Jim's Take

I speak often on the speed of change, and the challenges that come with it. And if my recent posts are any indication, I have a belief that responding to the speed of change, and putting ourselves in a position to be flexible, is one of the most important ways we can be successful. Many clients of mine are thrust into challenging environments where success is a tall mountain to climb. Executives h...

I’ve been ranting and raving about goals and change and resolutions and all kinds of fun stuff for 2020. And you can’t blame me - new year, new decade, new rules and new excitement. So much excitement, in fact, that I just may pee my pants. But I wanted to step back and go to the basics. Often times, when people get on their soapboxes like I’m wont to do, we jump over some fundamental basic items...

This week I’m looking to be painfully blunt.  The majority of my job is to help organizations and people plan. One of my gifted skills is the ability to see many things that could go wrong, and in turn plan for them. Maybe it’s my way of becoming a superhero - get people to worry, and help them find a solution.  Getting you to worry Much has been made of technology, AI, and the future of work, esp...

It’s the big day - a new year. It fascinates me that we are already at 2020.  For many people, I know the feeling they are having right now - the regret of making a New Year’s Resolution. It’s so easy to talk about doing so many things, and now it’s time to take action.  As I mentioned a few weeks ago in my podcast, a new year is just a pivot point - an opportunity to reflect on where you are on y...

As we have put a wrap on 2019, it’s now time to focus on the possibility and opportunity that looms in 2020. Each December I set out to create my goals for the next year - and align my focus on what’s important to me and where I want to go over the next 365 days. It’s one of my favorite things to do - unbridled imagination of what’s possible and dreaming.  I’ve never been a fan of creating resolut...

It’s almost time that we put a wrap on 2019, toss it into the memory bin and focus on going forward. We have evolved another year, which is long or short depending on how you look at it. At the end of a year, it’s a good pivot point to ask yourself the important questions of where you are and where you want to be on your journey. If we are lucky, we get about 80 or so of these pivot points, and co...

I feel like a zen master with that title.  We are coming up on the end of the year; the time to be reflective, take stock of what we have accomplished, and plan for all that we hope to accomplish in the coming year. And in order to make this time truly effective, there is one primary area on which we should focus: the questions we are asking.  We don’t think about questions. They just exist - like...

Last week we talked about the value and purpose of a network. The point of networking is to build a community; a group of people who best represent who you are and can help you grow as an individual.  Our network should be designed to motivate us, get us moving and help us be successful.  We all have a network in place. And a good network is powerful. Each person we know in turn knows many others....

Welcome to the holiday season. With Halloween behind us, and Costco selling Christmas trees, it’s important to think about doing something for yourself during the holidays: Networking. The holidays are the perfect time to network. There are plenty of opportunities for parties and meetups, uber amounts of people getting together in one place, and everyone feels generous and wants to help out. The t...

This past weekend I took the plunge and made the psychotic attempt to run an Ironman. I finished (over 14 hours later), and am thrilled that the anxiety of an unknown mountain is behind me. I’m happy I did it, more happy it's over, and further details on my experience are in the podcast (player below). That said, here are a few of the big learnings I took away from the weekend.  First, Anyone can...

At Bellwether, we prefer to learn from the best.  And when it comes to mindfulness, focus and performing under pressure, you find the best on one of the most intimidating stages in the world: the New York Philharmonic. Richard Deane, Principal French Horn for the NY Phil, executes with graceful detail in front of one of the most fastidious and discriminating audiences that exist (classical music f...

Life lessons from a whirlwind journey to Belfast.

In order to get someone to believe us, we have to show them, not tell them, what we are capable of.

There is a difference between "routine" and "rhythm," and each one affects progress differently.

This week I’m continuing the theme of reputation, and I want to cover the idea of “personal branding.”  I hate the term - I feel like it’s a marketing gimmick designed to sell corporate workshops - but the idea of it is an extremely important one, especially as the economy and work structure are changing. And, since I don’t have a better term to replace “personal brand” - we’ll run with it.  Last...

Managing what you want people to see is fundamental to your success.

You know good, smart people. These good, smart people can help you in many different ways. Why not put them to use as you attempt something new?

If you work for a corporation, you are probably familiar with the annual Individual Development Plan, or IDP. But what about creating one just for you outside of work?

Last week on the podcast I discussed the love of learning. But, as always, learning is one thing and practical application is something completely separate.  With that in mind, this week’s podcast is devoted to some practical examples on how to use learning to improve. True learning for whatever it is that we want to improve comes down to our ability to ask ourselves questions. To learn in the mom...

I have a theory. I believe that part of the reason adults are so miserable is that they have stopped learning.  There is something special about being a kid. The awe of new things, wonder and learning - I’d argue it’s what makes being a kid so special. It’s why young people are so happy and engaged and have desires to do new things. As we get older - we lose that. We have to meet the expectations...

How we choose to spend our time is what dictates everything about our situation today and in the future, so it's refreshing to remember that yes, time is a choice.

Ah yes, the dread of speaking in public. We are going to go there again - but not in the same way as before. I love getting feedback from listeners on what they want me to cover in a podcast - and advice on how to write a speech was interestingly a hot request. So let’s do it. I consider the speech process to have three “events” or “phases.”  The first phase is the fear of speaking; that gut wrenc...

Obviously, I’m a believer in the value of coaching. I’m also a believer in the fact that there is a lot to learn from all corners of this pebble we call Earth, and each person has a unique perspective to bring to any kind of relationship.  What makes that perspective unique is the culmination of our experiences over time.  Alan Goldstein isn’t young, but they say with age comes wisdom. And if ther...

When it comes to being more productive, everyone has an opinion.  Some people say get your work done in the morning, others get work done after lunch. Some say make a list. Others say to work in time blocks.  The advice is far reaching, it often conflicts, and is based on opinion. Everyone’s model of productivity works for them, and then they proceed to inform you how to be like them. The issue is...

In a week celebrating a country's independence, let's focus on your own independence, and how your assumptions can limit your choices.