Intense business demands can lead to highly task-focused leaders whose myopic approach to getting things done can be productive and it can be harmful, especially if they view people-focused activities as inefficient and a waste of time. Because, nothing could be further from the truth. The Harvard Business Review says it’s just as important to focus on […]

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If you’ve been labeled shy, aloof, arrogant, distant or reserved, here are a few tips that could help you be experienced as more approachable: Be the first to speak. Initiate interaction. Don’t wait to be approached. When conversing, make steady eye contact. Don’t stare the person down, but connect enough, eye-to-eye, to give the other […]

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The Pitfalls of Inconsistent Leadership Emotionally intelligent leaders are consistent. Consistency creates a sense of emotional stability and safety. Without consistency, your team is likely to be unaligned and not optimally productive. If a leader allows his mood or emotions to drive how he interacts with his team, those who report to him won’t know […]

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Why Executive or Leadership Presence Is Important I’m often asked to speak on the topic of Executive Presence. It is something that may seem superficial to some, but for existing and rising leaders, being able to command respect is part of the success equation. Here’s why executive presence is so important. We make split-second judgments […]

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Abraham Maslow’s approach to psychology was unique.  He was the man responsible for identifying our “Hierarchy of Needs,” which describes how human beings prioritize getting their needs met.  His diagram placed the most pressing “psychological” or basic needs at the bottom of the pyramid. Breathing, food, water, sex and sleep are among the basic needs […]

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Remember when your mother told you to sit up straight?  She knew what she was talking about.  Research has validated her good advice. Adoree Durayappah’s article in Psychology Today points out that when a person adopts the upright posture Mom always encouraged, they act in ways that represent power.  And interestingly, as the article points out, “the […]

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Remember when your mother told you to sit up straight?  She knew what she was talking about.  Research has validated her good advice. Adoree Durayappah’s article in Psychology Today points out that when a person adopts the upright posture Mom always encouraged, they act in ways that represent power.  And interestingly, as the article points […]

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Do you apologize for everything?  For mistakes others make?  For expressing an opinion that might be unpopular?  For walking into a room?  Do you take the blame for things that have nothing to do with you?  Or when something is clearly someone else’s fault? If you over-apologize, you’re not alone.  For women, it’s very common […]

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Do you ever feel like you’re not really competent, but everyone else is?  Do you sometimes feel like you’re acting as if you belong, but you don’t.  Figure that it won’t be long until you’re found out?  When others praise your work or compliment you, do you doubt their sincerity or feel like the recognition […]

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Dear Teressa, Any advice on how I can get more people to speak up in my meetings?  ~John V.   John, I’m glad to hear that you’re a leader who wants more voices in the conversation – more people engaged and contributing. Here are several strategies that have worked for a number of my clients.  […]

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I voluntarily had myself videotaped twice in the last few weeks. One taping was of a keynote address, the other of a golf lesson.  Both were incredibly instructive.  I picked up specific behaviors, many of them subtle, that I could only fully understand by watching myself in action.  Pictures really speak thousands of words, but […]

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You’re about to engage in a difficult, yet crucial conversation – one where emotional tensions are high, you’re intent on proving a point, being right and prevailing.  Often times, there’s little warning.  You may suddenly find yourself in the middle of a response before you’ve properly assessed the situation. When difficult conversations don’t happen, problems […]

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Charles, a senior-level coaching client, told me that early in his career, his mentor advised him to be smart enough to be humble, versus proving how smart he is. No matter the job level of the person he’s interacting with, Charles’ mode of operation is always to be collegial and collaborative. Here are the principles that […]

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The new year is about new beginnings.  Which makes the announcement of my new website TeressaMooreGriffin.com rather timely. I’ve spent decades successfully helping executives become more effective and purpose-driven in their jobs.  Over the years I’ve seen the role of leadership change from that which is exclusive to the very top echelon of a company […]

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Try this for just one day and notice the impact on you and on others.  Listen more.  Listen to understand.  Listen to learn.  Listen to empathize.  Listen to validate. Don’t worry.  You won’t become invisible, powerless or less impactful.  In fact, you will become more visible because you’ll stand out as someone who cares in a […]

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LIES That Limit discusses culture – familial, racial, religious, regional, national, etc. – Each has its intended and unintentional impact in the way culture is passed on, not only through the rational, spoken messages we receive, but also through invisible, energetic exchanges.  Now, I understand such transmissions to be the magical work of mirror neurons.  Now, […]

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Taking the Sting Out of Giving Feedback About Work-Appropriate Dress The way we look is a very personal and sensitive matter. Yet, physical appearance defines our image – our brand – and influences the way others see us. It impacts our credibility and plays a significant role in opening and closing doors to opportunity. Talent […]

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