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Measuring Culture #1511

by Sue Hawkes

While working with a client doing annual planning, we embarked on a robust conversation about culture. The company will be 100 years old in just a few years, and the leadership team has a commitment to excellence befitting its century-strong legacy.  One of the team members offered a great question to measure culture with: “How did you help your coworkers…

Sue HawkesMeasuring Culture #1511
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The Difference Maker #1510 

by Sue Hawkes

Consistency. It’s elusive to many of us.  When learning, it’s the deal maker.  When seeking mastery, it separates those who excel from those who don’t.  In any situation where you seek to deliver excellence, from cooking to performing, doing your work to playing sports, learning an instrument or a new language, art, leadership or any other venture – it requires…

Sue HawkesThe Difference Maker #1510 
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Are You In The Way? #1509

by Sue Hawkes

Three simple rules in life:  When it seems things are chaotic and changing, how can these three rules cut through the clutter and help you move forward a little or a lot?   What will it take for you to realize your own thinking gets in your way more than anything else? My way of articulating the very same things:  Make…

Sue HawkesAre You In The Way? #1509
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On Resolutions #1508

by Sue Hawkes

Only 9.2 percent of people ever achieve their New Year’s resolutions and break free from their bad habits. So why do so many people continue to overload their worlds with new commitments when the calendar changes each year, only to reinforce what doesn’t work?  Let’s start with timing. The right time to set your resolution is the time that you’ll…

Sue HawkesOn Resolutions #1508
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Sitting With It #1507 

by Sue Hawkes

I’m a problem solver. When faced with a challenge, my natural tendency is to do something about it ASAP. It’s uncomfortable to sit with a challenge and not take action.  I’ve conditioned myself to respond quickly and release the pressure of things not working and feel productive moving forward with progress of some sort. It’s in my DNA to do.  …

Sue HawkesSitting With It #1507 
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Leading With Empathy #1506

by Sue Hawkes

Leadership is often associated with power and authority, but what about empathy? Leading with empathy creates a compassionate workplace where everyone feels valued, understood, and supported. Empathetic leaders listen, acknowledge feelings, and build trust. It’s not just a soft skill; it’s essential for fostering collaboration, innovation, and engagement. It isn’t just an emotion; it’s a leadership trait that can transform…

Sue HawkesLeading With Empathy #1506
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Refining How We Say No #1505

by Sue Hawkes

Saying “no” isn’t about shutting people out. It’s about preserving your energy for what matters most. Healthy boundaries create clarity, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships. Read that again. Think of boundaries as bridges: they help connect you to your values, priorities, and goals. Saying “no” with grace and intention can be one of the most empowering things you do as…

Sue HawkesRefining How We Say No #1505
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Resilience Through Adversity #1504

by Sue Hawkes

Resilience isn’t something we’re born with; it’s something we build over time. Life’s challenges, setbacks, and disappointments are opportunities to grow stronger, wiser, and more adaptable. We don’t always realize that in the moment, of course, but when I look back at the times in my life I’ve grown the most, it’s always been in the midst of hard times.…

Sue HawkesResilience Through Adversity #1504
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Merry Christmas #1503

by Sue Hawkes

Merry Christmas! Whether this is one of your holidays to celebrate or not, I hope your day is filled with connection, meaning, and laughter beyond any material gifts.   I hope you reflect on 2024 with joy and admiration for all you navigated.   I hope you are present to those around you and those who are no longer with us.  I hope…

Sue HawkesMerry Christmas #1503
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Self-Doubt’s Sneaky Grip #1502

by Sue Hawkes

Even the most accomplished leaders wrestle with self-doubt. It whispers lies about your worth, your capabilities, and your value. But here’s the truth: self-doubt thrives in silence and secrecy. Acknowledging it out loud and challenging its narrative is the first step to breaking its grip. What would happen if you chose confidence, even when it feels out of reach? It’s…

Sue HawkesSelf-Doubt’s Sneaky Grip #1502