensitivity versus the hypersensitivity of others on any given issue have become mundane, and it stagnates the evolution of ideas, thoughts, and … [Read more...]
Leadership Fitness Checklist
By now, the majority of those who joined a gym to support their New Year resolution are having second thoughts. They’re not committed to their commitment. For the majority, the pain it takes to achieve their goal is not worth the effort. Of course, … [Read more...]
Your Leadership Path
Do you have a leadership path in mind for yourself or your organization this year? If you don't, how are you going to get where you want to go? By wishing really, really hard? By coasting, or drifting toward success? Probably not. … [Read more...]
How to Apologize: A Periodic Reminder
Because so few get it right, here is a periodic reminder on how to properly apologize. No, saying "sorry" isn't enough, and being inconvenienced by another's lack of belief in your remorse isn't their problem, it's yours. Also, don't demand an … [Read more...]
Leadership Assessments
Assessments serve as a quick way to get a sense of self and perspective. They provide a snapshot of current conditions and form a framework individuals, teams, and organizations can use to communicate concepts efficiently. Karl Bimshas Consulting … [Read more...]
Twenty Nineteen
Thanks for a great 2018! Here's to a Happy 2019! Download "Make Space" for Free … [Read more...]
Dyslexia, Dysthymia, and Determination
I am not a fan of "woe is me" authors who overshare all the problems in their life. I am partial to a stoic approach. We all have our battles, many of them private, and that is a personal choice. Not every malady has to be posted and commented upon. … [Read more...]
