Measuring Culture #185 While working on annual planning with a client, we embarked on a robust conversation about culture. The company will be 100 years old in just a few years, and the leadership team maintains a century-long commitment to excellence. One of the team members offered a great question to measure culture with: “How did you help your coworkers…
Sorry, Not Sorry #184 Language is important. For many female leaders that I know, myself included, we say we’re sorry when we shouldn’t. It’s an immediate flag screaming “less than” when you’re speaking. One of the ways I’ve corrected this in my writing is beginning with appreciation instead. An example would be when I would’ve liked to have responded in…
KISS #183 Life seems to ebb and flow, to speed and relax. It could be seasonal, work or personally related. As the holidays approach, it certainly seems many people’s lives accelerate with events and festivities packed in all at once to celebrate the season. It happens every year, yet many people seem exhausted, irritable or challenged with the pace. Slowing…
Overwhelmed or Grateful? #182 What I’ve noticed is my life never really slows down. I’ve lived in the illusion that most of my world will correct itself once I get “this” or “that” happens. It could be an event, a series of events, a project, a set of tasks, a string of travel, family events, the holidays, or celebrations. It…
Don’t Wait #181 If you want something, do you wait for it? I don’t. In my twenties, when I wanted a job, I met with the owners of a small training company and expressed my interest in working for them. They told me they couldn’t afford to hire any employees at the time. Though I was disappointed, I began to…
An Experiment #180 Imagine a day (or more) without your phone. What’s your first reaction to that suggestion? If it’s a strong, negative reaction, know that you’re addicted. When I work with teams, I ask for a device-free environment. It’s not always popular. However, it does create an environment for maximized success. Try it. See if you can forgo your…
Where Is The Music? #179 Recently, I was reminded of a great quote commonly attributed to Miles Davis. The quote states, “the music is in the space between the notes.” But the quote is from Claude Debussy. Space affords us the opportunity to witness beauty. Have you ever seen the moon rise? It’s an incredible experience when you can sit…
Space To Be #178 Recently, I was leading a retreat at an all-inclusive location. It was amazing, and because everything was taken care of, it left us all to do one thing – take care of ourselves. For most leaders, that is a foreign experience. Simple things like sleep, the healthy foods which were abundantly provided, the non-digital environment which…
Love What you Do #177 What can I do to change, improve, impact, and engage others? It’s a big question. Do you wake up wondering how you can maximize your impact on yourself, your team at work, your company, your community, perhaps even the world? If not, why? What if 50% of your job was to do your job impeccably.…
What Are You Pretending Not to Know? #176 What’s your job? It’s a vocation, a way to make money, an expression of your identity, an extension of your talents, an inroad to community and a source of pride. It can be exhilarating, challenging, exhausting, exciting, fulfilling and excruciating. It can be a source of all things to fill your ego…