"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go but ought to be." ~ Rosalynn Carter, former First Lady Every person in an executive role aspires to be wise and is expected to exercise wisdom in their decisions. Unfortunately, far … [Read more...] about In Search of Executive Wisdom
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Executive Wisdom: The 8 Traps of High Achievers
“Many high performers would rather do the wrong things well than do the right thing poorly.” ~ Thomas J. DeLong and Sara DeLong, “The Paradox of Excellence,” Harvard Business Review, June 2011 Leaders are high achievers who continually grow as professionals. But in many organizations, there are … [Read more...] about Executive Wisdom: The 8 Traps of High Achievers
Finding True Meaning in Life
When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand. It will fill you with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it. ~ W. Clement Stone Does your life have a clear sense of purpose? Most people have a fundamental need to seek and find their calling in life, be it through work, … [Read more...] about Finding True Meaning in Life
The Business Case for Positivity
What good are positive emotions in the workplace? As scientists study the brain and learn more about how we achieve optimal functioning, the term positivity has finally captured business leaders’ interests. One study of CEOs showed that training to be more positive could boost their productivity … [Read more...] about The Business Case for Positivity
Are You Bored—or Boring? The Brain Science Behind Boredom at Work
It’s no wonder that so many people count themselves among the zombies who show up for work each day. When two-thirds of people report feeling tired or bored at work, it’s time to ask why—and what can be done. If you feel as though you’re going through the motions, without experiencing any real joy … [Read more...] about Are You Bored—or Boring? The Brain Science Behind Boredom at Work
Managing for Peak Performance: 5 Key Steps
Most managers want their people to achieve excellence at work. We really can’t ask for more. In fact, peak performance can be defined as a combination of: Excellence Consistency Ongoing improvement How can managers bring out the best in their people? To achieve peak performance, each … [Read more...] about Managing for Peak Performance: 5 Key Steps
How to Be a Better Boss
The word “boss” conjures up memories of the good, the bad and the ugly ones we’ve endured throughout our careers. Bosses shape how people experience work: joy versus despair, enthusiasm versus complaints, good health versus stress. Most bosses want to be good at what they do, yet many lack the … [Read more...] about How to Be a Better Boss
What’s Your Story?
“The most important story you will ever tell about yourself is the story you tell to yourself.” ~ Jim Loehr, The Power of Story, Free Press, 2007 Stories that don't work happen to everybody. Each of us operates with a variety of organizing principles, or “stories,” that swirl around our brains. … [Read more...] about What’s Your Story?
How to Cultivate Executive Presence
Someone in your company may have recently been promoted to a leadership position. This person successfully competed against other qualified candidates, some of whom were probably just as experienced and smart. As often happens in judging one candidate over another, the decision most likely came … [Read more...] about How to Cultivate Executive Presence
The Power of Empathy and Focus
Without empathy and focus, you’ll never be able to communicate effectively and relate well to others. People who lack empathy are sure to face interpersonal difficulties that lead to inferior performance, negative outcomes, and poor relationships with coworkers and customers. As a competency skill, … [Read more...] about The Power of Empathy and Focus