This message really hits home. So often in business (and life) we are under pressures and deadlines to get moving on a project that we don’t take the time to determine just what we want or need to accomplish! Other times we may be so enthusiastic about starting our own businesses or beginning an assignment that we go off half cocked – without a specific goal or goals in mind. How wasteful is that?

Take time to give some serious thought to what you want to accomplish. Then, write down those goals and post them somewhere you can easily spot them. Make the commitment that if activities come up that distract you or don’t move you toward your goals or the success you seek, you’re going to ignore them or just say no. At first, this may be difficult, but, if you’re honest with yourself, you know there are plenty of days you spend on busy work or activities that you’ve always done but have no real point. When you stay focused, you’ll be able to face the challenges more clearly and competently as well as take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves.

So, keep your eye on the prize and enjoy much success! Please, feel free to share this bit of learned wisdom with your friends and colleagues. That’s my definition of success.

For a long time, I was too lazy and/or too scared to really step out there and do the things I’ve always thought about doing. I mean, when you’re in business for yourself, it’s intimidating to spend time and money on projects that might not bring returns for a year or more. Finally, in spite of myself, I decided to take the first steps. I had always thought of writing a book, but I just couldn’t get started – no matter how many videos I watched or how many “how to” articles I read. Then, one day, in one of the Linkedin groups to which I belong, Erika Gilchrist approached me about writing a chapter in a book she was editing. Just one chapter – I could do that. So, I signed on.

Let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. Not only was the experience fun and disciplining, but it also gave me the opportunity to meet 23 other women from around the world who also contributed chapters. We’ve had Google hangouts and shared backgrounds and life experiences. It’s been amazing. Maya Watson, marketing manager from Harpo Productions, even wrote a whazoo wonderful forward. Best of all, we’ve produced a meaningful book that has shared so much knowledge and provided tangible pointers that have changed lives — and not just ours! It probably won’t be a NY Times Best Seller, but it’s doing well. (You can read more about the particulars on my website www.jkecommunciations.com )

So, don’t allow laziness or fear to hold you back. “Fear is a sign of growth. It means you are stretching and doing something you haven’t done before.” Gloria Steinem

As a public relations and communications professional, I cannot understand the thinking of the previous and current leaders at PSU. What did they think would be the benefits of keeping this whole issue quiet? If they had publicly addressed the situation when it initially occurred and taken action, I believe everyone would have respected their decisions. They may not have been happy, but they would have realized it was the right thing to do.

As it is, so much of the trust and credibility that the University had built upon over the years is gone. Reputations and careers have been ruined, faith has been lost and so many doubts have been raised. What else has the school covered up or ignored? For that matter, how many other schools with strong, impressive programs have done similar things?

More than transparency in the board’s future decisions, the school needs to establish and enforce ethics policies. No programs or individuals can stand above them.

Do your employees frequently interrupt you with problems? Rather than be pleased about this, you should be alarmed. Problems need to be solved at the lowest level possible – and employees should have the authority to solve them as quickly and appropriately as possible. If this is not your company’s current culture, it should be targeted in 2012.

Too big a jump to be attempted at once? Let your teams know they cannot come to you unless they have three possible solutions to the problem. You’ll be surprised what happens. Number one, you’ll have a lot less problems appearing at your door. Number two, you’ll have a more determined and motivated workforce. Number three, when your employees do come to you, very often they will already have the solution. Give it a try!