“What can I help you with?” What a great question. It opens the door to learning, partnership, and collaboration. Many years ago, when I was in a state of overwhelm, I called a friend to talk and in the process of doing so I broke down in tears. She patiently listened and when I finished word-vomiting on her, she asked,…
Conflict. No one likes it; some provoke or evoke it, and some avoid it like the plague. The word itself triggers people and causes a reaction – often protection, defensiveness, or counter-attack are the methods. We brace for it and nervously laugh or fidget when it is present or needing to happen. It can be sensed and felt well before…
What great questions do you ask as a leader? I love to hear great leaders share their input for the biggest questions they are asking in the moment. One of my current favorites given the conversations happening in our world right now is this: “Whose perspective would it be useful for me to understand?” When thinking about envisioning a future…
Do you realize how you’re showing up? I’ve had some interesting interactions as people seem to be crispier right now. My role has been to recognize the confrontation while also gracefully helping people work through the tough stuff. It’s been interesting and challenging. Seeing leaders behave in ways they realize are unbecoming, hurtful, or disrespectful only increases a downward spiral…
Following through can feel like a lost art. It’s a small thing, yet so incredibly important. We all make casual comments with friends like: “let’s do this again”, or when we meet new people “let’s connect.” Often it doesn’t happen. Our lives are busy, and our calendars fill with the events that catch our attention and fill a need, not…
Going above and beyond. It’s a noteworthy act and sometimes feels like a lost art right now. As I look around our business, and those I work with and patronize, it seems to be easier to deliver more as the world is shrinking inward. What small yet thoughtful things can you and your team do to make it easier for…
Whenever I find myself triggered by an event, I know there’s learning available for me. If I bypass the opportunity to evaluate my reaction, I become a victim of whatever happened and can guarantee the next time a similar event occurs, I’ll react again – only it will be stronger and more automatic. If I’m aware enough and can sit…
“Speak what you seek until you see what you said.” I heard this quote during a two-day event I was attending. Though the concept isn’t new, it certainly simplified how clear we each need to be when declaring our potential future. You must believe it to see it. It’s not the other way around. If you don’t believe it, it…
Accountability. It’s something we seek from others, and when in a leadership position, are asked to “hold people” to it. Accountability can never be delegated. Responsibility. It’s something we admire in others; responsible people own their actions and decisions. Responsibility can be delegated. If I ask a friend to mail a letter to a client for me, they can take…
“Most serious mistakes are not being made because of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question.” – Peter Drucker As a leader, making the time to ask the best question is critical. Often, when I’m rushed, my schedule is full, or I’m over tired, I don’t ask great questions which leads to the wrong answers. Slowing…