Doug Fleener's

The Day Makes the Year

 Blog 

From Receptionist to Outstanding Leader Jul 14, 2023

In 1982, Karen Kaplan beat out forty other candidates to be hired as a receptionist at the advertising agency Hill Holliday. Through the years, she rose through the company to become chair and CEO...

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Stretch Like Armstrong Jul 12, 2023

Here is a condensed version of a chapter from my upcoming book, The Day Makes the Year (Makes a Life.) 

Living in the present allows us to overcome self-doubt and push ourselves beyond our...

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Ask for Help - Give to Get Jul 10, 2023

There are many times you need help from others. Never let your ego get in the way of doing so. Asking for help is not just about receiving assistance; it also creates an opportunity for you to give...

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The Even Better View Jul 10, 2023

I have this fabulous vacation house on the ocean. It’s a beautiful place to have my morning coffee. The waves are crashing. The birds are chirping. And the sun is coming up. What a wonderful...

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Developmental Bragging Jul 04, 2023

No doubt that bragging can rub people the wrong way. That is unless a leader has asked an employee to brag. Asking employees to 'brag' about their accomplishments has five benefits. 

1. ...

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It Works If You Work It Jul 03, 2023

One of my favorite slogans in recovery is, "It works if you work it." Six simple words that readily describe intentional actions and results. At the core of the phrase is the understanding that...

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Beware of the Busy Bee Medal Jun 30, 2023

Okay. There isn’t such a thing as a Busy Bee Medal. But if there were, many people would be awarding themselves one. The Busy Bee Medal is for when you think you’ve done a lot, but in...

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One Team – Better Together (part two) Jun 28, 2023

Last week I wrote about the three different types of teams:

o   The team of individuals. 

o   The splintered team. 

o   The One Team – Better...

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“Damn, I’m Good” Jun 23, 2023

It’s okay to feel like you are really good at something. Even great. Even exceptional. When you recognize the talents you have, it helps you to continue to improve yourself and your work at...

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A "Victim" of Circumstance Jun 23, 2023

I recently read an article about someone being a victim of circumstance. 

A victim of circumstance is a person perceived to be in a difficult or unfortunate situation primarily due to external...

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One Team – Better Together Jun 21, 2023

You are part of a work team unless you are a sole practitioner. Some of you are part of multiple teams. Whether a manager, owner, executive, or individual contributor, you are critical to your...

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Simplicity Vision or Pokémon GO Jun 19, 2023

Principle four of the six principles of The Day Makes the Year (Makes a Life) is, Practice Relentless Simplicity. There are almost always one or two things that matter most. Practicing Relentless...

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Assume the Best in People Jun 16, 2023

One of the easiest ways to simplify and strengthen relationships is by taking people at face value. Assume they have good intentions. In the American justice system, people are innocent until...

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Book Excerpt: Keep Your Head and Feet Aligned Jun 14, 2023

Here is a chapter from my new book, The Day Makes the Year (Makes a Life), which will be released in late summer. The book is based on six core principles for creating daily success that leads to...

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Leaders: Wait and Listen Jun 12, 2023

Most leaders are incredibly busy. They often feel like they have more to do than the time they have. That sometimes causes leaders to cut people off in conversations. They respond before the other...

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