Happy employees are wearing flip-flops

As a leader, you want highly engaged and motivated employees. Not only is this clearly an attribute of successful companies with high profits; it just makes the job easier. Work weeks feel shorter and problems somehow get taken care of without being escalated. Read more

Free PowerPoint-Tastic Templates – #021: Change over time

Each week, the Fast Track Tools training company and the Cubicle Ninjas design firm work together to publish a template that makes it easier for you to communicate your ideas. This week, we developed a chart to illustrate a change over time. Read more

How exerting influence without authority can win you the job

The time has long passed when the power of influence was exclusive to those who held higher positions. Influence without authority is now possible. When do you have the least amount of authority? Yes, when you are unemployed. Read more

Personal branding lessons from the Joker

He’s a joker, a smoker and a mid-night toker. The iconic singer-songwriter Steve Miller has no shortage of tokers in his audience. They were all sitting around me at a recent concert. I met people that have been fans since the late 60’s. That is a loyalty any business would covet, and Miller continues to increase the power of his personal brand. Read more

Free PowerPoint-Tastic Templates – #020: Four Parts

Each week, the Fast Track Tools training company and the Cubicle Ninjas design firm work together to publish a template that makes it easier for you to communicate your ideas. This week, we bring you some interesting imagery to highlight four components of your idea. Read more

Telling the hi-po story in a job interview

No, that is not a misspelling. Please don’t tell the story of a hippopotamus in a job interview unless you are applying to work at the zoo! Hi-po is a term used to describe high performers, and, at most companies, that list exists. If you have been on the list, make it a point to highlight it during your interview process. Read more

Learn how to learn to propel your career

To improve the learning process, climb the learning ladder in stages.

Have you ever learned something the wrong way? For me it was golf. I play occasionally, but never bothered to really learn the basics. Recently, I decided to focus on improving my game. Read more

PowerPoint-Tastic Templates – #019: Three Options

Each week, the Fast Track Tools training company and the Cubicle Ninjas design firm work together to publish a template that makes it easier for you to communicate your ideas. This week, we bring you a layout that helps illustrate various options. It is easier to persuade your listeners if you give them options and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. Read more

How to run effective meetings: 5 tools to build consensus

Consensus building tools help you get through meeting impasses or inaction.

Don’t let your meeting get bogged down due to an impasse or sudden lack of attendee action. Learn how to retain and combine members’ best contributions and maximize results. Read more