Colonel Candid

Despite what Joan Jett says, you should give a damned about your bad reputation. What people associate when your name is said is important. One of my first mentors, who really left an impression on me, told me your reputation matter above all else. As I work to mentor you, this is one of the first topics I need to share and emphasize its truth. Harken back to the old spaghetti westerns, I feel like I should paint a picture of an old grizzled, pencil thin cowboy saying, “your name is the most important thing you’ve got partner.” Seeing how I’m from the homestead of John Wayne, it’s fitting. But really, why does this matter? It matters because as you grow from an intern, to new recruit, to employee, to supervisor, what you’ve demonstrated before will boost you up or weigh you down. How you establish this reputation is demonstrated by your deeds and not your words. Think about people you hold in high regard, what have they done to earn this? Their actions spoke louder than their wo...

Time to dig in and start lifting. When we are looking at a new leadership opportunity it’s incredibly exciting. As you scan the new faces of those you’re about to lead you’ll want to kick it all off in a big way. You’re already thinking of some kind of endeavor to motivate those under your charge or account. Please, heed some advice from Colonel Candid about how you start this journey of motivation before diving in. The problem you’ll soon realize is that people are motivated by vastly different measures. This means you’ve got to roll up your sleeves and get to know those you lead. Not everyone reacts to your attempt to get them fired up the same way. Here are a couple of things you can think of when individuating your endeavor: -           TRUST THEM. There’s nothing like a boss who has your back. It’s so awesome to know when you have the full faith and confidence of your leader. So if warranted, do the same because your trust is a re...

Here you are ready to hike up over that mountain in front of you. All your training is now put to the test. Taking up this challenge, you’ve got your mind ready too. It’s “go” day and as you launch, I’d like to provide you with some additional goodness to take along. First, surround yourself with “CAN” people. As you start with fresh legs, most people, optimistically, are fearless. That’s the fun of starting out and it’s also the time to grab a hand of another to keep up along with you. Your excitement will be infectious. Keep climbing and encouraging others. Here you are getting to the steeper and steeper parts. You’re now seeing this for how hard it really it really is and your feet are beginning to hurt. That small voice in your head is starting to ask yourself over and over again “why are you doing this?” Here’s a great example of why it’s so important to remain surrounded by people who can lift you up when you need it and most importantly you can do the same for them....

Have you ever been around a person that has confidence in all that they do? They’re full of gumption and appear invincible? Colonel Candid here to tell you that there are lessons we can all learn from people who just have the gumption to go and get after it. I’m looking forward to the next time someone says you have gumption! First, recognize like all of us, you are afraid. Whatever that thing is that just makes you a little scared or nervous, that’s the fear in front of you. When you avoid it, you make it stronger. Instead of just avoiding it, go forward and get closer to it. I used to fear counseling this one person. They were one of my worst employees. This person was loud, abusive towards others, and kind of a bully. By my constantly putting aside providing the subordinate honest feedback, I was doing a disservice to the entire organization. I was letting my fear get the best of me. So, every day I’d write down an observation about something that needed changed or corrected...

Colonel Candid here to provide you with great advice when briefing an executive, senior official, or leader. As both the giver and receiver of many different briefings I’ll share some of my tips and tricks to clearly and succinctly get your point across. Before even creating your paper or starting your briefing the best advice is to: Know your stuff. Seriously, study your craft and dive in. With this opportunity to brief or write to an executive take it as a cherished break to make your mark. You must be ready. The saying, “Be bright, Be brief, Be gone,” is so true. Seniors don’t need you to tell them every little detail. They got to where they’re at because they’re good at what they do. So, please don’t give every single point that led to the conclusion or, heaven forbid, read the executive bullets off your slides. Always create a read ahead. Information paper, slides, and graphs are important. Create something at the executive level and recognize length doesn’t equal worthines...

When you’re beginning work, Colonel Candid will provide you with some great advice given to me by a dear friend. When I started off, a mentor told me, “you can have it all, you just can’t have it all, all the time.” What I mean by that folks is that you’re going to be a part of a juggling act. There are many things that you juggle in life. Starting your first job you have to figure out your priorities and what you can handle. Most people at some point add a spouse and then add a child and/or children. At this point the advice really comes into play because you’ve got it all and your juggling like mad. Life becomes blissfully exhausting. There are times when your spouse needs much of your focus, say an illness in the family, and you’ll feel that impact at work. Understand that most people have gone through this and it’s important to have friends to share this with. Other times your children require your focus, this is so true when they are little, and your spouse and work feel t...

Thank you. Two very simple words that can move mountains. Isn’t it awesome when you do business with someone who truly appreciates your business? They’re grateful to have you walk into their shop, return their call, or purchase something from them online. When you hear a sincere expression of thanks, it really does connect you with that person. Why then is it so rare? Because for most of us, gratitude is a skill.   It takes practice. True there are the Suzie Sunshines out there who just bubble over with it, but for most of us it’s just not the case. We’ve got to work on it. There are so many benefits that each of us should really take notice. Benefits to you include:   You’re a nicer person, people like to be around you. Gaining more friends and deepening existing relationships is a good bonus in life. You’re healthier and sleep better. Here’s to less ruminating about events that cause holes in your stomach.   You all know the song, “Let it go”….seriously, let...

Another piece of advice saved, just for you, from a lifetime of lessons learned…your actions speak louder than your words. For over a decade, I’ve had the opportunity to mother two amazing children. During those years, I’ve noticed two sets of eyes watching everything I do. Talk about pressure folks…they keep you accountable and help you prioritize quickly to what’s most important for you. This is coming from someone completely dedicated to both my family and my work. In order to ensure my own sanity was maintained during several high stress jobs I had to set boundaries. Because, as I already know that you’re being the best person you can be, it’s hard to say no to anyone or any opportunity. Your children will want you to play, the spouse or significant other will want your full attention, and that email in-box just won’t stop filling up. Then there are all the extras you’re asked to do, like attend work related after hour functions, donate time with the children’s school and the...

There you are, rocking in your new gig, following MLK’s lead to “be all that you can be” and there’s someone preventing you from being your best self. Whether it’s the office gossip or the creepy person who just doesn’t get it, the problem is real. Whereas I wish you could experience work as just work and work in a culture who values you for what you offer, reality strikes. There are some places that just don’t have the best environment. Here are some examples and how to handle them, from Colonel Candid, who’s been there and done that. First scenario: The GOSSIP….wow oh wow, can this person talk. I mean they know everything about everyone. You begin by over hearing them speak in the break room or in the hallway. They always seem to have someone cornered. They’ll start talking about sports or entertainment and then nosedive into, “did you hear…” Yes, it’s that slippery slope that you want no part of. So, take it from me, a break is necessary every now and again but if you notice thi...

Colonel Candid here to help with mentorship advice after you’ve landed that first gig. Let’s take a second to assess your environment. You’ve passed through the gates and made it to the position you’ve wanted. Just like qualifying for the big race, you’re in the starting blocks and now it’s time to run. You’ve got this but it’s going to take some determination. Let’s start by looking around. What is your environment like? Each day when you walk in, who is there? What is your environment like? If you’re in a large city and people had to drive or metro in, they’re probably on edge. If you’re in a rural environment and that weather was rough during the drive, they could be in a tough spot too. So, take some time to assess the mental temperature of the room. When it’s the right time begin digging in. Start by asking questions to people who are busiest. Most of the time, the person with the least amount of time has the hardest job and will go the furthest (although this isn’t always ...

Congratulations! You've now just taken that first step into the working world. As much as it feels a little overwhelming, you're already moving in the right direction. Taking the first step really is the hardest part. Luckily, you've got a friend in me and I'm here to help. Over the years, I've had many opportunities to speak with individuals like yourself who are taking that initial step into their first role as a leader. While it is daunting, and it really is for everyone, it's also an opportunity for a great adventure. So, as Ghandi said, "Be the Change You Wish To See In The World." This is your opportunity to learn and grow. Luckily, we'll get to take that step together. One of the best gifts I ever received from the multiple leadership schools I've attended is the mindset that you carry a torch and can light the path for others. With that insight, I've worked to help mentor so many people at multiple stages in their careers and I...