“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?
articles for coaches
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
How to Read People and Influence Perceptions
Competition for top leadership positions is tough. Intelligence and good social skills are the price of admission, but they’re not enough. A high-potential candidate must master the intricacies of reading people, predicting behaviors and influencing perceptions — advanced communication skills that … [Read more...] about How to Read People and Influence Perceptions
Emotions – Leadership’s Secret Weapon
“Leadership isn't something you do writing memos; you've got to appeal to people's emotions. They've got to buy in with their hearts and bellies, not just their minds.” ~ Lou Gerstner, IBM’s former CEO Emotions are critical to business success because they drive behaviors. Companies that achieve an … [Read more...] about Emotions – Leadership’s Secret Weapon
How to Be Happier – 3 Proven Steps
Why are some people happy, and others not? Is happiness associated with a better life, greater luck or fewer worries and upsets? Or, is it a question of character? People who are highly satisfied with their lives are less likely to have psychological or social problems, less likely to get sick or … [Read more...] about How to Be Happier – 3 Proven Steps
Autonomy: Are You Master of Your Destiny?
We are most intensely motivated when we’re challenged to complete a self-assigned task that meets our personal needs. When we seek internal satisfaction, we give our best efforts, sustaining attention until resolution— no matter what. How do we create enough autonomy at work to choose tasks that … [Read more...] about Autonomy: Are You Master of Your Destiny?
How to Be an Inspirational Leader
What can we learn about inspirational leadership from successful start-up companies? Conversely, what can failed corporations teach us? Think about the inspirational leaders of Apple, Amazon and Southwest Airlines. You can probably name them: Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Jeff Bezos, and Herb … [Read more...] about How to Be an Inspirational Leader
Office Gossip: How to Survive and Thrive
Working in some office environments is similar to reality TV, where participants are pitted against each other for survival of the cunning. If you work in an organizational culture where gossip and rumors run rampant, how can you navigate your way through it and thrive? In one sense, gossip is a … [Read more...] about Office Gossip: How to Survive and Thrive
How to Improve Your Business Writing Skills
[Content marketing articles for coaches and consultants: 1000 words on Business Writing Skills] There’s no better way to approach business writing than to keep three realities in mind: 1. Business readers are content-driven. 2. Readers are pressed for time. 3. Readers are seeking … [Read more...] about How to Improve Your Business Writing Skills