Debra Benton 
For all the talk about positivity, you may wonder on a bad day, “Why is a positive attitude important?” Maintaining a good attitude when life isn’t going your way doesn’t come naturally – so why bother? I’ll share more, but the main reason is this: your positive attitude positively affects YOU. It’s human nature to … Read more
You know your career is on track when you start receiving calls from headhunters. You are wanted (and that’s a good thing), but do you know how to respond to a headhunter’s call? Especially if your initial reaction is that you do not want the job they’re offering. Whether or not you take the position, … Read more
Networking rarely makes its way onto a to-do list. You don’t reap immediate, tangible rewards when interacting with people so it’s easy to delay the hard work of connecting with people in your company and industry. The discomfort of meeting strangers may not seem worth the effort it takes to learn how to network effectively. … Read more
Physical contact at work is a communication tool few people take advantage of. It can help you bond and connect with people way beyond the “dispensing data” form of communication. After all, who doesn’t appreciate the positive recognition of a “pat on the back,” literally or figuratively? And, yes, you can touch strangers as well … Read more
If you aren’t dealing with bully coworkers currently, you probably will be very soon. Four out of five of us will experience one or more coworkers who bully or backstab (or at least attempt it). In all walks of life, there are people who pull time away in political maneuvering, grabbing resources, and creating distractions. … Read more
A photo is around a long time, especially when transmitted around the world via social media. Almost anyone can see an online photo and even download it, which means deleting it online won’t help you escape an unflattering photo. Good “spontaneous” photos don’t just happen. You have to know how to take a good profile … Read more
In our diverse world, there are a number of ways to greet other people. When Richard Maracinko, author of several books on the NAVY SEALs, shakes hands, he uses two. The left is to check your pulse to see if you’re nervous meeting him, and then he acts accordingly. A famous restaurant owner in New … Read more
In my executive coaching of 30+ years I’ve worked with over a thousand chief executives from eighteen different countries and in every industry. Once a week someone asks my take on the secret to success in business. I can answer with four points: 1. Smile Smile because you have to look and act confident. An … Read more
Consider the dozens of life and career choices you’ve made over the years. Try to remember how and why you make those choices. What were you expecting at the time? How did the reality match up with your expectations? Did the choice of school, career, job, or spouse worked out better than you dreamed – … Read more
Consistently Follow the Golden Rule: What you want for yourself, you give to others. Do right and do it consistently in how you think, act, and interact with people. Over the years there are versions of the “rule” that I’ve heard from colleagues. Pick one that rings true for you: Do what’s right for the other … Read more