We are one month into 2019, and I have a new challenge for you: Lose your “should”. When working on my Master Certification in Executive Coaching, I learned how impactful it is for a client to shift from “should” to a definitive action statement. The definitive statement may be “I will” or “I won’t”, it…
Welcome to 2019! Did you make any resolutions for this new year? I didn’t. With all the hype and statistically proven lack of success attached to new year resolutions, I opted out a few years back. However, I did make a few commitments to myself. Sound like semantics? Depending on how seriously you take your…
I write on Mondays. At least I intend to write on Mondays. However, it’s five-o’clock and I’m just now putting my first words to paper. I’ve been wrestling with what to write about, this Thanksgiving week. We all need to take time to feel gratitude and take note of what we are thankful for, of course. I…
Do you pride yourself in being the one with the answers? The person who, when opinions differ or decisions need to be made, is always right? There was a time I felt that way about myself, until I realized there was something very wrong with being the person who is always right. As a leader,…
Have you ever committed to action you believed was important, only to not follow through with it? Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve taken time to reflect on the goals I set for 2017. I also looked at the actions I committed to taking, in order to accomplish them. Sadly I must admit, I flat-out…
I’ve been feeling quite “Eh” (as my beautiful daughter puts it) for a few days now. “Eh” as in not horrible, but not good. “Dull” is a good way to describe it, and it’s wearing on me. There’s no specific reason. In fact, if I tally the truly important things, everything is actually really good….
Have you ever heard someone speak who really inspired you? One whom you wanted to remember – and share – everything they said? Last week I did! I had the privilege of hearing Pat Williams speak on the seven common traits of great leaders. If somehow you are not familiar with Mr. Williams, a few…
Have you ever made an assumption about something or someone, only to find out later you were completely wrong? Oh boy, I have. In fact, just yesterday I made a few ugly assumptions about a young lady I have never even laid eyes on. When I found out how wrong I was, I felt terrible….
Have you ever felt stuck in the middle of workplace conflict? I don’t mean the one stirring the pot – that’s a topic for another day. I’m talking about being in a position where two people, in conflict, are “confiding” in you. Giving you their side of the story and justifying their positions and behaviors,…
“You know it was a good mediation if everyone leaves unhappy and you ended up settling somewhere in the middle.” I’ve heard that sentiment often. In fact, I know colleagues who use it as part of their opening remarks during mediation. Sound good to you? I hope not. I completely disagree with that sentiment. As…
OK, so it wasn’t really a bar. It was a nice meeting room, but it felt a lot like a bar-room-brawl. There was finger pointing, turf battling, name calling, accusation throwing, “I dare you to cross this line” taunting, yelling, and even tears. It was two executives and a workplace mediator, spending a day together…
Over the years, I have noticed leaders – whether just stepping into their roles or seasoned veterans- tend to identify themselves as results focused or people focused. However, what I have learned, witnessed, and experienced, is that to be a great leader one must possess a balance of both results focused and people focused leadership skills….