In the workplace, and in our personal lives, we tend to come to conclusions and develop opinions quickly. We get attached to our conception of the matter at hand, believing we have the answer. Our reaction to others’ ideas can convey, “I’m right, you’re wrong.” We can benefit from being less vested in […]
Read More →When leaders accept a new role, or move to a new company, they enter with the intention of having measurable impact; to deliver on the promise their unique portfolio of experiences, skills and potential holds. As a coach, I’m often in the position of encouraging them to take the long view: First, get […]
Read More →Two recent client coaching sessions inspired me to share with you the way the workplace is shifting. Today’s leaders must understand that the old rules no longer apply in this era of diversity and the need for constant innovation, which an be derived by gathering input from all levels of an organization. Lesson #1 : Coaching […]
Read More →Coaching the senior team as they prepared for a department-wide meeting about recent employee survey results, I listened as they talked about sharing the findings. When they began discussing a timeline for getting back to employees with solutions to the problems raised, I had to put the brakes on. “This idea,” I said […]
Read More →During a dinner conversation, a friend talked about how much she hates the Atlantic City Expressway. She said she never takes it; she hates it. The intensity of her disdain – verbal and nonverbal – for the AC Expressway was palpable. It sat at the table like an undesirable guest determined to ruin […]
Read More →A senior leader asked me to work with him on several challenges, one of which is to how to get his team to be more participative during staff meetings. Of course, he invited me to a staff meeting to witness him in action. Within ten minutes, the problem became crystal clear. He […]
Read More →To exude personal power and executive presence, insure that your spoken and unspoken messages are congruent. Nonverbal behavior is powerful, so be aware of the story your body tells! Here’s how: First, breath deeply, in a relaxed manner. You’ll feel and look calm and in control. Practice your posture in the mirror. Stand […]
Read More →Many leaders labor under LIES that limit their effectiveness. One of which is the illusion that you’re either born with executive presence or you’re out of luck. In truth, executive presence can be developed and refined. Here’s a list of key elements. Identify which are current strengths. And, select one element for stretch, […]
Read More →Did you know that many of the limitations in your life are self-imposed? I call them LIES. LIES are false ideas that limit freedom. And, L-I-E-S is an acronym for the Labels, Illusions, Excuses and Stories we allow to define our lives, professionally and personally. You know you’ve bumped into LIES in your life when: […]
Read More →Many leaders labor under LIES (labels, illusions, excuses and stories) that limit their effectiveness. One of which is the illusion that you’re either born with executive presence or you’re out of luck. In truth, executive presence can be developed and refined. Here’s a list of key elements that make up others perception of people with […]
Read More →If you’re feeling unfocused, future direction is unclear, goals and priorities are misaligned, teammates and colleagues are competing in unconstructive ways, everyone is NOT on the same page, the time may be right for a retreat. A retreat process a rare and valuable opportunity to step out of the pace of daily pressure, […]
Read More →Looking for a way to bring order to your next team meeting? Work with the group to establish mutually agreed upon behavioral norms. Here are several examples to prime the pump: Participate fully; be present and engaged. Communicate honestly and candidly; put it all on the table. Speak one at a time; […]
Read More →When my clients, individuals and organizations, want to improve in any area, I often take them through exercises designed to open their eyes to the ways in which they’re already doing what they say is needed. With that awareness, the focus shifts from “all the ways we’re falling short of the mark” to […]
Read More →Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best. “Don’t be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” In the workplace and at home, we often worry about how things are going to turn out. If we imagine the worse, or even less than the ideal […]
Read More →We tend to use the labels manager and leader interchangeably. Yet, each points to a specific role and set of competencies. Based on the work of John Kotter, here’s a quick way discern with which space – manager or leader – you identify most? Managers feel fulfilled accomplishing finite, specific tasks. Their focus […]
Read More →In the workplace and at home, we often worry about how things are going to turn out. Playing golf I’m often reminded of how difficult it is, despite expert planning and execution, to consistently control outcomes. For example, on hole #10, I hit a beautiful drive. On #11, I perform the same ritual, […]
Read More →Every organization needs a vision – a vivid description of an irresistible tomorrow that provides a sense of direction and sparks forward momentum. Vision is an inspiring, compelling statement of aspiration. Short, succinct, bold, forwarding-looking, the statement imbues your business, with a higher sense of purpose that makes work more meaningful and fulfilling. […]
Read More →We tend to use the labels manager and leader interchangeably. Yet, each points to a specific role and set of competencies. Based on the work of John Kotter, here’s a quick way to discern with which space – manager or leader – you identify most? Managers feel fulfilled accomplishing finite, specific tasks. Their focus tends […]
Read More →In a TED Talk, Clint Smith, slam poet and teacher, says silence is the residue of fear. To create a culture that reduces shame and encourages sharing, he has four rules posted in his classroom: Read critically. 2. Write consciously. 3. Speak clearly. 4. Tell your truth. Clint Smith’s message is an […]
Read More →Did you know that you’re hard wired for teamwork? Connection with others, and a sense of belonging, are important to self-esteem and wellbeing. Recent findings in neurobiology support these claims. In her research-based writings and talks, Brene Brown helps us come to grips with the ways in which we all, want and need […]
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