Blog
Do You “Run Toward the Roar”?
When was the last time you got out of your "comfort zone"? Here's a story, from storyteller Michael Meade, about the fact that seeking safety might be costing you something: On the ancient savannas life pours forth in the form of teeming, feeding herds. Nearby, lions...
What Psyche Can Teach You About Being Authentic
Is it difficult for you to find the right balance between being task-focused and relationship-focused? Is it simply challenging to figure out how “nice” you need to be at work? Do you ever wonder what it really means to be a good team player? If you’ve never had these...
Learning from Challenges: Harvesting Lessons from the Underworld
Initiations are cycles of physical or psychological separation, ordeal, and return that we encounter throughout our lives. When we fully integrate the lessons from these experiences, we develop as people and leaders. (See a previous post on initiations) However, if...
Learning from Challenges: Initiation as a Leadership Tool
Have you worked for companies with similar undesirable corporate cultures? Have you tended to work with the same type of people who have characteristics that drive you crazy? It might be time to look at these patterns more closely to learn more about yourself....
By the Numbers – Capturing Lessons Learned
Much institutional knowledge in companies is lost through turnover and poor communication. Such institutional information is often critical to successful operations and execution of company goals. One way to preserve and share knowledge and expertise is to actively...
If You’re Not Weird, You’re Not Doing It Right
In today’s world, few people embrace being known for being “weird”. Originally, however, being weird simply meant you were uniquely yourself. Our modern word, “weird”, has its roots in Norse language and mythology and evolved into the Old English word, “wyrd”,...
4 Tweaks to Fine Tune Your Response to Employee Issues
It takes so much energy to address an employee issue. If you’re doing it at all, you are on your way to creating clearer expectations and a better working environment for everyone. You can fine tune your repertoire with these tweaks: Be Timely. When finding the...
Set Your Ego Aside to Admit a Bad Hire
Have you ever hired an employee who behaves badly soon after starting work and found yourself flummoxed with disappointment, disbelief, and maybe even shame? When one of your recent hires displays inappropriate conduct, creates dissension, or proves to be a poor...
How to Avoid Being Misunderstood
Do you feel misunderstood by your direct reports or colleagues? Do they think you’re an ogre when you’re really fun and fair? Or maybe they think you’re a pushover when you’re really purposeful and committed. There might be a disconnect between what you intend and how...
5 Powerful Leadership Pivots to Go From “Meh” to Legendary
How do you react when you think your direct reports are making you look bad? Do you focus on yourself and scurry to salvage your reputation? Or do you focus on your team and take the opportunity to improve your team’s skills and processes? You’ve spent the better part...