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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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, […]
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 →Happiness researcher, Shawn Achor, says email can make a difference in the quality and length of your life. No kidding! He suggests taking two minutes each day to write and send an email to another person – a direct report, a colleague, your boss, a customer, a supplier, a friend or family member – […]
Read More →If you’re looking to advance your career, more than likely, you’ll need experience as a manager of people and projects. Let your boss, mentor and sponsor know of your interest in developing these skills. Ask them to tap you for opportunities, and, if necessary, when opportunities pop up, nominate yourself to take the lead. For […]
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 […]
Read More →The skills and behaviors we refer to as “soft” are the hard core of what drives success. The Carnegie Institute of Technology reports that 85% of success in business comes from your ability to communicate, negotiate and lead. Only 15% is attributable to technical knowledge. Soft skills, also referred […]
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