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 →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 →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 →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 […]
Read More →You impact the experience of inclusion in your workplace. So, don’t wait for a training program, a new company policy or for an expert to share best practices. With the positive intention of fostering constructive connection, take the initiative to reach out to others. Take simple steps like showing a new person around […]
Read More →Here are a few ideas for boosting workplace morale. Each is deceptively simple, but very effective: For one-on-one conversations, or group meetings, turn off your cell phone. Put it away. Respond to messages and texts later. When someone enters your workspace, turn and face her. Give the quality of eye contact that […]
Read More →In a stimulating TED Talk, Eddie Obeng describes what he calls, “smart failure for a fast-changing world.” He presents several ideas, which impact every business, and about which it’s good to be reminded. He says, yesterday’s correct answers are not today’s…no solution lasts forever; many of our good ideas and plans are obsolete […]
Read More →A recently promoted coaching client was surprised to find that her new group of all highly skilled professionals didn’t operate as a team. Her approach to strengthening teamwork was simple and effective. 1. During weekly meetings, she had the team identify and discuss the linkage between their various, individual work-streams, as well as broader organizational goals. […]
Read More →Here is a checklist of 13 behaviors, developed by Stephen Covey, you can learn and apply that will help you generate greater trust and create better results. Talk straight. Tell the truth. Let people know where you stand. Demonstrate concern. Show you care. Treat others respectfully. Create transparency. Be open and authentic, no hidden agendas. […]
Read More →The next time you have a difference of opinion with someone, before beginning an argument or concluding they’re wrong or crazy, practice the skill of Inquiry. Inquiry is a respectful way of probing in order to better understand another’s reasoning and can help you avoid drawing faulty conclusions based on false assumptions about what’s going […]
Read More →The level of trust in your organization impacts the bottom line. When trust is low, so is morale. Disengaged employees quit working, but keep showing up at the office. Turnover among the most capable and competent workers increases. Productivity decreases. Redundancy, held in place by bureaucratic silos, saps vitality and strengthens the potential for toxic […]
Read More →A recently promoted coaching client was surprised to find that her new group of all highly skilled professionals didn’t operate as a team. Her approach to strengthening teamwork was simple and effective. 1. During weekly meetings, she had the team identify and discuss the linkage between their various, individual work-streams, as well as broader […]
Read More →If you’re looking for a mentor, show up as a great prospect. Here are characteristics a number of senior leaders say they look for in mentees. Someone who: Knows their strengths and wants to learn how to fully leverage them. Has strong opinions, is willing to express and substantiate them, while remaining open, flexible and […]
Read More →Is there someone in your workplace whose behavior and career you’re watching? Do you interact with them in ways that make your professional interest evident? Human beings need to feel seen and cared about. If you’ve not explicitly acknowledged your interest in the person’s growth, do so. Reach out and help by coaching, mentoring, or […]
Read More →Growing up, did you hear the adage, “You’ve got work hard to get ahead?” Today, we know hard work is important; and we know it isn’t enough to create and sustain success. In fact, hard work can trap you, causing you to keep your nose so close to the […]
Read More →Coaching is no longer a perk, exclusive to the domain of senior executives. In a survey of 18,800 workers, the International Coach Federation reports that 35% of respondents between the ages of 25 and 34 say they have already utilized the services of a coach. Today, from millennials to […]
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