Tao Te Ching says “Your conversations help create your world. Speak of delight, not dissatisfaction. Speak of hope, not despair. Let your words bind up wounds, not cause them.” This is a great reminder for me. I’m the person who enters the space and sees what’s off. Whether it’s in my home, at work, or out in the world, my brain is programmed to make things better. It’s a ninja skill many…
Relationships matter. At the heart of it, there is nothing else. When you run your business as if the busyness is the business, you lose. Relationships are the intangible and visceral heart of all that matters. When you lose sight of this reality focusing on the tasks and things to do, you’ll also lose something bigger. You’ll lose trust. It can take years to build, yet you can…
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 role model for you. And…
Today is a follow-up to yesterday’s blog with more skills to navigate difficult conversations. What skills are the easiest for you to practice? Which are the most challenging? Mastering the art of difficult conversations takes practice. None of us are perfect and all of us need reminding. Use and share these blogs to improve your communication superpowers, helping you become fearless in fostering a culture of trust and growth.
Effective leadership isn’t for wimps (neither is parenting, but that’s a different blog)! As leaders, we need to become masterful in engaging in those seemingly daunting tough conversations that spark growth and unleash potential within our teams. The most important lessons lie in the mastery of empathy and respect. The question is: how well do you use these skills? As you assess your skills, consider what needs to change, and take one action today. Don’t wait, we’ve got more for you tomorrow…
When I slow down to the pace of summer, I feel equal parts of relaxation or release and concern. Perhaps it’s my own overactive internal drive to be productive that gets in the way of fully embracing the relaxation available to me when I’m not at home? I’m unsure, I just know I enjoy it and also am challenged that I may not want to go back to…
One of the books I revisit is Keith Cunningham’s The Road Less Stupid. It usually reemerges when I’m stuck, have done something he’d refer to as stupid or as I’m pondering things not working. I always find great fodder for thinking within its covers. One of the gems is right at the beginning, talking about the five disciplines of questions. Referencing these before diving in to ponder my thoughts is always helpful to ensure I’m directing my thinking where it needs…
Have you ever felt like you’re “off,” but you can’t put your finger on why or what exactly is “off?” I sure have. Typically, when this happens, I’m running too fast, my calendar is packed (maybe even MORE than usual), and I have no space or time to think. Life seems transactional, simply moving from one thing to another. When this occurs, if you describe it to others, you’ll typically get some great…
As I reflect on profound wisdom I heard in a recent discussion, I’m reminded again of the power of believing in ourselves. Without self-belief, our dreams become hopes with no action behind them, and we never take the risks that lead to growth. To excel in business, life, and really anything, we must first trust ourselves. We may not have all the answers yet,…
James Clear shares that “happiness is simply the absence of desire…Happiness is not about the achievement of pleasure (which is joy or satisfaction), but about the lack of desire. It arrives when you have no urge to feel differently. Happiness is the state you enter when you no longer want to change your state.” As I contemplate my own experience, I find my…