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Michelle Ray

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Are you a Positive Influencer or a Chronic Complainer? Choose wisely.

October 30, 2015 by Michelle Ray

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with an association that invited me to speak at their annual conference on the subject of influence. Although their membership is extremely diverse, the common denominator for all their members is the fact that they are in a position to profoundly impact their leaders, clients and co-workers on a daily basis. They were keen to learn more about the art and science of influence, and what struck a chord with me was the fact that they were passionate about making a positive difference in their respective workplaces. [Read more…] about Are you a Positive Influencer or a Chronic Complainer? Choose wisely.

Filed Under: Business, Business Motivation, career, Communication, Self-Leadership, Uncategorized, Workplace Tagged With: Communication Skiills, Influence, leadership, Michelle Ray

The art of asking questions – Your biggest communication asset

October 8, 2015 by Michelle Ray

Mark always prided himself as an exceptional negotiator and communicator, yet during a recent performance review with an employee, he was accused of reneging on a promotion offered during a conversation several months prior. Mark recalled the initial discussion, however both parties had a different understanding regarding the timeline for the promotion to take effect. His employee requested that a union representative also attend the performance review and Mark was informed in advance that a grievance would be filed should the matter remain unresolved.
[Read more…] about The art of asking questions – Your biggest communication asset

Filed Under: Business, career, Communication, Conflict, Leadership, performance reviews, professional development, Uncategorized Tagged With: communication skills, conducting performance reviews, how to use open-ended questions, managing conflict, personal leadership, The art of asking questions

Resentment, Resistance, Rejection: Demystifying the Fear of Change

September 23, 2015 by Michelle Ray

Nothing changes if nothing changes. The only constant is change. All great changes were preceded by chaos…Wise and witty sayings on the subject of change that have become popularized and shared through the ages. Yet, many of us continue to baulk at any organizational change initiatives, despite the evidence presented by leaders who tell us that if we don’t move forward and break from the past, we risk becoming irrelevant. [Read more…] about Resentment, Resistance, Rejection: Demystifying the Fear of Change

Filed Under: Business, Business Motivation, career, change, overcoming adversity, resiliency, Uncategorized, uncertainty Tagged With: Change Management, Michelle Ray, workplace

Three reasons why you aren’t winning the talent war

July 7, 2015 by Michelle Ray

Group of young people

Although the buzzwords “Talent Management” were first coined more than 15 years ago, many organizations are still searching for ways to attract and retain the best and brightest in order win the talent war.

Attraction is arguably the easiest piece of the talent management equation. However, companies that spend energy creating the perfect cocktail of salary and tailored compensation packages are missing the point for long-term success. High engagement and retention, coupled with developing outstanding leadership skills are the critical elements for gaining the strategic advantage. Conversely, your business will continue to lag behind if any of the following conditions persist: [Read more…] about Three reasons why you aren’t winning the talent war

Filed Under: Best workplaces, Business, Business Motivation, career, Diversity, economy, employee engagement, generation Y, HR, Leadership, multigenerational workplace, Talent War, Uncategorized Tagged With: business conference speakers, Employee engagement, Lead Yourself First Institute, leadership speakers, Michelle Ray, workplace

Three strategies to respond positively to negative feedback

June 30, 2015 by Michelle Ray

“You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar”…Anon

If you have ever been at the receiving end of criticism, either from a co-worker or manager, it is likely you have found yourself struggling to respond positively…or worse, have defaulted to apologizing when you have done nothing wrong. Even if the criticism is warranted or offered inappropriately, you cannot control the other person’s intention, words or delivery. What you can do is respond in a positive fashion while maintaining respect…for yourself and the bearer of disparaging comments. Whether the feedback pertains to your work, your relationship or a specific situation that transpired between both parties, your goal is to rise above the negativity and respond, rather than react. [Read more…] about Three strategies to respond positively to negative feedback

Filed Under: Business, Business Motivation, career, Communication, Conflict, performance reviews, personal leadership, professional development, Uncategorized, values in business Tagged With: business conference speakers, business keynote speakers, Lead Yourself First Institute, Michelle Ray

Seven deadly mistakes that destroy employee motivation

May 30, 2015 by Michelle Ray

Originally published in the Globe and Mail Leadership Lab Column

Don is the CEO of a family run business. His entrepreneurial roots span three generations and he is fiercely proud of his lineage . When “the good times” recently came to a grinding halt and the business headed into a rapid decline, a foreboding cloud of doom overtook a once, happy thriving workplace. With seventy employees on his payroll and a shrinking customer base, Don’s anxiety skyrocketed with each passing day. No one was immune from Don’s tongue-lashing as he grappled to manage his emotions and prevent his business from collapsing. [Read more…] about Seven deadly mistakes that destroy employee motivation

Filed Under: Business Motivation, career, economy, employee engagement, Leadership, Uncategorized Tagged With: business conference speakers, future of work, Lead Yourself First Institute, Michelle Ray, workplace

Why New Year Resolutions Fail: Five ways to lead yourself in 2015

December 31, 2014 by Michelle Ray

image: group of people giving the thumbs up

re·solve verb \ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\ :To make a definite and serious decision to do something.

Eat less. Exercise more. Get a new job. Start a savings plan. Ditch your partner…whatever lofty goal you decide to set for yourself, it is likely you will give up before the first month of 2015 comes to an end, if not sooner. Sadly, the statistics aren’t good. Although millions will start the year with the best intentions, only eight percent will achieve their new year’s resolutions.

How does one explain the fact that year after year, the vast majority who set resolutions succumb to the comfort of the status quo?

[Read more…] about Why New Year Resolutions Fail: Five ways to lead yourself in 2015

Filed Under: attitude, Business Motivation, career, change, healthy living, Leadership, Motivational Stories, New Year Resolutions, positive thinking, professional development, Quick Quips, self-improvement, Uncategorized Tagged With: Lead Yourself First Institute, leadership speakers, Michelle Ray, Motivational Speakers, new books, personal leadership

Are you feeling the love? Five tips to be happier, productive and inspired at work

February 14, 2014 by Michelle Ray

image: boy and girl holding valentines

I will always remember the antics of one of my co-workers whose desk was beside mine at my first corporate job. Dan would saunter into the office whenever it suited him and immediately announce his arrival to the entire staff. In a bellowing voice, he would ask the same question every morning: “Who can I annoy today?”  [Read more…] about Are you feeling the love? Five tips to be happier, productive and inspired at work

Filed Under: attitude, Business, Business Motivation, career, change, healthy living, Motivational Stories, personal leadership, Quick Quips, Uncategorized, values in business, work-life balance Tagged With: business keynote speakers, Lead Yourself First Institute, leadership speakers, Michelle Ray, motivation, personal leadership, positive thinking, workplace

How will you take the lead in your life, your career and business in 2014?

December 31, 2013 by Michelle Ray

The end of a year is always a time for reflection. As each one passes seemingly more quickly that the previous, we usher in a new year with the opportunity to pause and appreciate special moments that occurred over the past 365 days. Focusing on the positives sets the tone for anticipating good things.

[Read more…] about How will you take the lead in your life, your career and business in 2014?

Filed Under: attitude, Business, career, Motivational Stories, Uncategorized, work, work-life balance Tagged With: 2014, Lead Yourself First Institute, leadership speakers, Michelle Ray, new year's resolutions, personal leadership

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