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The Thoughtful Leaders™ BlogI could be wrong
I am convinced that there would be less conflict in life – even in the world – if more of us were willing and able to admit that we might be wrong. Whenever I get most stuck with colleagues, clients, or family members, it is invariably because both parties (noticeably myself included) are convinced that they are right. That their opinion is “Truth,” and that this Truth is the only real and valid truth. Related Posts:Leave a ReplyWhat is your greatest strength?
A great way to find your strengths is to do some research. To spend time in reflection; to look around you and notice what you love, what you excel at, where you truly shine. Your research should include asking others – to reach out to those people who know you really well and ask them to notice and to list the best things that make you you. Noticing the strengths in others, and contemplating which of those you might also possess, is another way to find your strengths. Related Posts:Leave a ReplyWhere are you limiting your accomplishments?
One of the ways we start many of our client engagements is with an OEA – our Organizational Effectiveness Assessment. This allows us to gather anonymous input from our clients’ employees as to what’s working at the organization, and what isn’t. One of the workplace issues that often arise is the taking of credit and the placement of blame. It seems that way too many managers and leaders, at least in eyes of those that report to them, are too eager to take credit and too willing to place blame. Related Posts:Leave a ReplyTips for dealing with difficult people
Here’s what happened: As I settled into my chair in the front of the room, I heard a woman (Let’s call her Pat) behind me speaking in very irritated and angry tones. It seemed that someone had moved her belongings to another chair while she was up getting coffee. Pat clearly took this as an affront and fussed, mostly to herself, about inconsiderate and rude people. I noticed that people around her were looking somewhat uncomfortable. Related Posts:Leave a ReplyGet angry…and get over it
Anger is underrated. Or over-criticized. Too much anger can certainly be destructive – personally, professionally, mentally, and physically. However, too little anger can also wreak havoc. A client recently shared with me a situation he was facing at work. He felt judged, unsupported, and criticized by a co-worker…and he was proudly telling me how he took it all in stride, didn’t even feel angry, and simply went on. When I asked him if he was experiencing any lack of patience at home, or tiredness and headaches, he sheepishly said yes to a few of those, and asked me why. Related Posts:Leave a ReplyFACE forward for successful networking
To be a great networker, we recommend to clients that they put their best FACE forward – that they be Focused, Authentic, Confident, and Enthusiastic. While it is important to get your three-minute elevator speech down pat and to articulate the benefits of what you offer to others, focusing on FACE helps you to connect more strongly with others, which is what networking is all about – building relationships. And while it can be scary to network with others, as we suggest in our recent blog, There is no try, only do. There is not do, only be. sometimes we have to simply get out there and do it, and at the same time, be intentional and thoughtful about what we’re doing. Related Posts:Leave a ReplyStop shoulding!
I learned this pithy saying years ago, and it still makes me smile. So often we “should” on ourselves. We run the list of our “shoulds” – to ourselves or others. “I should answer this email.” “I should volunteer at my kid’s school.” “I should work late even though I’m exhausted.” “I should exercise more often.” “I should sign up for an evening class.” “I should learn a foreign language.” While many of these shoulds are admirable, when we list our shoulds we pile on the pressure (and the self-dislike when we don’t meet our own expectations). In a recent blog post, Hit the pause button, we shared how stepping away from all the “shoulds” in our lives for even a brief moment can help us refresh and come back stronger and with more clarity. Related Posts:Leave a ReplyDo you have what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur?
Related Posts:Leave a ReplyChange is a chance to grow
I learned in high school physics that an object at rest likes to stay at rest…and sometimes I think that defines how most of us approach life. While moving and changing can be a wonderful thing, so often we get stuck in ruts without even knowing it. “This is how I’ve always done it,” we think, “and it works just fine.” “Don’t fix it if it’s not broken,” people share. Life goes on and we stay how and where we are. Related Posts:Leave a Reply |
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To grow as a leader, or in any endeavor, it is essential to build upon your strengths. And in order to do that, you must be aware of your strengths – the specific things that make you you, that make you great, and that make you good at what you do. This awareness is something many of us have trouble identifying and embracing.
Recently I attended a workshop led by two dynamic facilitators. Their credentials, renown, and years of experience certainly were impressive, but it was their handling of one incident during the session that truly highlighted their mastery of facilitation and connection to others and provided a great leadership lesson for dealing with difficult people.
Just this morning I kicked off a corporate speed networking session at the 
As a coach and consultant, research on leadership behaviors are always fascinating to me – and, when it focuses on women leaders, it really piques my interest. One report developed by our friends at Performance Programs, Inc., a research firm specializing in industrial psychology and psychometrics, in conjunction with Wenroth Consulting Group, looked at the traits that high-achieving women exhibit in both corporate and entrepreneurial careers. Having been on both sides of the fence, I was curious to see what the differences were between successful corporate women and successful women entrepreneurs.
