I’m often contacted about providing workshops and seminars. My most frequent response after listening to the caller is, “You don’t want training.” To understand why I would say that, think about the last class you took at your company. Or even an off-site class, for that matter. If you attended a really good session, you probably left with a good deal energy, eager to apply what you learned. That lasted until you got back to your office and the pile of business-as-usual on your desk and in your inbox devoured your fresh energy. It’s just like returning from vacation. Within about an hour, you are sucked back into the same old challenges and routines; you can’t believe you ever left.
I am excited to announce that I’ve been selected as a regular contributor to Forbes.com. That means I have my own Forbes blog. Look for me in the Leadership category. Better yet, go there now and follow me! I only have one post up so far but more are coming. If you read them, share them, and leave comments, I’d really appreciate it!
I just read that Americans will spend $700 million on Valentine’s Day this year. For their pets!! Not their significant others. Not their children. Just for their pets! I’ve got nothing against dogs and cats, but what if, just this once, everyone redirected those dollars or matched those dollars, with a contribution to a worthy cause? What if we did the same with Valentine’s gifts for beaus and kids? And what if we picked a cause, collectively donated what has to be well over a billion dollars, and made a serious dent in a real problem?
I was in the groove. Lots of little turns and good speed. He was faster. One of those straight down guys. He delivered a hip check and kept on going. A hit and run. Left me on the ground and never slowed down. Probably never even heard the name I screamed at him from the top of my lungs. I was fuming. So mad my knees were shaking after I stood up. Or maybe that was from the shock of having someone knock my skis out from underneath me on the fly. How could he not stop? How could he not bother to ask if I was OK? Who decks another skier and doesn’t even apologize and offer to help?
Mistakes happen. We all know that. But that doesn’t make them any less painful! Can you imagine my horror when one of my Clarity App users suggested I add some content that was already there?!?!? Seriously! I could see everything on both my iPhone and my iPad, but he couldn’t. Furthermore, a quick comparison indicated he was seeing only 4 of 11 categories. I called another user and found he was seeing only 8 of 11. I was seriously bummed!The good news? The bug has been fixed! And I am quite confident that all the content will be visible to you AS SOON AS YOU DOWNLOAD the latest version of the app. The easiest way to get the new version is to go to the App Store using your device, go to Updates, and then either Update All or scroll down until you find Ann’s Clarity App and update just that. My apologies for the inconvenience. The update is free. Please don’t delay. I hate to think some of you have been seeing only a fraction of the content!
It was a good week for letters. Another reader excited about my App, but the proud owner of a dumb phone, wanted to know if the content of the app was available to people like him. Yes, it is! Get a smart phone! I understand that not everyone is attracted to technology or has a desire to be more connected, but, frankly, how can you operate and relate in this business world without some understanding of what a smart phone can do? Turns out the guy who sent me the question is a consultant. Would you hire a consultant who is so far behind the times? I wouldn’t. Think that’s the only way he is behind? An executive in a huge global company recently confessed to me that she had never downloaded an app. Didn’t even know the password to do so. She was embarrassed and rightly so. Why would you want to subject yourself to such embarrassment and be so out of it? We aren’t talking a little behind the times here folks. I am not an early adopter; I prefer to let others weather the initial problems. Once the kinks are out, I’m in. And I’ve been in to the tune of three iPhones by now! It is safe, guys! Time to jump in the water!
I am happy to inform my corporate and government clients that Uncommon Clarity, Inc. has received national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Center for Women & Enterprise, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC’s national standard of certification is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women. By including women-owned businesses among their vendors, corporations, and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier/vendor diversity programs.
If you’ve been a client or colleague, read my publications and articles, heard me speak, served on Boards or committees with me, or just know me personally, you know that one of my absolutely undeniable and most valuable skills is creating clarity. Thus, every time a well-meaning person endorses me on LinkedIn for something LinkedIn thinks is an important skill, I am a little annoyed instead of pleased. I would really appreciate it if you would help me set the record straight right now. Please visit my profile on LinkedIn and scroll down to the skills section. Click on the one labeled “Creating Clarity.” Let’s move this little lost label to the top of the list where it belongs! I thank you for your click! Note: If it won’t let you select it, scroll down and click on the yellow button “View Ann’s full profile” and then scroll down on that page instead.