Researchers at Northwestern University hypothesize that highly generative adults, those who are committed to their own growth and that of future generations, tell stories of redemption about their lives. Redemption stories are the form used in fairy tales and enthralling literature. Generally, while moving through life merrily, the heroine or hero encounters unexpected hardships […]
Read More →A recent Harris Poll corroborates a pattern I’ve noticed as I interact with keynote attendees, workshop participants, coachees and those with whom I consult: roughly, only one-third of adults in the US are happy and satisfied. While it’s challenging to account for the drivers of dissatisfaction and decreasing optimism, it is possible to shift […]
Read More →I see it often – leadership teams at odds with each other, despite in-the-meeting agreements. Consciously or unconsciously, it seems that once back in their realm, silo walls go up, willingness and ability to work in cross-functional partnership goes down. To facilitate more effective teamwork I structure opportunities for members to get to […]
Read More →Interviewer, or the interviewed, you know the operative belief that past behavior patterns are seen as a trustworthy predictors of future performance. It’s true; others judge us based on our history – whether experienced directly or inferred from a resume. In fact, researchers who study social systems, and the workplace is a social […]
Read More →In every aspect of our lives, relationships are critically important. Healthy relationships are clean, free of assumptions about who she is, what his intentions really are, why she said what she did, why he behaves as he does. If you want to strengthen a relationship, deepen communication by checking out assumptions, instead of acting […]
Read More →Professional speaker, Jim Rohn, says, “You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” That’s something to think about! And, it makes sense. We’re impacted by our environment – our physical surroundings and relationships. The people with whom we interact regularly influence how we think, feel and behave. Who are […]
Read More →Here are the 5 practices to integrate into the way you think and behave, when you want to enhance the level of trust on your team, feel more connected to the people you work with, day-to-day, convey expectations with clarity, confidence and compassion and be seen as a competent leader: First, recognize your […]
Read More →Do you labor under the Illusion that IQ drives effectiveness? For most roles, IQ and technical skills are important threshold capabilities – entry-level requirements. Once you rise to the levels of managing and leading, Emotional Intelligence is what sets you apart. No doubt, IQ may predict whether you’re capable of handling the cognitive challenges associated […]
Read More →Differentiate yourself from the masses – that large group of average performers – and stand out like a star. First step: strengthen your emotional intelligence – a set of personal skills identified as key drivers of outstanding performance. Research says, at all job levels, Emotional Intelligence is twice as important as your technical and […]
Read More →Recently, I heard a Vietnamese proverb that says, “When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree.” The saying called my attention to the times and ways I don’t “think of the person who planted the tree.” It reminded me that everything I accomplish, and all the conveniences and freedoms I enjoy, […]
Read More →At one point or another, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Be here now.” More and more, it’s becoming a popular expression in business circles. While sharing his 2015 goals with me, a coaching client mentioned that “Be here now,” was one of his 2015 commitments. He explained that he had already begun doing a […]
Read More →Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence, identified six leadership styles. Each style can be effective if it’s used in the appropriate situation. Four of them are especially effective in enabling teams to work well together and make the best use of the diversity of styles and skills present. They include the visionary style which […]
Read More →Does other people’s resistance to new ideas or important process changes frustrate you? Don’t dig your heels in and debate. Instead of resisting their resistance, consider their “NO,” whether stated or demonstrated through their behavior, as a call for conversation – an opportunity to more fully understand all aspects of their perspective. Ask […]
Read More →Many times, a simple shift, consistently implemented, can make a world of difference. So, instead of feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by the thought of resolutions and goals, this year, choose one simple change you care about and are willing to make. Search yourself and opt for something that’s important to you…maybe it’s to […]
Read More →Want to make 2015 your best year yet? Practice seeing the people and situations in your life with fresh eyes…eyes that view others as allies supporting your growth…eyes that see situations as opportunities to evolve and expand. Each obstacle, high hurdle, hurtful relationship, impossible situation, and daunting task calls you to let go of […]
Read More →From Thanksgiving until the New Year, appreciation, acknowledgement, gratitude, rededication, celebration, joy, peace and hope are prevalent in the awareness of many people. The meaning and energy of these kinds of words stimulate good feelings. Good feelings cause us to think more positive thoughts, and smile more. They even help us behave in […]
Read More →As invitations to work-related parties start to roll in, remember these important survival tips. In the wise words of Warren Buffet, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” So, whether you’re going to your own company’s party, your significant […]
Read More →On a recent trip to my bank, I encountered an employee who had more excuses for not helping me than solutions to my problem. She simply apologized, over and over and over again. It became clear that she wasn’t open to identifying a solution for a valued customer. She didn’t offer to call […]
Read More →A recent survey said 47.2% of people in the US are unhappy. After I read that, I decided to conduct an informal survey at a gathering of over 400 successful professionals. What I learned surprised me. Turns out, at least among that group of meeting attendees, 47.2% is optimistic! Only 20% of the […]
Read More →For nearly all of us, there are times when the pressure inside builds to overflowing. Brimming with angst of varying natures, we feel we’ll explode with the next drop of unwanted stress. It’s at that moment you need to a constructive way to open up and let out some steam. My clients tell […]
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