What better time than in the middle of a nationwide drought to talk about the one thing we all need: rain? When the heavens finally open, those of us with just the right kind of luck will be caught outdoors, on our way to important meetings, job interviews or ball games. An umbrella is a good thing to have, if you know how to use it.

When General Mills recently announced its company’s stance against the ban on same sex marriage, the uproar could be heard from both sides of this highly charged issue:  there were both cheers and jeers.  High profile organizations take such a stand only after relentlessly considering the not only issue but also the consequences of choosing a side.  Strong leadership sometimes requires making tough, even divisive, decisions sometimes.  And sometimes, strong leadership requires not taking a position at all.  Neutral is a choice, too.  The key is in knowing when to step back, and how to maintain that neutral position under scrutiny.

Summer has its dog days.  So do careers.  When work becomes too routine, or too complicated, daily tasks can seem like those heat waves that smother the lungs and keep us all from doing anything productive.  Infusing a little creativity into your summer – a picnic, a beach trip, a new fan – can spice up a day; infusing some creativity into your work can spice up a career.  Eugene Randsepp of Princeton Creative Research offers suggestions that can inspire even the most lackluster employee.  A few of my favorites:

It’s hot out there.  Half the team is on vacation and the other half might as well be, mentally at least.  Unless it’s the day before their day off, nobody is moving very quickly these days.  Now’s the time to take advantage of your competition’s summer slump and start moving fast toward your own success.

Sales people understand using slow times to lay the groundwork for new business, but non-sales people can use the same ideas to get ahead.