A colleague at a meeting with you at work gives you feedback. They say that you were too quiet, didn’t get to the point quickly, and lacked a compelling example. Your breathing goes shallow, your body stiffens, your heart speeds up, and you look around to see if anyone is in earshot of this conversation. […]
Taking Feedback (to Heart) Read More »
Saying the hard thing can be one of the most difficult things we ever do. For many of us, just thinking about doing it can cause worry, fear, and stress. The good news is that getting these conversations right has more to do with planning and practice than saying “just the right thing.” And when
Say the Hard Thing: How to Have that Difficult Conversation Read More »
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by fear—so much so that it prevented you from doing something you wanted to do? Believe it or not, this is a common problem faced by many people every single day. Fear has the power to hold you back from taking risks, following your dreams or becoming successful at anything
Conquer Your Fears and Empower Yourself Read More »
Cindy can’t leave her work as an engineer, work that she now finds unfulfilling, because she’ll lose her tenure. Her thought: “I have no control over the system.” John’s co-worker doesn’t take feedback well, so John works at home each night “cleaning up” the co-worker’s projects so their unit will look better. His thought: “I
Take Control of Your Life Read More »
Tom has worked at his company for more than four years and knows he does a great job. His boss even tells him so. He’s been wanting to ask for a raise for several months, but it just never seems like the right time to ask. At least, that’s what he keeps telling himself. But
Playing the Inner Game to Win Read More »
With organizations and individuals so fervently focused on the bottom line, it’s easy to ignore “softer” goals, such as listening well. All that touchy-feeling stuff is a waste of my time, you might say or think. On the contrary! A focus on listening can lead to more effective teamwork, higher productivity, fewer conflicts and errors, enhanced
Effective Listening for Leaders Read More »
Many of us are asking ourselves the question: “What am I here to contribute?” But we can take that question still further: “What is the legacy I want to leave behind when I’m gone?” Leaving a legacy is not just a practice reserved for the wealthy. It’s a common human trait to want to leave
Legacy: What Are You Leaving Behind? Read More »
As the year speeds to its end, we begin to mentally prepare for next year. But don’t forget to take time to assess your personal and professional challenges and accomplishments THIS year. Find a quiet spot, grab a journal, and your favorite beverage, then spend some time reflecting on your year. Here are some questions
Top 10 Year-End Review Questions Read More »
November 14, 2023 Major disruptions are a “gotcha” we all experience at one time or another in our lives. We get fired, laid off, or passed over; a loved one dies, leaves, or gets into trouble; a project stalls or gets canceled. The list, unfortunately, is endless. For some, the impact of these hard times
Bounce Back: Developing Emotional Resilience Read More »
“There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team.’ There is a me, though, if you jumble it up.” Dr. Greg House, from TV’s House Employers and entrepreneurs often think they must “do it all themselves,” as reflected in the following statements: “No one can do this as well as I can.” “It’s easier to just do it myself
How to Build (and Keep) a High-Performance Team Read More »