You can never expect team members to invest in the team more than you do. A true statement that applies equally at work and at home. When a team leader invests in the team, the members will follow suit and reciprocate. While this applies in time of calm, its application and diligent execution is crucial in time of turmoil.  So, when you find yourself in a challenging situation, go to this P.L.A.C.E™.

Understanding and effectively using your authority as an employer, a supervisor, a team-leader or as a parent, almost always means that you have to let go of something you have to gain something you want. The article below was developed by Dolores Hoffman captures my discussion with her on the subject, and was publish in the June issue of South Jersey Mom Magazine South Jersey Mom Magazine June, 2013 - Page 21 under the title "Words of Wisdom on the Art of Negotiation from the Chief Daddy Officer.”  Thank you to both for their great work. For the blog readers' ease of use, the same  is provided below.

Whether in the board room or in the living room, effective communication is a dialogue, not a monologue. Unfortunately, when more than one person is involved in a conversation, there is the potential for misunderstanding. Confusion and miscommunication can range from humorous to disastrous. The best way to guard against this is to think deliberately about how we communicate, being mindful of our tone of voice, our choice of words, our body language. We must also think about our audience and prepare accordingly. Why is it that some of us will spend hours perfecting a sales pitch, but spend little thought on how we interact with our children? Certainly, our livelihood may depend on that sale, but much of our home’s harmony depends on our ability to communicate effectively with our kids. This does not mean that family life is not full of spontaneous exchanges that we do not think about at all, just like our interactions at work. It just means that our communication will only get better if we take time to examine it critically from time to time. Consider this proven sales technique. You have delivered your sales pitch flawlessly and it is time to close and…

On a recent flight from Los Angeles to Washington, I looked out the window and this was my view  from 30,000 feet.  I could hear my daughter’s voice in my head saying “here you go again doodle with your 30,000-foot deal.”  Incidentally, I’m doodle to her in case you were wondering.  I smiled! As a business person, a parent, and a pilot, I can assure you there is nothing like looking at your world from above to evaluate or set the proper course.  Here is why.  Think back to your last flight. You were probably cruising at an altitude of more than 30,000 feet, looking at the world from nearly six miles above sea level. I suspect however, that you were impressed not by how high you were flying, but by how far you could see.  Take another look at the picture and see for yourself. The beauty of looking at the big picture is the long and wide view that allows you to see things invisible at ground level. Business leaders routinely step back from daily operations to look at the big picture or the “30,000-foot view” in order to effectively guide their organization. Parents need similar perspective. They are the managers and…

This is indeed a question that could have puzzled William Shakespeare, and it has certainly crossed the minds of most parents and employers alike.  Conflict is inevitable for every boss and every parent. Though we must always keep our emotions in check, we must also try not to take things too seriously. Bear in mind that occasional disagreement is not the end of the world: in fact, it is healthy and normal, and if guided properly, it may result in a learning situation. Logic, a cool head, common sense, and a hefty dose of humor go a long way in resolving conflict at work and at home. The goal is to maintain civility and respect for all parties involved, so that you encourage communication. An extreme to being an unapproachable parent, is prematurely trying to be your child’s friend. Too many parents are so concerned with their children liking them that they shy away from giving clear instructions or enforcing rules which all children want and need. Think about how this plays out in a typical office environment. A boss who is so eager for all his employees to like him will rob himself of his ability to lead and will…