Today's Question: Did I Run Out of Questions?

No, I have not run out of questions--it just seems as the days have gotten shorter, my time has gotten tighter. I've been busy with community service events, hanging out with my Little, standing up in weddings, teaching others about social media, oh yeah, and making O-H-I-O pictures on someone's lawn. (That's me on the left.)



Stay tuned for more questions about news coverage, product placement, leadership, time management, office politics, social media and communications! Don't worry, I will Keep Asking Questions!

Today's Question: Are You Up for the Challenge of Swimming with Sharks?

I mean this question more figuratively than literally, but as a certified SCUBA diver, I have encountered some sharks during dives. Swimming with sharks can be both thrilling and challenging--and quite similar to the business world that many of us survive in each day.

Swimming with sharks requires three basic steps:

1. Anticipate their next move-The key to many business relationships also requires a bit of anticipation. We try and outline the next steps to get projects approved and to keep them moving.

2. Always keep them in your line of sight-Overall business goals cannot be overlooked. It's important to keep your eye on the big picture and to not get sidetracked by distractions. If you take your eye off the goal for even a second, it could bite you, right in the...you know where.

3. Don't become the bait-Remaining a team player is an important part of survival. The ability to adapt to different situations and roles is necessary in our changing business climate--besides it's been documented that sharks have been known to eat their own.

So, let's dive in, the water's just fine.

Today's Question: Do You Manage with Intensity?

Today's question is inspired by a recent management tip provided by Harvard Business School. The tip read: "management intensity" is a crucial response to the accelerating speed at which things are changing. Big-picture strategic thinking is important, but right now leaders need to be involved, visible, and communicating all the time.

Well, I think I've been getting management intensity wrong (or have I?)--while I believe I have an innate ability to think about the big picture and can be a real asset in strategic planning, I also realize that at the same time, I'm a manager that gets in trenches and becomes involved with the tactical execution of projects and programs--and I was doing this before the recent recession.

Maybe if the leaders of AIG, Fannie Mae and Merrill Lynch were managing with intensity before the collapse of their companies, our financial and banking infrastructure wouldn't require government intervention.

My only conclusion is that management intensity is just as important in a good economy as it is during a bad one!