Every moment of every day, your company’s culture makes itself evident – to those who live and work in and to visitors. Recently, I was facilitating a large group meeting. Several members of the workforce arrived before management. They milled around for a while, found seats and got comfortable, chatted briefly, scanned their […]
Read More →Ever wake up in a foul mood, feeling blah, grumpy, frustrated. You feel off your game, off balance, just not quite your usual self. Such feelings can and do grab hold of the best of us. Here are a few techniques to try when you need to shake off the nastys: For one […]
Read More →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →If you’re a person who supports the growth and development of others, pay close attention to the words of wisdom you share with them. Most probably it’s exactly what you need hear and heed. For example, be as courageous as you encourage others to be. Take bold action to achieve your goals. […]
Read More →If you’re among the more than 9.7 million unemployed, and you’ve experienced gaps between jobs, here are five strategies you can put to use to remain active in your search and show prospective employers you have the ability to use your time and talent constructively. Network even more. Don’t hide behind your […]
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 →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 […]
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