L.E.A.P Think: Professional Development Guidance

I’ve coached dozens of people through starting small businesses over the past decade. Everyone eventually has to decide ‘what entity should I pick? I’m not a CPA nor did I sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night. So, please, run anything I say by your accountant. But the truth is that most people choose their first entity without understanding all of the options out there. Worse. They often make the wrong choice. ...Read the rest of entry >>

I’m fascinated and incredibly excited about the concept of data science and the so called scientists who do this job. I had never heard the term Data Scientist until last December when I ran across it in a blog by @BuckWoody. (http://sqlblog.com/blogs/buck_woody/archive/2011/11/15/the-data-scientist.aspx). Since then it’s been popping up in conversations I have with people everywhere like a bizarre game of whack a mole. ...Read the rest of entry >>

I read a lot. Ideas make me think. Considering and dissecting ideas from other people shape the way I think. The process refines my ideas and makes me a better person in countless ways. But the process of integrating ideas from other people into my own idea taxonomy has caused me to struggle when writing my L.E.A.P. blog. ...Read the rest of entry >>

Doing the right thing can be hard. Knowing the right thing to do is always easier than we want to accept. We often no what to do and simply choose not to do it. ...Read the rest of entry >>

The SMART goal setting technique can be a fabulous tool for giving shape and definition to strategic goals if used properly....Read the rest of entry >>

The S.M.A.R.T goals concept has been around for decades. Sadly I was in my 40’s before I heard of this great goal setting model. I’ve found the S.M.A.R.T. metaphor to be incredibly powerful when setting goals for myself as well as coaching others in through goal setting exercises. ...Read the rest of entry >>

I’m honored to be part of the the SQL University community project this week. Mike Walsh and I will be exploring topics related to professional development. Of course, my entire L.E.A.P. blog is focused on this topic in various ways so the SQL University theme isn’t too much of a stretch for me. I’m pretty sure that the fall 2011 Professional Development week at SQL University will be as cool as Shark Week on The Discovery Channel. Or maybe not. :)...Read the rest of entry >>

Your life is truly like a rudderless ship on the ocean if you have no plans. But at the same time, the best captain can lose their rudder from time to time. Make goals. Be deliberate and intentional about where you want to go. But recognize that life happens. You also need to be deliberate about taking stock of your plans, where you now, and where you want to be....Read the rest of entry >>

Do you care about leadership? Do you care about moving your career forward in a positive way? Then pay attention to this advice. Choose to stop making mistakes. ...Read the rest of entry >>

Conventional wisdom claims that Linked In is “the” place for business social media while Facebook is for other stuff. I don’t claim to be a social media guru. However, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that I think that Facebook will emerge as ”the” place to be for professionally oriented social networking. Why? I simply do not have time to invest in maintaining a personal and a business persona in two different places. I don’t think you do either. ...Read the rest of entry >>