[The Workplace] Here’s How to Say Thanks

Merrian-Webster defines “Thanks” as “a good feeling that you have towards someone who has helped you, given something to you, etc. : something done or said to express thanks —used as a less formal way to say “thank you” —often.

My colleagues at Atara Bio gave me an incredible heartfelt goodbye thanks (video here) when I moved on.  … Read the rest

How Well Do You Take Care of Yourself?

The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” Amelia Earhart

I try to take care of myself. Do you?

The five years I just spent working with Atara Bio were about as sweet as it gets; how often do you get a chance to grow a team from 3 to 300+  terrific people?

The five weeks I took when I left were sweet too.… Read the rest

Take a Break; You Need It. You Even Deserve It.

“The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” Amelia Earhart

I’m back; my break from helping take Atara Bio from 3 to 330 employees over the last five years is over. I’ve returned  to my full-time coaching practice working with execs, leadership teams and startups.

But what about somebody really important. You?

The research behind the value of taking breaks in your daily work life is overwhelming.… Read the rest

Checklist for Your Last Day on the Job

“In life sometimes, in the universe, you have to close some doors to have others open.” Gene Ween

It’s your last day on the job. How do you handle it?

Here are some thoughts.

Unless you’re embezzling and folks don’t know it, make it easy to be found. While some people prefer a blast email to folks on the broader team, I’m a fan of sending individual notes (it can be the same template – just remember to change names) to thank people who have helped you along the way.… Read the rest