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Looking for wonder as a leadership lesson
“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” ~E.B. White (Charlotte’s Web) Who didn’t read – and love – Charlotte’s Web when they were young? And cry when Charlotte died? It is truly a classic, and there are many reasons why, but I believe one great reason...
Managing yourself out of the picture
I often counsel my clients to make themselves dispensable. They often question me when I suggest that, but I mean it. Part of a leader’s or manager’s role is to make sure that their team can survive without them – to manage themselves out of the picture. Now, you...
What nests are in your hair?
“That the birds of worry and care fly above your head, this you cannot change. But that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent.” ~Chinese proverb Every time I read this quote I invariably envision nests in my hair – and I laugh. Yet how often do I, do we,...
Beat the winter blues AND show up as your best self
This time of year, in the middle of winter, I often find myself feeling fatigued and dragging a bit. I want to put away the bulky coats, scarves and gloves, enjoy more daylight, and feel the warmth of the sun. It is also a time when I am reminded to practice good...
Why it’s impossible to avoid criticism
"There is only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing." ~Aristotle A client was telling me today about a difficulty she was having with a leader at her company. “He always comes in looking for what’s wrong,” she said, “I hate that.” “Why?”...
Caution: Don’t ask if you won’t act
The phrase, “Feedback is a gift,” is so true. Without it, many of us would walk around completely clueless about what our true strengths are, what we suck at, and what impact our behaviors are having on other people. And without feedback, we may not be able to make...
Beware of groupthink
“When all think alike, no one thinks very much.” ~Walter Lippman One of my clients was complaining about her work team during our session. I usually don’t let my clients complain for very long, as I’ve found that it never really accomplishes very much, but this time I...
Do you and do it all the way
Many of our clients come to us believing that there is a perfect way to be a leader – that there are specific things they’re supposed to do and specific ways they are supposed to be in order to be a good leader. They somehow believe that leadership is a “one size fits...
Are you using your strengths wisely?
“Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength.” ~Henry Ward Beecher The other day a client and I were talking through her Leadership Circle Profile™ 360° feedback assessment. We were discussing her “Reactive Tendencies” – those “fight, flight,...
Skipping to work, bounding up the stairs, and other signs we love our jobs
Years ago a client shared with me the title of the book he intended to write, Skipping to work. That idea has stayed with me since. I share it whenever I can with others (while always crediting my client with the concept), and aim for it myself. What would life be...
Look for the stars
“When it gets dark enough, you can see the stars.” ~Charles A. Beard Life has a way of throwing darkness at us. There are moments that seem so dismal and tough – pitch black, no way out, can’t even see where we’re going. I’ve found these moments to be the times when...
Five questions to foster stellar managers and happier workplaces
I became a consultant and coach because I wanted to help create better, happier workplaces. I have seen too many unhappy, frustrated, stressed-out people at work. There were times in my career when I was one of those people. While I know that there are many reasons...
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