Emotional Intelligence – the ability to understand others and ourselves, is a powerful business tool, no matter your role or job level. When you’re self-aware, in control of your emotions, able to relate well to others, and motivated to achieve goals, your high EQ facilitates success in a number of ways, including: Increasing […]

Read More →

  A CareerBuilders survey says 71% of employers value emotional intelligence, or EQ, over IQ. Many employers believe people can be taught “hard,” or technical skillls more readily than EQ, the required softer, human relations skills. I agree with their assessment. For more than 30 years as a speaker, leadership development expert and executive coach, […]

Read More →

  In your professional and personal life, problems that persist are a valuable source of feedback. Yet, we often ignore the opportunity they present. Instead of looking within for solutions, we tend to look outside of ourselves for someone or something to blame. When you hear yourself thinking or saying, “They started this. It’s not […]

Read More →

    If you want to help foster Inclusion in your world, get curious about yourself, and others. If you’re unaware of your diversity, begin a process of self-discovery. Get to know how your cultural conditioning shapes your mindset, values and the way you see others. Learn about your personal style – your personality and […]

Read More →

    Whether delivering a keynote, facilitating a learning experience or coaching clients, today, there’s a lot of buzz about Inclusion. People seem to feel more comfortable with the concept than they are with the term Diversity. I understand their thinking and respect their feelings. Yet, the not-so-subtle reality is Inclusion becomes a viable possibility […]

Read More →

  Do the people in your life know how good you feel about them? How proud you are of his performance. How optimistic you are about her future. How excited you are about his new venture. Or the fact that you admire her skill as a presenter, appreciate her can-do attitude, enjoy his cheerful smile […]

Read More →

  In the workplace, and in your personal life, when problematic situations occur, invite those affected to work with you on the solution. You don’t have to have all the answers. In fact, even if you know the answer, it’s better to involve others in co-creating solutions, especially if they have to live with the […]

Read More →

  Effective self-management is dependent on your level self-awareness. If it’s high, even in emotionally charged situations, you’ll be in tune with your inner self and better able to control your impulse to act in ways that might not serve you or others. When you’re able to accurately perceive your emotions, in the moment, and […]

Read More →

  Here are two strategies you can implement today to develop your direct reports. Invite a team member to join you for your next important meeting with customers, peers or senior management. Explain the purpose of the meeting, in advance. Prep the person for a role such as presenting a topic or documenting follow-up items. […]

Read More →

    I have a number of coaching clients who have long commutes.  They bike, drive, take trains, subways, buses, or some combination thereof.  A good number of them use the time to boost their sense of happiness. For example: Some drive in silence and use the quiet time to meditate on the day ahead, […]

Read More →

  If you’ve been thinking about hiring a coach for one of your reports, check your intentions. Do NOT hire a coach for an employee if you’re using the coach to avoid the tedious, frustrating task of motivating a resistant learner; giving candid feedback on sensitive subjects; or delivering a tough message about poor performance […]

Read More →

    Whether you’re the big boss, a middle manager, or an employee on the frontlines working to advance business goals, you can increase cooperation and support by being transparent about what you’re doing and why. Target the content of your WHAT and WHY story so it’s audience appropriate.  Solicit feedback from key stakeholders and […]

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 →

    To have a lasting impact as a leader, develop your people! Stop being so task-oriented, to-do-list driven, scheduled to the hilt. Your people need you! Make time to lead and grow your biggest asset. Meet one-on-one with your reports, regularly, to discuss the specifics of their role, major projects and their current performance. […]

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 →

  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 →

    If you’re a current member of the workforce, whether you’re the CEO, a middle manager, administrative assistant, or the security guard, continual learning and growth are key to your success. Today, all workers and and their jobs are impacted by rapid changes in technology, as well as market forces that are often unpredictable […]

Read More →

  You can boost employee trust, loyalty and engagement through the use of one simple strategy:  put emphasis on developing your people.  Here are two ways to do just that. 1.  Regularly provide behavior-based feedback, as evidence of your interest in supporting each person’s success.  Remember the 5 to 1 ratio – offer 5 appreciative […]

Read More →

      Like any classic, Bernard Bass’s book, Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations, remains relevant 30 years post-publication. He said leaders who transform their environment, and the people around them: -Demonstrates integrity and fairness. -Sets clear goals that require stretch. -Has high expectations of herself and others. -Encourages others to perform well – to […]

Read More →