A client asked me to sit in on a meeting to find out why a team, who is normally very prompt and efficient, is missing their deadlines. The problem ended up not being a work force issue. The employees were letting their relationship problems deteriorate work performance (and this was problem prevalent in other areas of their life as well).

What do you do, as an employer, when your employee’s problems become “your” problem?

When you’re young retirement seems and is a long ways off. I’ve found that many people have unrealistic views about retirement. Most do not sit down and figure how much would be needed to retire at the magical number they picked. Nor did they think about the decisions they make throwing off their plans…for decades.

Realistically…can you retire?

One of the toughest jobs of being a parent is making the right decisions for our children. Understandably, it can be difficult sharing happiness with the children. Unless one is happily married, the question arises: When is the appropriate time to introduce the children to the boyfriend or girlfriend? This question came up with a friend of mine. He wanted to introduce his girlfriend to his children during Spring Break. I (and my other friends) asked him if he wanted to marry the girl. He responded that the relationship was not at that point. Nor was it to the point to move in together. We suggested he wait.

We ended up seeing several psychologists and gained their perspective on when the appropriate time is, and more important, why the time they recommended was the appropriate time. It definitely places the spotlight on the parent and what he or she is willing to do for the optimum well-bring of their child.

You want to start a business but you realize you need at least one business partner. Before looking for a business partner, ask yourself if you are partnership material.

“Even when opportunity knocks a man still has to get up off his seat and open the door”. Seeing the opportunity is the first step.

The internet makes it easy for people to create a character online. Let’s take a look at someone doing this to see if it is a wise thing to do long-term.

It’s a gift to be ambitious and motivated. Unfortunately, it is easy to become comfortable around people who do not have the same goals. That will impede your success.

Friendships and teams work in similar ways. For them to work, all parties have to agree on the goals for the friendship or team. People who go rogue will definitely mess things up.

Why is it that we know something is not working yet we have the expectation for it to work? Time to look at unrealistic expectations.