Archive of Prior Articles




These articles were originally published as a syndicated column by Jo Hawkins Donovan and are copyrighted, ©2001-2008 Jo Hawkins Donovan. All Rights Reserved. Current articles can be found in Small Business Times - www.biztimes.com, 1123 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 and in the Baltimore Smart CEO.

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  Handling change How to make the transition
  Back to school Take advantage of great local resources
  'The Power of Play' Get the most out of your life
  Power struggle Eliminate the politics in your company
  Changes in attitude 'Self-talk' can help us improve relationships
  What worries you? Common dilemmas rob business owners of sleep
  Mistakes happen Don't be afraid to take risks that lead to growth
  What lies beneath Busy business owners may be blinded to deeper issues
  Exhale What kind of leader do you want to be?
  A good start Make an effort to help new employees
  Straight talk 'Fierce Conversations' can change your company
  Having fun? If your employees are not, retaining talent will be difficult
  Help your employees Create a work environment full of support, encouragement and truth
  Stellar customer service Every employee reflects on the company
  Boomers and your business Are you ready for the aging workforce?
  Get excited Determine your passion and show some enthusiasm
  'Do it now' Follow this checklist for success
  The entrepreneurial spirit Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams
  Clear out the clutter Streamline your business and your life in 2007
  Everyone loves to be thanked Acknowledge your employees' good work
  Mind your manners Proper etiquette is good for business
  Just the facts Don’t let your imagination make life worse than reality
  That voice in your head Positive reinforcement becomes habit-forming
  Divided attention Are you too connected?
  Pay attention to retention Try to avoid the high cost of turnover
  Everyone is in sales You can learn how to coach your employees
  Let them laugh Employees are more productive when they have fun at the office
  Time out Bring sanity to your hectic lifestyle
  Rue the 'work flu' Does your work week need a trim?
  Be true to yourself Don't be afraid to think big and pursue your ultimate dreams
  Body language Manage the micromessages you send to others
  Full circle Fads come and go, but sound business principles are timeless
  Inspired leadership Employees will perform for leaders they trust
  Katrina's aftermath Could your business survive a disaster?
  Honest feedback Employees can often make great coaches
  Listen up Tune in to the people and events around you
  Working together Inspired teams fuel winning companies
  Transformers Changing your corporate culture may take time, but it's worth it
  Three Wishes Waving a magic wand over corporate America
  Moving up How to handle the big job promotion
  Name recognition Branding is important for businesses of all sizes
  Have no fear Successful business executives overcome public speaking phobia
  Start fresh Begin 2005 with a clean slate and a clean desk
  Create a buzz Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool
  Lead an inspired life Caring for your workers will yield better performance
  Take a breath Business leaders must take time to refresh
  Go for it How to overcome your fears and strive for your dreams
  Fierce conversations Get the most out of your talks with others
  Redefining Retirement Careful planning can make retirement more enjoyable
  Parallel paths to great leadership Meditation can help you become a more effective leader
  Does your personal 30-second synopsis convey the right message?
  They're not machines  Investing in human capital or in new technology? Is it the same?
  The natural coach  For John Waldbauer, bringing out the best in people came easily
  What is coaching, anyway?
  What do you expect?  As businesses run leaner, leaders need to be very clear with employees on expectations
  Talent Management  Why you need a plan for replacing yourself at your business
  Believe in yourself  Why it's important to get from 'Aw; shucks' to 'Wow, thanks!'
  A culture of brilliance  Does your organization have what it takes to foster growth?
  Where is your greatness?
  Art for business's sake  The business community becomes stronger when the arts are supported
  Anxious times  War fosters uneasy feelings in all of us
  Getting smart on emotions
  Hurry up and wait  The gift of the new year: 8,760 time dollars
  What I know for sure  Truth is Essential in Business
  Find the rhythm that fits your skin now; and then create your days to honor that rhythm
  Keeping your staff informed when your firm faces economic challenges
  Engendering That Goose-bumps Feeling:  Are the things you do filled with passion?
  If Not Now, When?:  Don't let your dream go unfulfilled
  Putting Excess on Hold:  What do we know about the meaning of the word 'enough'?
  The Entrepreneurial Edge:  Like a great golfer, a business leader needs to continually sharpen his skills
  No, You Haven't Done Anything Wrong:  Coaching isn't about correcting, it's about builing on strengths
  Wisdom of the Elders:  In our youth-oriented culture, we neglect the treasures of experience
  Tuning In:  It's not squealing, it's feedback
  Bad Apples, Bad Barrels, or Both?:  Many factors can foster unethical behavior in the workplace
  Closely Held Secrets:  Avoiding the pitfalls that family-held business face
  The Lesson of Janus:  Look back, look ahead
  Searching for Meaning:  Building a life you love from the ground up
  Dealing With Anxiety:  Here's how you and your staff can lessen the emotional strain
  How Can I Help You?:  Response to Sept. 11 showed business at its best
  Women in Power:  Finding some ground between the bully broad and the doormat
  Trust In The Workplace:  It's the job of each of us to be in charge of our lives, our careers
  Face It:  Six steps to overcome fears of handling confrontation in the workplace.
  Motivation:  Getting from 'it's just a paycheck' to 'I love my work'
  Change Is All Around:  In today's business world, reorganization happens every day
  Uncertain Times:  How to realize you have the courage to make it down the daunting slope
  What's Bugging You?:  Free up energy by learning to zap away annoyances that you're tolerating.
  In Control:  A safety belt for the entrepreneurial edge
  Inner Vision:  Follow these steps to be the person you were meant to be
  It's About Time:  Time isnt' a problem to be managed, it's a question of what people value
  Finding Meaning:  If it's just a 'job', how do you bring passion, spirit to the workplace?
  What if I Fail?:  The fear of making mistakes is a great impediment to growth.
  September Winds:  Look at change as an opportunity to springboard to new beginnings.
  Par Value:  On the course or in the office, you need a plan that's flexible
  True Leaders Truly Know Themselves
  Emotional Rescue:  Is the 'Bobby Knight Syndrome' hurting your effectiveness as a business leader?

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