When leaders are uncertain, so are their followers. When a direction is not clear, or worse, a team is facing seemingly impossible odds, the natural reaction is fear. This is not a good combination because only through innovation can a solution be found, and fear … Read more
Although curiosity is one of my core values, I often find myself instantly going to “what I know to be true” in business and personal situations. The older we get, the more experience we get, the more sure we are that we “know” what the … Read more
When trying to define what our individual values are, there are three things I have found helpful. First, there are those pivotal stories that make up our foundation – the stories that “define” a moment for us. These stories are ones we remember as instrumental in shaping … Read more
Leadership is the hot topic these days – who should be the leader? How should they lead? What is leadership behavior? All good questions and depending on your perspective, there are multiple good answers. When someone asks me about “leadership” or what type of “leader” they … Read more
I was recently asked why there are still so few women in leadership positions in business. I was reminded of an article from 2013 in the Harvard Business Review that is still as relevant today as it was then. (And keep in mind, as you … Read more
“Have the courage to embrace the greatness for which you were born.” -Unknown I ran across this quote years ago and immediately thought it didn’t apply to me because I didn’t believe I was born to greatness. However, after working with leaders for years, I … Read more
Does this sound familiar? This is the leader that has the title but doesn’t bother with any sort of execution whatsoever. According to a great article in the Harvard Business Review this is the most common type of incompetent leader there is. The author also … Read more
Remember those strategic plans? Those annual goals? Although it’s only the beginning of June, the bad news is the year is already half over. As I know from personal experience, annual goals have a way of sneaking up on you. This is my mid-year reminder … Read more
I don’t know about you, but I’m always amazed when people are rude when it would be so much easier to be polite or just not say anything at all. I’m not sure if it’s more prevalent these days or that perhaps I notice it … Read more
Great leaders listen, take in all sides and then make decisions. Acting from “gut instinct” sometimes works but mostly it causes decisions to be made without all the information. The more complex the situation, the more information is required. This is not meant to slow … Read more