Today I’ve been thinking about the human condition. Specifically, how we relate to each other interpersonally, and the consequences of our thoughts, words, and actions. In the last week, several situations have been shared with me (personal and professional) wherein manipulative, narcissistic, mean-spirited behaviors were described. In each case, the costs – time, financial, and…
I bet you can list the things you like best – and least – about each of your bosses. Bosses are powerful influences for better or worse, after all. I spent some time during a recent flight contemplating how many direct supervisors I had during my nineteen years in the insurance industry. Then I thought…
Ever felt a strong urge to fight or flee? You know what I’m talking about. Someone does or says something that triggers you. Your heart rate speeds up and your breath gets shallow. I feel it through a tightening across my chest. You may feel it somewhere else, but you feel it. It is how…
What if your problems were really opportunities for growth? What if, rather than being damaging sources of angst, frustration, disconnection, and fear, your “problems” were actually opportunities to expand your capacity for awesome things like wisdom, creativity, patience, and connecting? The truth is, with a new perspective all of our problems can transform into meaningful…
A new client asked me a terrific question during lunch last week: “How do you win over someone who is resistant to you?” To which I replied: “I don’t know, have I started winning you over yet?” We laughed, but my responsive question was intended to be thought provoking. You see, a short time earlier,…
The other day I was talking with a leader I admire about the importance of authenticity in leadership. We were discussing a particular issue within her organization and she said “I feel like I never hear anything authentic from him. There isn’t much I can do (for him) if he doesn’t get real.” Simultaneously, I…
Today is Dr. Martin Luther King day. A day we remember and honor him for his peaceful and hope-filled approach to conflict resolution. His quote “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” has resonated with…
This week I have an oh-so-critical message for you: You are not a victim. If you truly want to be more successful with (fill in blank) it is time for you to start owning your results. If you don’t like them, or would like to improve on them, you must make changes with regard to…
Wow, it is 2017! The new year always feels so fresh to me. Even though nothing (except the date of course) truly changes between 11:59 p.m. on December 31 and 12:00 a.m. on January 1, it still feels significant – like 365 brand new days holding the promise of new opportunity. Opportunities to show-up, be…
The last couple of weeks of the year are such a crazy-busy time. At work we scramble to get everything done with “skeleton” crews, and there is so much to do outside of work. Preparing for our holiday celebrations, braving the shopping crowds and, ugh, the traffic! As we all move through the last two…
Have you ever gotten sucked into someone else’s nasty mood? I narrowly escaped catching a bad attitude last week. I was sitting in the waiting room at my doctor’s office, and a woman at the counter was fussing at the receptionist because they called her the day before and left her a message, but she…
Gratitude: A feeling of appreciation or thanks. (Source: Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary) As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, and kick-off the “holiday season”, I want to share one of the easiest ways to keep your peace through all the preparation, hustle and bustle, and time with friends and family: Practice gratitude. Studies have proven the feeling…