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Authenticity
When I ask people for characteristics that define a great leader, one that frequently emerges is authenticity. There is beauty and complexity in authenticity. Let’s explore the concept. Exploring Authenticity I invite you to pause for a moment and consider what authenticity means to you. Think of when you’ve shown up as your most authentic…
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Beneficial Communication
There is wisdom in Buddha’s teachings, regardless of your religious or spiritual inclinations. In her book Tea and Cake with Demons: A Buddhist Guide to Feeling Worthy, Adreanna Limbach does an excellent job presenting a modern interpretation of Buddhist teachings. Today, I want to explore one aspect of Buddha’s Eightfold Path, often called Right Speech.…
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Great Leaders Speak Last
As a leader, you regularly lead meetings. In leading, you feel compelled to open the discussion and share your thoughts. This gets the ball rolling and sets the tone for the meeting. In some cases, this technique can backfire. I have usually been good about holding back and letting others speak first. One time, however,…
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Courageous Conversations
I’ve noticed a pattern emerging with a handful of my clients. Each situation is unique, but the commonality lies in their relationship with their boss. For various reasons, the client is uncomfortable giving their boss feedback. These are challenging situations. The client’s performance or personal brand often takes a hit because of the boss’s behavior,…
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Shared Background of Obviousness
When I teach the framework for effective requests as a tool to improve delegation, one component that inevitably generates discussion is the shared background of obviousness (which I’ll abbreviate as SBO for convenience’s sake). Today, we’ll unpack this concept. Understanding the SBO can improve your empathy for others, especially when communication issues abound. What is the SBO? Considering…
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Managing Managers
Every professional transition, whether a promotion, a diagonal move, or switching to a new organization, requires a shift in perspective. Techniques that served you well in your prior role may be less relevant in the new one, and you undoubtedly need to acquire new knowledge and develop new skills. One of the most pivotal shifts…
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Magical Meetings
When you think about meetings, what emotions arise? As a senior leader, I often played Tetris with my calendar, trying to squeeze someone into an already-packed schedule. According to Zippia, 24 billion hours are wasted yearly due to unproductive meetings. What if meetings could be a magical experience for you? What if you found yourself routinely…
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You’re Not The Leader You Think You Are
In 1993 I was a software developer fresh out of school. I was determined to be a “Renaissance Programmer.” Someone who could do every aspect of development, not unlike the “Full-Stack Developer” of the current era. I was sure I would have nothing to do with management and “climbing the corporate ladder.” I remember sitting…
