In the News

Many executives are making big leaps these days. They land complex, powerful posts where they command dozens, hundreds or even thousands of associates for the first time. But a vastly larger role might overwhelm the unprepared, several executives and management specialists say.

After a summer holiday slipping back into work mode can be a challenge.

Being greeted by an overflowing inbox and a hectic meeting schedule may cause you to suffer from the back-to-work blues, making it difficult to focus on that mountain of work in front of you. Business coach Robyn McLeod, says succumbing to the pressure to speed back into work can undo any benefits you may have received from taking a break.

I have that voice in my head. You know, the one that jumps in quickly to tell me what a f—k up I am? Or that is always willing to second-guess a decision I’ve made or action I’ve taken? That willingly questions me and critiques me, and often therefore sabotages me?

I have that voice so much that I gave her a name. She’s “my editor,” and boy does she invariably have something to say…and usually something to say that beats me up (or down).

We have a saying in my house. Or at least I do. “That’s right, I was done talking,” I share when someone interrupts me. “I wasn’t just taking a breath.”

Why is it that we, or at least many of us, feel the need to jump in with our thoughts and comments before the person we’re speaking with is done? We cut others off mid-thought, mid-sentence, and even mid-word sometimes, and somehow think it’s okay.

We all know what red flags are – those flashing signals that tell you that something is awry, that there is an issue brewing with someone. When we see those red flags, we are on high alert, on guard, tuned to see if the red flag is giving us important information and warning us of potential landmines in our midst.

Summer is a time many of us look forward to and long for. Long days. Chilling in a hammock or on the beach. Barbeques, cold beers, time just hanging with friends…or playing with our kids. We remember the endless summers of our youth – catching fireflies, licking dripping ice cream cones and bomb pops, spending afternoons in the lake or the pond or the pool – and envision what a wonderful season we’ll have.

Then reality hits. There’s too much to do, too many emails to answer, and too many responsibilities.

And then it’s fall.

If you’re in the Northeast, like we are, you were hit by quite a storm. In my home, we had shoveled four times, and every time I looked outside it was as if we never shoveled at all. The snow kept coming and coming and coming, and it felt like it would never stop.

It was getting old.

That pretty much is a theme I’m hearing from clients recently. The pandemic. Leading in this new virtual way. Home schooling. Zoom calls. Divisive politics. It is all getting old.