One of the requests I make at the workshops I lead is to “be willing to receive as much as you give.” Believe it or not, this is a challenge for many leaders. Are you a good receiver? When people compliment you, do you immediately reciprocate with a compliment back out of habit, obligation, or discomfort? Many people do. Do you receive help or assistance well? One of…
Curve balls. They happen. It’s when the stuff you couldn’t imagine or wouldn’t know was coming shows up and interrupts the previously scheduled plans you’ve had. They happen in small ways every day. If you’re over-scheduled, there’s no room for them and they result in anxiety, stress and broken promises. There’s a simple fix for this one – schedule less, say no to more. Otherwise we should all expect interruptions and curveballs when overscheduled so we minimize our reactions. The larger ones,…
In the whirlwind of any overscheduled day, my favorite quote attributed to Gandhi will cross my mind: “I’m so busy today, I’ll have to meditate twice as much.” Amidst the multiplying meetings, tasks, and continuing needs of others, the thought of pausing to meditate seems unrealistic and counterproductive – as if volunteering the time slipping through my fingers. But then,…
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…