CEO Slip-ups: Have you Ever Made a Big Mistake at Work?

When CEO’s explain or recall their business blunders of the past, they usually state they learned something and at the very least learned to survive what could have been a pure nightmare.  Some business CEO tips for surviving are as follows:

  • try to learn from something bad or else the experience was useless.
  • don’t be afraid to show your true self to the world, it may give you the world.
  • Don’t be afraid of not being liked ALL of the time.
  • be a great observer…try not to jump into things without spending some time observing first.
  • realize you are less likely to notice your own errors so double, no, triple check yourself and your work.
  • There is a quote by famous Director, Paul Weitz…”If you’re worried about being perfect, you’ll never come up with anything good”. Accept and adapt to your imperfections.
  • be knowledgeable about things around you and your business and be prepared for at least two different scenarios for everything you do.

Optimism in the Workplace

During a recession or in difficult economic times, it’s been revealed that employees are more unhappy with their jobs. This goes against what most of us would think. Wouldn’t people be happy they have a job when so many others don’t or when there is a shortage of jobs in the U.S, land of plenty? During a recession people also spend more money on entertainment. And you’d think we couldn’t afford those things if we are struggling just paying for the basics.

What does all this information tell us? People usually work harder for the same wages during a recession- maybe they’re doing the job of two people instead of one. Currently there is probably a lot of unhappy workers and workplace negativity. People want to be happy right now- they spend money to cheer themselves up rather than pay bills.

How do you create optimism in the workplace?

  • Diagnose unhappiness. Find out what is making employees unhappy.
  • Set attainable goals  that everyone can get involved with.
  • Many companies are trying to cut costs, but unhappy workers take more sick days, steal things from the company, and wasted more time at work. It’s best to give employees incentives, contests, rewards, recognitions, and ways they can earn even a small bonus. This seems like you are spending more money, but it will save you.
  •  Turn extra work into a project they can feel a part of and proud to accomplish.
  • If you are manager, CEO, CIO, or any level of management, remember you set the tone for the company. Smile more yourself.