Leading people and organizations is fundamentally more complicated than it was 20 years ago—and it’s not getting any easier. Economic and global uncertainties, along with innovative technologies, complicate efforts to run a business. Businesses are also becoming more intrinsically complex. It’s … [Read more...] about A Dashboard for Managing Complexity
Coaching
Confidence: Get It and Keep It
Having confidence is a huge advantage in careers, life, and relationships. It's the key to attracting the right job, the right people, the right decisions from others, and getting what we want. Like money, everyone wants more confidence. Some people naturally seem to have it; perhaps they were … [Read more...] about Confidence: Get It and Keep It
Leadership Resilience: The Art of Bouncing Back
“Some of the most important and insightful learning is far more likely to come from failures than from success.” ~ Former Procter & Gamble CEO A.G. Lafley, interviewed in Harvard Business Review (April 2011) How we respond to failures and bounce back from our mistakes can make or break our … [Read more...] about Leadership Resilience: The Art of Bouncing Back
In Search of Executive Wisdom
"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
Drive: What Really Motivates Us
I love animated videos. Here's one with a message about motivation, from Dan Pink's wonderful book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. The animator is RSAnimate, and it's fascinating to watch. If you're an executive coach and need content on this topic for your e-newsletter … [Read more...] about Drive: What Really Motivates Us
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 Progress Paradox: Doing Better, Feeling Worse
As a society, we’re achieving more yet feeling worse. Even when well paid, we’re dissatisfied. Most of us accomplish plenty but lack feelings of well-being. While every metric of society is improving worldwide, our happiness levels are declining — and the more we have and achieve, the less … [Read more...] about The Progress Paradox: Doing Better, Feeling Worse
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