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5 Tips for Tough Conversations #1718

by Sue Hawkes

Have you ever been stuck approaching a challenging conversation?  You know the kind, it’s one you’d rather put off than have, it could be personal or professional, but it’s one you play over and over in your head to rehearse before approaching it. Me too!  What works? Here are 5 ways to make it easier: 

Sue Hawkes5 Tips for Tough Conversations #1718
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Gratitude #1717

by Sue Hawkes

I woke up with a feeling of hope, inspiration, gratitude and peace.   I was driving alone to work out with a good start to the day, it was early and still dark. On my drive, the sun was rising.   As I witness the soft hues of the morning kissing the horizon, the pink hues merging into lavender and tangerine on…

Sue HawkesGratitude #1717
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Pay Attention #1716

by Sue Hawkes

Have you ever had a really challenging person in your life? Of course you have. We all have.  The great news about being in their presence, especially if it’s with frequency, is that they are showing us exactly what NOT to do on a daily basis.   Some may get exasperated, however from a space of gratitude, they are the perfect…

Sue HawkesPay Attention #1716
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The Over Under Game #1715

by Sue Hawkes

We tend to overestimate the short term and underestimate the long term.  If you’ve ever felt like your hair was on fire and waking up was a fire drill, heed the words above.  Try ten-year planning.  Sit down to plan out 10 years and think about what each year means, what will be accomplished, and what matters.   It’s a good…

Sue HawkesThe Over Under Game #1715
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It’s Worth It #1714 

by Sue Hawkes

It’s hard to wait when you have a need.   If you’re impatient like me, you don’t enjoy waiting anyway, and to wait and be patient while doing so – especially when you have a need – is challenging.   Set the bar high and let yourself embrace the journey.   Excellence is worth it.   The question becomes: What’s the price of settling?…

Sue HawkesIt’s Worth It #1714 
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To Learn, Not to Win #1713

by Sue Hawkes

In the midst of year end, strategic planning, and all the things leadership teams discuss and debate at the end of the year, conflict is inevitable. I noted a great quote from one of my leadership teams today, “we debate to learn, we don’t debate to win.”  This is a simple phrase which keeps the outcome clear, lets us debate…

Sue HawkesTo Learn, Not to Win #1713
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Adding Value #1712

by Sue Hawkes

Sometimes, the right question finds you at the right time.   As I was reading through some of my journal notes, I found myself learning and re-learning some magnificent lessons. When you’re up early and you have this divine space and time where no one needs you, the day hasn’t begun for the world, and there is nothing but you and…

Sue HawkesAdding Value #1712
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Sorry, Not Sorry #1711 

by Sue Hawkes

Language is important. For many female leaders I know, myself included, we say we’re sorry when we shouldn’t. It’s an immediate flag screaming “less than” when you’re speaking.  One of the ways I’ve corrected this in my writing, especially email, is to begin with appreciation instead.   An example would be when I would’ve liked to have responded in a timelier…

Sue HawkesSorry, Not Sorry #1711 
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Productive, Not Busy #1710

by Sue Hawkes

Productive, not busy.   They’re not the same, yet we can use the words as if they are.    We all fall into the trap of busyness. It’s in our language and our psyche.   When we’re “too busy” we become stressed, and often are less productive.  Imagine if you changed your language from busy to productive.  Can you be “too productive” and…

Sue HawkesProductive, Not Busy #1710
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10 Great Questions #1709

by Sue Hawkes

Today I’m thinking about great questions, so I’m including some random, unrelated questions in my recent reading. I hope one or more of them inspires some great thinking on your part! 

Sue Hawkes10 Great Questions #1709