What does it mean to be connected? In considering this question, I had to throw out the word “virtual” for meetings and events online. By using virtual, it suggests it’s not the real thing. Whether we realize it or not, we can connect really effectively online by learning how to use the tools around us. That being said, I will…
When I reflect on all 2020 has offered, I am often surprised to find many incredible benefits as the challenges have been frequent, compounding and paralyzing at times. What I remind myself repeatedly however, is it’s the most challenging periods that offer the opportunity to grow, learn and emerge into the next best version of yourself, your work and your…
Have you ever had self-defeating talk? Me too. One of the most effective ways to reframe your thinking and get back into action is to ask yourself a question to prompt different thinking. Here are some examples, please share your own in the comments and let us know if you try these: I don’t understand. What am I missing? What else do I need to know? Who could I learn…
It’s easier to write the story than to do the work. Whether a story, explanation, justification, reason or excuse, they all keep you in the same place. If that’s exactly where you want to be, keep talking. If not… At a time in history when every turn is unpredictable, challenging, and disruptive, are you meeting the changes to grow and learn? If not, what do you…
Waiting. It’s not my strong suit. I’m not good at waiting. My strong suits are solving problems and helping people, catalyzing people and efforts, creating memorable experiences. Except where I can’t. In matters of health, I’m not trained and though I have immense energy, incredible passion and willingness, there’s nothing I can do, it’s out of my league. Doing nothing feels too much like helplessness and involves patience…which is waiting. My…
Lessons from Toni Morrison (and her father): Whatever the work is, do it well – not for the boss, but for yourself. You make the job; it doesn’t make you. Your real life is with us, your family. You are not the work you do; you are the person you are. “…since that conversation with my father I have never considered the level…
As a feeling person, when the vast array of feelings collide all at once, it results in numbness for me. I can’t process them all, can’t feel anything, and am left in a void, feeling empty and wanting to disappear. If not disappear, I’d like to run away. Only I can’t. I must breathe, regroup, and center myself in something bigger than my feelings. Finding…
This week, I worked with two of my teams in person. Since March 10, these are two of the three teams I’ve seen “live” beyond Zoom. In the most basic of ways, the spring of 2020 has stripped the pretense of formality and left us with clarity of the “real” priorities in life. While many of us have said time and again…
It’s lonely at the top. It’s not just a phrase if you’re the CEO, a leader, or a single parent. There are many situations in life where anyone can feel isolated, alone and unsure. What can you do when you’re in that situation, feeling vulnerable, scared and wishing for a lifeline? I’ve found several things which work well for me,…
If You Pay Attention #220 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…