The idea of SMART Goals has been around since 1981, when George T. Doran wrote an article about an easy way to create objectives in the November 1981 issue of the Management Review. The difference between an ordinary, non-strategic goal or objective and a SMART Goal is that with SMART Goals, everyone knows what needs to

Vision is the ability to think about or plan for the future with imagination or wisdom. What’s special about that last part?  With imagination or wisdom? What makes great coaches and inspirational leaders so special is their ability to be a visionary; they’re able to see a future many other people do not see.   They not only see

Psychologists, Edward Deci and Richard Ryan first introduced their Self-Determination Theory in 1985.  It’s since been tested, tried, and proven over the years.  The theory suggests that people become self-determined and motivated when three universal psychological needs are met:   The need for competence, or mastery of their workThe need for autonomy, or choice in how the

Grace is defined by Dictionary.com as simple elegance or refinement of movement.   Practicing grace, especially when people don’t expect it or, when they may not deserve it, absolutely will make them feel important. It’s extraordinary and special.  The word “special” by definition, sparks good feelings and sentiments. These include positive words such as remarkable, exceptional, significant, and

Why should leaders be intentional about making sure their teams feel important? Their teams will become more confident, leaning into their special talents and uniqueness.Their teams will become more productive, accomplishing more, in less time, with fewer resources.Their teams will become inspired to push even harder and go even further. Here’s how the best leaders make sure

“Life is not a competition.   Life is about helping and inspiring others so we can each reach our potential.”  — Kim Chase, Actress What can we remind people of to encourage them? Their strengthsTheir accomplishmentsTheir passions We can remind people of their strengths, accomplishments, and their passions.   Remind People of Their Strengths Some people know and understand their natural strengths, but

Walter Burke Barbe first designed the VAK model for learning and it was later developed by Neil Fleming.  It’s the idea that people process information in one of three ways:   Visually, Auditorily, or Kinesthetically.   What does this have to do with recognition? When we know how our people prefer to process information, it allows us to recognize them

It’s a word from the Zulu culture, in South Africa.  It means, “I see you.” Its literal translation is “we see you…”. As if to say, “Our whole tribe sees you.” Inherent in the Zulu greeting, “Sawubona,” and the grateful reply, “Ngikhona,” is a sense that “…until you saw me, I didn’t exist.”   In Zulu culture, this exchange

In the early ’80s, there lived a girl named, Emily, in Roehampton, South West London, England.  She was beautiful and smart but had a stammering stutter which made her too shy to speak to others.  One of her teachers had an idea that he thought might cure her of her stutter.  He encouraged her to