Tag: entrepreneurs

That Wretched Performance Improvement Plan As Leadership Changes

THAT WRETCHED PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT PLAN

It’s a devil. I tell you it’s the devil! You work hard. Achieve great results and are applauded for your contribution.

Then a change in leadership! Things go haywire. Goals are thwarted. Messages are confusing. Leaders don’t explain. Midst the changes, the transition in process becomes the focus backed by mixed signals.

Then comes the inevitable performance drop. A lack of clarity, missed communication. Performance improvement plan rears its ugly head. A strong performer, an all star becomes the targeted.

Where did things go wrong?

Ever experienced it? Let’s talk.

5 Leadership Lessons from Great Teachers

Dead Poets Society

Clarity builds trust and momentum

Summer is almost over and it’s time to make all those back-to-school plans. As we make those plans, lets pause for a minute. Think of a teacher or two who made a difference in your life. Personally, as I age, I think about those teaching experiences and the effect they had on my leadership journey. As I look back, I think of society’s great teachers like Erin Gruwell, Maria Montessori, and the fictional Mr. Keating (Dead Poets Society).

Here are 5 lessons leaders can learn from great teachers.

1.Clarity is Powerful

Teachers break down complex topics into simple, digestible pieces.
Leaders must do the same—clearly communicate vision, expectations, and feedback so everyone understands what success looks like.

Lesson: Say less, mean more. Clarity builds trust and momentum.

2. Patience Enables Progress

Teachers know learning takes time and that growth isn’t always linear.
Leaders should extend grace and patience during times of transition, failure, or new learning curves—whether with teams or themselves.

Lesson: Progress often looks like repetition before results.

3. Individual Strengths Matter

Great teachers recognize that not every student learns the same way.
Great leaders acknowledge that not every employee works, leads, or grows the same. They tailor support, roles, and recognition accordingly.

Lesson: Personalize your leadership to bring out the best in each person.

4. Structure Creates Freedom

Teachers use routines and structure to create a safe space for creativity and exploration.
Leaders who implement clear systems give their teams the confidence and autonomy to take initiative.

Lesson: Strong frameworks unlock innovative thinking.

5. Passion Inspires Performance

Teachers who genuinely care spark curiosity and motivation.
Leaders who lead with purpose, authenticity, and heart cultivate higher engagement and loyalty.

Lesson: When you model passion, people give their best

As school begins its opening session, the road becomes a task / lesson plan in and of itself. What are your thoughts on the top five lessons? Anything missing that you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.

Don’t forget to connect if you would like to discuss your own leadership growth journey.

5 Great Teachers—Real and Iconic—Who’ve Made a Lasting Impact

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is engraved in the lives of others

Pericles

Behind every great leader is a story of someone who taught them how to think, not what to think. Whether in classrooms, communities, or through powerful stories, teachers like Anne Sullivan, Jaime Escalante, Erin Gruwell, Maria Montessori, and even the fictional Mr. Keating from Dead Poets Society have left lasting legacies. They did not just impart knowledge, but they also unlocked human potential. Their bold approaches, deep empathy, and unwavering belief in those they taught offer rich leadership lessons for anyone seeking to inspire, elevate, and transform others.

1. Anne Sullivan – Teacher of Helen Keller

Why she matters: Sullivan’s unshakable belief in Helen’s potential shows the power of persistence, adaptive teaching, and emotional intelligence.

Leadership lesson: Believe in others, even when they can’t yet believe in themselves.

2. Jaime Escalante – Math Teacher, ‘Stand and Deliver‘

Why he matters: Taught AP Calculus in a struggling inner-city school, proving that high expectations and dedication can change lives.

Leadership lesson: Set the bar high and show people they can reach it.

3. Erin Gruwell – English Teacher, “Freedom Writers”

  • Why she matters: Helped under-served students find their voices through journaling and literature.
  • Leadership lesson: Create a safe culture for expression and transformation.

4. Maria Montessori – Founder of the Montessori Method

Why she matters: Revolutionized education by emphasizing self-directed learning, observation, and individual strengths.

Leadership lesson: Foster autonomy and trust people to grow when given the right environment.

5. Mr. Keating – Fictional Teacher, “Dead Poets Society”

Why he matters: Though fictional, Mr. Keating represents the kind of leader who challenges others to think differently, embrace risk, and “seize the day.”

Leadership lesson: Inspire people to think for themselves and lead with courage.

Which iconic teacher has made a lasting impression on you as a leader? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

What’s The Perfect Door Prize? 21 Gift Ideas for Networking Events That Shine

Show up. Let yourself be seen. ~Brene Brown

What’s a networking event without door prizes? Boring (smile). So, event organizers encourage gifts. They are a simple yet powerful way to boost engagement, excitement, and attendance at networking events. They create a sense of the anticipation and fun, making the event more memorable for participants. Door prizes also encourage people to arrive on time, stay longer, and interact more freely with others. Besides entertainment, they offer a subtle marketing opportunity for sponsors, hosts, or businesses to showcase their products or services in a positive light.

The PSL Business Club asked the question: “What is the Perfect door prize to give away at networking events?” Members chimed in. Some suggested giving what you would like to receive. Others suggested giving away high-end gifts that will make you the talk of the event. Gift these over several periods and you’re sure to leave a lasting memory. Here I share key gift ideas extracted as members chimed in.

Gifts That Shine

  1. Wellness bundle energy drinks
  2. Journal, fun pen, small devotional or motivational card set
  3. Cute mugs which says “let’s connect over coffee”
  4. Pair a small gift care ($10-$15) with a handwritten note or business card enclosing a product sample
  5. Branded item that’s actually helpful
  6. Gift cards to local restaurants.
  7. Something useful like Coffee gift cards
  8. Wine or Vodka
  9. Dark chocolate and a gift card or voucher to try branded services
  10. Cool shirt
  11. Stanley or Yeti cup
  12. Gift baskets
  13. Branded swag bundle from the host company
  14. Branded items or one/two from local businesses or gift certificates
  15. Candy
  16. Homemade cookies
  17. Hand-painted items
  18. Chocolates from a chocolatier
  19. Beach accessories
  20. Fun items that’s non-business related
  21. Dot card… to make sharing information easier at networking event

High-End Gifts

Higher end gifts creates a lasting memory of your brand. Such gifts are:

  • Massage or Spa packages
  • Weekend getaway at hotel
  • Dinner for two at a high-end/classy restaurant
  • Tickets to a concert/play

There you have it! Here’s hoping it takes the guess work out of your gift giving when attending your next event.

The Pain of Not Embracing Coaching

Innovation Distinguishes. A group of cross-cultural leaders gathered together to discuss the Cultural Undervaluing of Professional Coaching. Education is a crucial pillar of development, but it is not the full structure. Professional coaching, especially in career planning, mindset growth, and personal branding, is often seen as optional, extravagant, or even unnecessary.

Chris, Maxine, and I, focused on The Pain of Not Embracing Coaching. It has many effects. Here are a few:

Underdeveloped Potential

Talented individuals stay stuck in survival mode. They fail to unlock their genius because no one helps them think strategically about their growth.

Career Plateau

Professionals with great resumes stall out due to poor networking, weak positioning, or self-limiting beliefs.

Global Irrelevance

In our rapidly changing world where soft skills, emotional intelligence, and AI adaptability are premium assets, people fall behind.

Silent Suffering

Many carry silent frustrations; “I’m better than this, but I don’t know how to rise.” Coaching could be the very bridge out of that quiet despair.

Join the conversation. Let’s hear your thoughts.
Rather a private chat? Chat me now.

The Story Behind Success Strategies (And What’s Coming Next …

I love to write! It’s a passion that began during my primary education years. I reflect on those early years. Back then, my uncle (an educator and school principal), would gift me with a book on birthdays and Christmas holidays. This was his custom instead of the usual and more preferential ‘toys’. Though disappointed then, I would dive into the books reading for hours.

As life progressed and blogging became a thing, I created my first blog A Moment With Shells in 2010. Later, on completion on my postgraduate education, I formalized this blog titled Successful Leaders to share my passion. It focused on empowering developing leaders through personal growth, leadership development, and success strategies.

That was a over a decade ago. Funny how time flies when you’re having fun!

Here’s an overview of my efforts to create articles, writings, or gleanings. The idea was to uplift, encourage subscribers and visitors under the headings listed.

Goal Setting & Achievement

The blog emphasizes the importance of setting clear, actionable goals. It encourages readers to commit to their objectives, keep them visible, and seek accountability to stay on track. Inspirational quotes from figures like Jim Rohn and Tony Robbins are used to motivate readers to design their own life plans and persist in their pursuits.

Discovering Purpose & Passion

Articles guide readers in uncovering their life purpose by reflecting on personal experiences, childhood interests, and unique talents. Techniques such as visualization, journaling, and seeking feedback from friends are recommended to help individuals find fulfillment and direction.

Stress Management & Work Life Balance

The website offers strategies for managing stress and achieving a healthy work-life balance. It highlights the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, seeking professional support, and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being.

Embracing Change & Personal Growth

Recognizing when it’s time for change is a recurring theme. Writings discuss signs that indicate the need for a new direction and encourages readers to take proactive steps toward personal development. It also emphasizes the courage required to make significant life changes.

Writing, Publishing & Legacy Building

For aspiring authors, the site provides insights into the publishing process, including self-publishing and audiobook production. It also encourages writers to reflect on their life experiences and consider the legacy they wish to leave through their work.

Overall, Successful Leaders serves as a resource for individuals seeking inspiration and practical advice on personal development, leadership, career change and achieving success in various aspects of life.

Subscribe Now! Get on Board

Subscribe to keep updated on upcoming new and exciting developments. Have you been a follower? If so, how long and how have you benefited? Do share, we would love to hear!

Cheers!

Just Stuff …

S T U F F

Stuff. Just stuff. Oh how we accumulate stuff. Meryl Streete in the movie “The Devil Wears Prada“, went on a tirade lecturing fellow actress Anne Hathaway when she snickered that the colors were the same. Naturally they weren’t.

As I reflected, I met a woman who per chance argued that we spend so much time in our lives acquiring ‘stuff’. I smiled.

As life transitions, we even pay for the stuff that we accumulate and don’t have room for. Whether it’s downsizing, relocating elsewhere with less space, we end up storing more and more of our ‘stuff’. Storage spaces make thousands of dollars annually storing our stuff while increasing costs intermittently through the year. We complain, object but still grudgingly pay because our stuff is important to us.

Goodwill, the Salvation Army and other places exist for us to give away our stuff. Our precious stuff. Is there an end in sight? Why not create a journal with ideas on how to really downsize. Then use bags to purge, donate or keep.

What are your thoughts on accumulating things, then paying to store them. Do share, we would love to hear.

Cheers!

What Are You Doing With The Rest of Your Life?

Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com

Are you content with simply sitting on the sidelines and shaking your head, wringing your hands, because you know that this world could be a better one. ~Dr. Delores Smiley

What if you are no longer in the midst of corporate America because you have earned the opportunity to retire from the 9:00 to 5:00 daily work routine and you are still adjusting to time on hand?

What if you have discovered that you now have the time to pull out and work on those projects that you wanted to develop but just could never quite eek out that extra time to devote to them?

What if you are no longer needed to babysit the grandkids because along the way they have become adults and are busy with their own lives?

What if you have lost your companion and you are still making the adjustment of life without that special someone that completed your being for so many years?

What if you are not so settled that you have become complacent about the world that’s spinning around you?

What if you want to still make a contribution of service in whatever form but just don’t know how to go about doing that?

What if you could affect a positive change to make the tomorrows for society more pleasant, peaceful, and loveable?

Are you content with simply sitting on the sidelines and shaking your head, wringing your hands, because you know that this world could be a better one?

Are you concerned about the legacy that you are leaving to your family, to your community, to your world?

Are you afraid of the unknown or will you be a brave soul to believe and act on the fact that you have what it takes to make change?

I believe that you are out there and you would like nothing better than to discuss and develop a world that addresses hate, lack of leadership, the activation of moral and ethical behavior and saying to the world—we can be better.

This platform is a perfect way to get this started. I am willing to hear you, to grow with you and to look for that better tomorrow—together. I would love to hear your thoughts.

Written by Dr. Delores Smiley

Subscribe to her channel on substack

Life Or Lipstick?

You are just one decision from a totally different life. ~Wilfred A. Peterson

Life or lipstick? Silly question. I was driving when I looked in the mirror and saw ‘dry lips’. If you know me well, I don’t like to go anywhere without my lipstick or some color on my lips.

Immediately I began rummaging in my handbag. One hand on the steering wheel and the other attempting to do a deep dive (women’s handbag).

Suddenly I realized my foolery and said to myself life or lipstick? That immediately put things in perspective.

Haven’t we all made some decisions that when we look back at the short term benefits did not make any sense?

Sometimes you make the right decision. Sometimes you make the decision, right. ~ Phillip C. McGraw

Life Choices

  • Why would I choose lipstick over my life?
  • Why would you quit a job without having another source of income?
  • Why would you stay in a relationship that’s harmful? After all you’re not even married?
  • Why would you start a business without a plan? Without capital?
  • Why would your health not be considered during food consumption

We could go on and on. Let’s choose to be wise about the decisions we make and their effect on life.

The quality of your life is built on the quality of your decisions

Have an important decision to make? Think it over closely. Weigh the pros and cons. Talk it over with a confidante or leadership coach.

Cheers!

From Manuscript to Bestseller: Unleash Your Publishing Potential

If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.

Martin Luther

Listen to the recording here

Are you a writer with a story burning to be told, but feeling overwhelmed by the traditional publishing maze? Listen to this electrifying workshop facilitated by Dr. Shelly Cameron on behalf of Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library. The tips and tricks will transform your publishing dreams from wishful thinking to strategic action.

In this game-changing discussion, you’ll discover the exact blueprint successful self-published authors use to launch their books, build their audience, and generate real income. We’ll pull back the curtain on the traditional vs self-publishing industry, revealing insider strategies that most writers never learn—from choosing the right platforms and mastering digital formatting to marketing techniques that actually sell books. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned writer looking to take control of your publishing journey, this session promises to equip you with practical, immediately actionable insights. Stop waiting for someone else to validate your story. Listen and Learn how to become the author you’ve always dreamed of being—on your own terms, with your own power. Don’t miss your chance to revolutionize your writing career.

Key Insights: Publishing Questions from Authors You Must Know

Many questions were asked throughout the presentation. Here are a 14.

  1. Should you use Ai for Book cover designs?
  2. Are authors required to let readers know that you used Ai?
  3. What is the full marketing potential for a book?
  4. How do you translate a book into another language?
  5. How do you negotiate speaking fees for your book?
  6. Are there any supporting groups to guide on how to format books on KDP?
  7. How can you hire someone to help with publishing?
  8. I’m doing away with writing the Foreword or comments on back of book. What’s the trend?
  9. Do you have resources to look for the audiobooks?
  10. How much can editors charge for beginner writers?
  11. How do you copyright a book?
  12. How do you find someone to edit your work?
  13. How can I get more exposure for sales other than amazon?
  14. Do I have to be a published author to be an editor?

If you’re interested in publishing your book, listen to the presentation and accompanying responses. If you need help, we are passionate about publishing. Reach out for help today and realize your publishing dream!

Happy Writing!

Monetize Your Writing Skills: 10 Proven Methods

Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give. ~William Arthur Ward

Are you a writer living from paycheck to paycheck? Do you want to take that dream vacation but your pocket dictates otherwise? You may just want to purchase that long desired goal but can’t seem to come up with the funds. Well, why not try to boost your income creatively? Here are 10 methods that can turn your talent into money in a flash (legally of course – yikes)!

1.Freelance Writing Platforms

Sign up for sites like:

  • Upwork
  • Fiverr
  • Freelancer
  • PeoplePerHour
    Start with blog posts, bios, product descriptions, or email copy. Quick turnaround = faster pay.

2. Offer Resume & Cover Letter Services

Tons of people need help polishing their resumes. You can charge $50–$200+ depending on your expertise.

3. Sell Digital Products

  • Create and sell templates (journals, planners, ebook templates) on Etsy or Gumroad.
  • If you’ve already written a book, turn it into a workbook or checklist.

4. Pitch Articles

Submit articles to platforms that pay per piece:

  • Medium (via Partner Program)
  • Narratively
  • The Bold Italic
  • Listverse
  • Cracked Some pay $100+ for accepted content.

5. GHOSTWRITING

Offer ghostwriting for blog posts, social media captions, or even eBooks. It’s in high demand, especially for coaches and small businesses.

6. Edit or Proofread

Writers are great editors! Offer fast-turnaround proofreading on Fiverr or Facebook groups.

7. Write LinkedIn Profiles or Bios

Professionals always need help optimizing their online presence.

8. Transcribe Audio for Creators or Podcasters

Great for fast typers. Websites like Rev or TranscribeMe pay per audio minute.

9. Offer Email Newsletter Setup / Writing

Many small biz owners want to start newsletters but don’t know where to begin.

10. Monetize a Blog or Substack Fast

Offer a mix of free content and a paid tier with extra goodies (writing tips, coaching, behind-the-scenes, etc.).

Did any of the above spark your interest to boost your earning potential? Any missing that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Understanding Publishing: Pros and Cons for Aspiring Authors

To write is human, to edit is divine.

Stephen King

New and aspiring writers are curious about the publishing process. As a foundation, it is important to understand the basic advantages and disadvantages of each. These two infographics were prepared as a comparative analysis to help writers understand each especially when navigating the agent-publisher-author relationship.

Here’s hoping it will clarify any confusion associated with the process and help new authors make informed decisions.

Which have you used? Traditional, Self-Publishing, or a combination of both. Do share, we would love to hear.

Cheers!

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