What if you treated every conversation as if it were the last opportunity you had? How would you relate differently to them? How would you listen? What difference would it make in your relationships? As I worked with a team recently about communication, I was reminded of how challenging it is to balance the demands of the day with the…
Observing greatness is one of my favorite ways to learn. I have the honor of working with teams and watching behavior. Having honed a few skills, patterns emerge with people, and it’s become easier to see signs of distress, anxiety, frustration, acceptance, disagreement and the subtleties we each display when in agreement and not. When a leader demonstrates genuine care,…
An extraordinary team is an ordinary team with an extraordinary commitment. The extra refers to their commitment, not the players. Relatively speaking, any team can be extraordinary. To be extraordinary, you must align yourselves and be resolute in your collective commitment. This means a firm determination, shared by all. When push comes to shove, an extraordinary team will always find…
Say exactly what you mean. There’s a concept! It’s very non-Midwestern. You won’t always be popular or please people, but you will be clear. You’ll also find the world around you (people, opportunities, events and rewards) will amplify. Too often, when trying to please others or deliver the message you think others want to hear instead of saying exactly what…
Making time for the important things. One of the best ways to use a clarity break is to clarify what’s important right now; in your business, as a leader and in life. When you have clarity on the few most important things, it helps you stay focused, zeroing in on what matters, simplifying what you say yes and no to…
Promises. “People with good intentions make promises but people with good character keep them.” Author Unknown This quote speaks to me. When I review my good intentions, they are sincere. At the time I speak them, I mean them and intent to deliver upon them. Then, life happens and at times, my good intentions have become just that; intentions. Nothing…
Sometimes, when you show up and are fully present, what you’re looking for is where you are. I was recently in an online workshop to be on a panel. I had no expectation of learning, receiving any benefit or solving any issues for myself. I was there to contribute – 100%. I prepared and had every intention of contributing as…
“Let today be the day you let go of who you’ve been for who you’ll become.” Hal Elrod What a powerful quote to remind yourself that every day (really every minute) is an opportunity to redefine yourself based on who you intend to be, not who you’ve been. When we firmly grasp what’s possible and step into our greatness intentionally,…
Want to up your game in communication? Answer the question. No, seriously. When someone asks a question, answer it. Do it simply, succinctly and only elaborate if asked. Most people don’t do this. They tell you what they wanted to say, offer a story or dodge the question. And, it’s frustrating for your listeners. And you lose credibility and the…
Small acts. These are the most significant things we do. Though we’d like to believe it’s the big, challenging, difficult things, it’s not. It’s the consistent small, thoughtful, kind gestures that matter most. When you receive the note, text or call that says, “I was just thinking of you.” When the flight attendant sees you’re cold and not only brings…