Blog
The Art of Gaining Perspective in Leadership and Seeing the Bigger Picture
Many years ago, I read a story written by an unknown author about two men who shared a hospital room. Both men were confined to their beds. Every day, the man whose bed was next to the window described to his roommate what he saw as he looked out the window. He told him about…
The Mindset Shift to Let Go of Negativity in the Workplace
Is it time to let go of negativity in the workplace? Just as I cleared my space by shredding outdated documents, letting go of emotional baggage—resentments, grudges, unresolved conflicts—can free up space for positivity and growth in life and leadership. During a move several years ago, I found boxes of outdated documents I had been…
Socks, Shoe Laces, and Leadership Fundamentals
With March Madness around the corner, I’m reminded of legendary coach John Wooden, who prioritized foundational leadership skills as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins. Known for his attention to detail, Wooden focused on basic skills that many overlook, like putting on socks properly—a simple but powerful lesson in leadership. I know this sounds…
5 Ways to Stay Calm When Addressing Abrasive Behavior
You’re a leader responsible for addressing the abrasive behavior of one of your top performers. In the midst of telling her you’ve received complaints about disrespectful treatment of employees, you remain calm. Your tone conveys that you genuinely care about helping her overcome negative perceptions about her leadership style. Moreover, you reassure her that you’re…
5 Steps to motivating abrasive leaders to change
If you are on the verge of losing valued employees because of a top-performing leader’s abrasive behavior, you’ll appreciate the following 5 steps to motivating abrasive leaders to change. Perhaps you’ve heard complaints from employees as they head for the door: TEAM MEMBER A tells you she’s leaving because of repeatedly being yelled at in…
What is a Fixer? The Costs and Benefits of Taking Charge
Have you ever found yourself stepping into a situation at work or at home, and taking on the task of solving other people’s problems? Perhaps at the expense of your time, energy, and even money, you tend to step in to save the day? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the demands of constantly trying…
How self-awareness optimizes your leadership and decreases your blind spots
Welcoming difficult feedback from a colleague can be uncomfortable, but it’s a critical step toward personal growth and improving your leadership impact. Self-awareness in leadership fosters personal growth and decreases your blind spots. Despite how uncomfortable it is to hear, were you actually grateful that someone on your team had the courage to speak honestly about…
Does the look on your face create psychological safety with your employees?
Most leaders don’t learn how to create psychological safety until it’s too late. The skillset necessary to strategize your business plan, create systems, and monitor metrics is not the same skillset necessary to retain employees to run your day-to-day operations. That’s why having interpersonal skills that create psychological safety with your employees is so important.…
Why self-control is the engine of your success
Do you have a goal you’ve been striving for but haven’t yet reached? Whether it’s finishing a project, addressing team dysfunction, or having a tough conversation, self-control is the engine of your success. It’s the driving force that keeps you focused and persistent, and tools like the If-Then Plan can help you harness that power…
How to give honest feedback to an abrasive superior
By all accounts, Jack is a successful leader. He’s an industry trailblazer that others look to for his expertise. Financially, he is doing well and his business is thriving. On the outside, Jack has many markers of success. What Jack doesn’t realize is how abrasive his behavior is to others. What is obvious to others…