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.
Photo by Marcio Chagas on Unsplash 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, … [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
Photo by Matthew Henry from Burst 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 … [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. GET YOUR PURPOSE SELF-ASSESSMENT NOW … [Read more...]
Your Inspiration Likes Attention
Photo by Bobby Johnson on Unsplash 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 … [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
Photo by Jason Wong on Unsplash 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 … [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 … [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
https://youtu.be/vqOHbMw3rDk To hear more of my interview with Teri Wilder, click the button below. Hear More … [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 … [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 HELP ME MAKE SPACE … [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...]
Do My Employees Need External Coaching?
Is it worth investing in outside coaching for a direct report who is facing change or second-guessing his or her abilities? Here are five questions to help you find the right answer. 1. Is his or her current performance or potential, … [Read more...]
How do you know if you need an Accountability Partner?
When people are not held accountable for their performance or lack of performance, they mistakenly think they are doing okay, even though their credibility is suffering. Many busy professionals have a hard time achieving personally important goals … [Read more...]
Bring a SIDE of Leadership
The world would be better if everyone, regardless of their role, carried a SIDE of leadership. Service: Be of service. Help. Assist. Act on behalf of others. Serve people, or a cause, an idea, beyond yourself. Integrity: Hold yourself to honest … [Read more...]
Expectations, Keep ’em High
You can lower your expectations and never feel disappointment, or you can raise your expectations and manage your disappointments like an adult. The truly great things in life do not get that way through indifference. You care. You have a … [Read more...]
You ARE Leading
Just because you don't consider yourself a leader doesn't mean others aren't following you. You are leading. Get better at it. You can deny it. You can hate it. You can battle over semantics. Like it or not, you're leading someone (maybe … [Read more...]
About Revenge
Revenge isn't an aspirational goal. It can motivate you to get started, or look at yourself differently, or lift your spirits when you are filled with self-doubt. However, it's short-lived, unless you are so lacking in esteem that you NEED to … [Read more...]
Your Performance
National Boss’s Day is a great time to reflect on your performance, even if you work alone and you're your own boss. Download a free pdf from Karl Bimshas Consulting and assess yourself, a key individual or an entire team. Have a desire … [Read more...]
Be More Discerning
Many people react to conflict. Leaders respond. Here's the difference; leaders take the time to study and observe so that they can be more discerning in their decision-making. They are careful and deliberate about what they allow into their … [Read more...]
Hire a New Boss
If you're a solopreneur or freelancer, guess what? You are not automatically exempt from having a lousy boss. Face it; effective managers have a particular set of skills that help foster compliance, communication, confidence, production, and … [Read more...]
Many Ways
Not doing it your way doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it different. There are many ways to do many things. Often, managers, in particular, feel like they know the best way to do something. This is seldom true. They know one way and assume … [Read more...]
Your Thing
Everyone has their thing. It might be zouk dancing, skeet shooting, gourmet cooking, or 5K running. The passion, flow-inducing activities you engage in can clear your mind, center your soul, calm your nerves, and inspire you to achieve greater things … [Read more...]
Everything is an Opportunity
Everything is an opportunity. The text message The alarm clock The phone call The envelope The stranger The doorbell The mistake The failure The friend The yes The no It's all up to you. Better attitudes attract better … [Read more...]
You Can Be an Amazing Leader. We Can Help.
One of the best ways to avoid lousy leaders is by becoming a better leader yourself. When you do that, two things happen. You gain some insight and perhaps empathy for the leader which gives you a thoughtful perspective. You gain the skill, … [Read more...]
Do You Think You Are Amazing?
There's really only one person who matters who has to think you're amazing. Yourself. It's nice when others think you're amazing because it feeds your ego. What really sucks is when someone you think is fantastic doesn't think anything of you, … [Read more...]
We Don’t Solve Your Problems
You don't need to be rescued, saved, or protected. You need to be reminded, heard, and respected. We don't solve your problems. We show you the tools you could use yourself to solve your own damn problems in your own beautiful way. Your needs … [Read more...]
Accidental Manager?
Does your organization have a lot of accidental managers? Are you one yourself? These are the people with good intent, strong skills, and a willingness to help, who are suddenly thrust into a management role. Maybe there was a crisis, a hole that … [Read more...]
Nothing Empowers You More
Nothing empowers you more than setting and achieving a damn good goal! You ready? You can mope around and feel sorry for yourself because, "nothing's working," or you can get your act together, surround yourself with supportive people, and … [Read more...]
Success Doesn’t Happen All At Once
Success doesn't happen all at once. Neither does failure. It is hundreds of little decisions, conversations, actions, and thoughts that make or break you. Make seemingly unimportant nudges in the approximate direction of your dreams every … [Read more...]
Our Lenses
We chose our lenses based on what we want to see. Rotate often between microscope and telescope to reveal new perspectives. Be brave and curious enough to look at things differently. … [Read more...]
When You Can’t Follow, Lead
Despite your best efforts sometimes you simply cannot follow. Maybe you have a values conflict with the leader, the organization, or the cause. There could also be a vacuum. No one is leading an effort. That's when it becomes your calling, and you … [Read more...]
Leadership Isn’t a Game; It’s a Lifestyle
Leadership isn't a game; it's a lifestyle. That's not to say you shouldn't have fun. There's always going to be competition and a desire to win in life. There are also opportunities for collaboration and a desire to make things better for others. … [Read more...]
10 Year Anniversary of The Disposable Journal
Are you tired of carrying anger, sadness, or fear that is immobilizing you or holding you back? It’s time to let it go, regain control and invest in you. The daily prompts you receive in the disposable journal can help you do that in seven … [Read more...]
Your Story Doesn’t Define You
Your story doesn't define you; you define your story Most of the success in your life is because of the combination of your attitude and approach. Lousy attitude, lousy success. Great attitude, great success. A large measure is your … [Read more...]
The World is Not Against You
There's a rugged individualism spirit many ambitious people possess. There’s pride and joy in setting a great goal for yourself and achieving it on your own. It's one of the reasons I enjoy writing. I face the blank screen alone, sometimes … [Read more...]
Watch Me Succeed
A few months ago I said farewell to a dear friend who was embarking on a new adventure. Although I was overprotective, her talent, intelligence, entrepreneurial spirit, and sheer grit was overwhelming evidence that she would be successful in whatever … [Read more...]
Help or Not?
Every person must learn the balance between "The instinct to help" versus, "It's none of your damn business." You've got to develop an internal checklist to determine what level of involvement you are willing to commit to. That's where knowing … [Read more...]
The Wave
The wave doesn't care if you're standing in front of it. It doesn't speed up to try and knock you over. It doesn't slow down in an attempt to spare you. A wave is going to do what it does whether you're there or not. You get to decide … [Read more...]
Small Steps
Immediate results are rare and seldom last. Knowing this doesn't stop us from playing the lottery and gambling our long-term success for short-term gains. Some people get lucky. The magic wand produces what they need, often just enough to … [Read more...]
Be Brave and Break Free
I take a lot of pride in the work Karl Bimshas Consulting does with new and established leaders who want to improve what they do so they can manage better and lead well. We don't talk about it a lot, but I'm equally proud of what we do … [Read more...]
Mopey Mondays
Quick Reminder: We don't do Mopey Mondays around here. Monday is for brushing yourself off and pursuing your dreams with renewed vigor. Go get 'em! https://youtu.be/rURCngUpCfw … [Read more...]
Fail Well
Reminder, if you're not afraid to fail, you are already a stronger leader than most. It means you have humility and curiosity. You may have fears, but they are not greater than your bravery. If you do fail, your attitude ensures you'll still learn … [Read more...]
Do The Work
Leading well is not always easy. It's not glamorous. It doesn't photograph well. It's not Instagram-able. Many times, good leadership can look like lousy leadership if you don't know the context or intent. And most don't. You don't typically … [Read more...]
I Want Your Leadership Business
It would be generous to say that of those who are currently in a leadership position, about 50% actively care about personal and team improvement. As a regular reader of my newsletter, blog, and books, or a listener of my show, you’re different. … [Read more...]
How Much Do You Pay in Lousy Leader Tax?
Leaders play an important role in any organization. Great ones have a compound additive effect which we frequently celebrate. Are those accolades overstated? If esteemed polls and studies are to be believed, we seldom crack the 30-35% range of fully … [Read more...]
Take Leadership Seriously and Yourself Lightly
Even self-leadership, which can be the most difficult, because of your varying levels of obstinance, procrastination, perfectionism, and self-confidence, requires a gentle, nudge. Leadership is important. It can have positive or negative effects … [Read more...]
Start to Lead – Dare to Give a Damn
Imagine if you started to lead, instead of whining. What could you accomplish if you dared to give a damn? Live your values and act on purpose. It is the simplest, most straightforward way you can identify leadership in yourself and … [Read more...]
Leadership Can Be Lonely
Did you know many busy leaders feel like an imposter because they are struggling with their self-leadership? As a result, their confidence takes a hit, and they find themselves failing to speak up or advocate for better ideas. They tuck away … [Read more...]
Friends Don’t Let Friends Become Lousy Leaders
Ever come across a friend or family member who was screwing up their leadership? It usually happens about 18 months into their role. By that time the honeymoon is over and they start clashing with employees and colleagues. You might not notice it … [Read more...]
Is Your Leadership Working?
▫️Are you getting the results you want and need? ▫️Do you have a high-performing team, or just a group of people who work together? ▫️Are you energized or drained at the end (or the beginning) of each … [Read more...]
14 Reasons
Here are 14 common reasons busy professionals seek leadership development with Karl Bimshas Consulting. How many are true for you? I am questioning my motivations, values, and purpose. I think my decision making is wishy-washy, but I am … [Read more...]
Falling Prey to Lousy Leadership
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...]
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...]
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...]
