Initiative: The Readiness to Act on Opportunity
Have you ever heard of Mary Fields—also known as Stagecoach Mary? If not, you probably aren’t alone. Yet Mary Fields, like so many people who helped forge the westward expansion of the United States in the 1800s, is an individual who embodies Initiative. Mary Fields was born into slavery in 1832. Freed after the Civil […]
Political Awareness: Reading a Group’s Emotional Currents and Power Relationships
In politically charged times, many people shy away from discussing anything associated with the word politics. However, when it comes to the EQ (Emotional Quotient) characteristic of Political Awareness, you don’t need to be worried or wary. Why? Because this singular skill can make all the difference when it comes to your performance, promotions, productivity, […]
Change Catalyst: Initiating or Managing Change
At some point in your educational experiences you probably learned about catalysts. By definition, a catalyst is some type of agent that promotes or speeds up significant change. In the world of chemistry, catalysts are extremely helpful—but in business, they are surprisingly beneficial too. Lee Iacocca is an excellent example of an individual who became […]
Service Orientation: Anticipating, Recognizing, and Meeting Other’s Needs
Who is your role model when it comes to serving the needs of others? Do you have anyone on your team who is exemplary in their service to clients and members of your Corporate Family®? If you’re struggling to identify someone, let us introduce you to Lillian. Lillian happens to be the customer service representative […]
Leveraging Diversity: Cultivating Opportunities by Creating Relationships with Diverse People
When George Washington traveled into the Ohio Valley as a young man representing his home colony of Virginia, it’s unlikely that he had identified Leveraging Diversity as a skill he would need in order to accomplish his mission. Yet, through his interactions with the Native American tribes and local experts on the frontier, Washington not […]
Conscientiousness: Taking Responsibility for Personal Performance
Restaurant Impossible is a reality television show most people can relate to since dining out is not only a favorite pastime but also necessary for many individuals in today’s busy society. The host of the show, Robert Irvine, and his talented team renovate failing restaurants in an astounding 48-hours—décor, menus, and customer service are totally […]
Communication: Sending Clear and Convincing Messages
“Then you should say what you mean,” the March Hare went on. “I do,” Alice hastily replied; “at least—at least I mean what I say—that’s the same thing, you know.” “Not the same thing a bit!” said the Hatter. “You might just as well say that ‘I see what I eat’ is the same thing […]
Collaboration and Cooperation: Working with Others Toward Mutual Goals
When people think about Benjamin Franklin, they often picture an independent inventor flying a kite or perhaps putting the finishing touches on the Franklin stove. Some might envision him laboring with pen and paper as he wrote anecdotes for Poor Richard’s Almanack. Others may remember him as the editor of a newspaper or serving as […]