This is the season for office parties. I hope you’re planning to attend yours. Here are a couple to tips to help you get through the event , your reputation and career unscathed. No embarrassing or unprofessional poses. Yes…that’s an old one that conjures up images of butts on Xerox machines. But this […]
Read More →Ken Blanchard says there are four key elements leaders should keep in mind when building or restoring trust. Demonstrate that you’re ABLE to get the job done and produce results while providing people with necessary resources and information. Show up as consistent, BELIEVABLE, honest, fair, equitable and transparent in your dealings with people. […]
Read More →Initially a reluctant client, Michael began our scheduled meeting in an unexpected way. He said he wanted to talk about the difference our work has made for him. Michael had become a convert. He said, “Over the last six months, you’ve been a part of every critical event, every defining moment, in my […]
Read More →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 →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 →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 →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 →
