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Returning to Normal
“Normal” is generally defined as usual, typical, or expected. It’s the general sense of routine and expectancy we’ve developed through the years that provides a stability to our lives … and our lives since COVID-19 have been anything but usual, typical, or expected. We continue to isolate ourselves in hopes of “flattening the curve,” and…
Appreciation and Encouragement
During this time of working from home and dealing with challenges of connecting with your teams, co-workers, peers, and clients, appreciation and encouragement are critical. Even our families need that support, as we are challenged to be at home working and schooling together. In “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” by Gary Chapman…
Be Nice!
I scheduled a doctor’s appointment today after a week of not feeling quite right, unsure as to whether it was related to a recent procedure, diet, or my body just breaking down. I was able to get an appointment with short notice and was glad I did – not so much for the medical treatment…
The Missing Conversations
As leaders, we’re tasked with having many different types of conversations – including praise, recognition, direction, and corrective action, to name just a few. However, many of the conversations we think about having can be challenging for us and actually, for want of a better term, go “missing.” There are many names for these “missing”…
Frustrated!
Along with the flu, colds, and the coronavirus, something else is going around: frustration. Business leaders are dealing with their own frustrations and the frustrations of the people they are leading, and some days, this can feel overwhelming. People are often frustrated with colleagues not meeting deadlines, bosses tolerating underperformers, customers taking advantage, co-workers talking…
The Dark Side of Achievement Orientation
We are an achievement-oriented society. In many cases, it’s how we measure success, growth, and overall status. It can propel us toward advancement and be the impetus for needed changes in our lives. As leaders, we employ that drive to achieve in our efforts to bring the best out of our employees. As employees, we…
Inclusion
While my children were home for the holidays, we had a few opportunities to discuss some pretty substantive issues – potentially controversial issues about diversity, inclusion, capitalism, and politics. These are heavy and complex topics that are difficult to begin to understand, let alone get agreement on. One of the conversations my son Renny and…
The Problem with Managing Time
Time management is a constant requirement for just about anyone, and certainly for leaders and members of teams in high performing organizations. We keep full schedules with the intention of being responsible, productive and accountable – to ourselves, to the relationships we have on teams, and to the metrics and objectives of our organizations. However,…
The Four Bs to Success
This is the time of year, as I’m sure many of you can relate, when I do some decluttering: closets, drawers, files, clothes, shoes, you name it. I also target a special poly project folder that holds my key documents, including my weekly calendar, my values written out, declarations for the week, a couple of…
The 12 Days of Leadership – Day 12
On the twelfth day of leadership, my coach gave to me; Twelve deep breaths One of the most effective ways to reset and center yourself is by taking a deep breath. Short, shallow breathing adds to our stress, causing cortisol to move through our system and making stressful situations worse. Observe high performing athletes just…
