I am a bit worried. In so many ways we have come to accept the presence of the pandemic and all that came with it. The drama has settled down and the rhetoric has reduced.
The requirement we stay away from one another for quite some time was a necessary safety decision. Everyone went home to their kitchen table, or if you were lucky, their home office. We got the work done the best we could. It was a remarkable feat. [Read more…]
Creating a strategy and being more strategic are phrases regularly applied to meetings, interviews, resumes, as well as seen in the news. I often encourage executive coaching clients to use the words when making a point because it is what many want to hear. The words are so frequently applied they risk becoming diluted or used incorrectly. People often say they are strategic when in fact what they are describing is tactical. Some confuse being strategic with problem solving. (Though problems can need a strategy.) [Read more…]
These have been extraordinary times. Not everyone is experiencing life in the same way or on a similar timetable. To get or remain on the path forward we need to appreciate and act upon some essential human needs both at home and in the workplace. They are trust, compassion, stability, and hope. [Read more…]
“Mommy, can I eat this bag of M & Ms?” “No,” says the mother with a tone that says, “I mean it and I am the adult.” The kid puts the packet down and starts scheming to get what they want. The mother repeats “no.” [Read more…]
In our constant drive to achieve goals, execute and complete tasks, and develop strategies, we lose sight of our underlying passions and true interests. We’re distracted by the day-to-day hustle. We rarely stop to ask, “What do I really want?” and “Am I on a path that will allow me to be my authentic self?”. [Read more…]
Many coaches believe they should help people come to their decision or insight, not tell them. This is often the best tactic BUT I know, and have experienced, times when it is unreasonable, impractical, or even dangerous not to offer some form of advice to the client.
In my 20+ years of coaching I have shared many of my corporate life and sole proprietor experiences and lessons, as well offered stories of the trials and tribulations of other coaching clients. [Read more…]
An audiologist once said to a friend of mine, “Your hearing is perfect, but my guess is your listening leaves much to be desired, we can’t test for listening.”
Do you remember when you began to speak, learned to read, or understand a foreign language? All of these required us to first listen. Can you recall when you were taught to listen? Of course not. [Read more…]
Arthur C. Brooks is a behavioral social scientist at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard Business School, a best-selling author, speaker, and a contributor to The Atlantic and host of The Atlantic’s “How to Build a Happy Life” podcast series.
It was pure coincidence I came upon some podcast interviews. His discussions, all with scholars taking a variety of perspectives, focuses on happiness, what it is, and how to reach it. [Read more…]
“I’m crazy busy!” “Things are bonkers here!” “I’m in complete and utter overwhelm!” I hear these, and many similar cries, all the time from my executive coaching clients. Some people want to show off their prowess, others their dedication, but for many it’s a cry for help. I’ve caught myself doing it for all the above reasons. [Read more…]
‘Tis the season when we measure and are measured for our successes (gold stars), lost opportunities, and missteps. Often the grading comes from others — bosses, teachers, partners, family, complete strangers, and society. What if we were to measure ourselves, looking for accomplishments and revelations rather than disappointments, failures, and errors, using our own scale rather than that of others? What if you earned gold stars? [Read more…]