Is it OK to Get Angry?

On September 6, 2018

I was so angry. Angrier than I can remember being in years. Something I thought was fixed, had unraveled again. It was important to me. And the person who I thought was taking care of it, wasn’t. This is not a feeling I’m used to, anger. I really try to approach things with an open

It’s Not About You…It Really is About Me

On August 2, 2018

I am getting ready to plunk down a significant amount of money for a major purchase. I need to feel confident this is a good fit for me. Distractingly, the sales person I am working with spent more time spinning their own tale about the purchase than with how well the purchase fit me. This

I’m Exhausted…and I Didn’t Even Do Anything

On May 21, 2018

I’m standing on the side of a winding country road near a vineyard with tiny green grape clusters reaching for the warm sun, yards from the entrance to a winery known for its excellent Zinfandels. But there will be no wine tasting for me today. This day is all about supporting my husband through Ironman

Can You Be A DOER And SELF-AWARE At The Same Time?

On February 15, 2018

Another report from the coffee shop…Here I am, listening in again. It’s a popular spot, close quarters. You can’t help but overhear people’s conversations. Sometimes I pick up a nugget or two for leadership reflection. Like from the table next to me today. Two women, I gather from their conversation, co-owners of a small business,

What The Brain Is Doing When We Get Feedback

On January 30, 2018

In the “6 Most Dreaded Words” we met David and Shauna, two consultants in a feedback discussion after a presentation. A discussion that is shaping up to be largely one-way (although Shauna is having a robust conversation in her head) and more defensive than effective. How can they have a more productive feedback conversation? Understanding what happens in the

The 6 Most Dreaded Words—”Can I Offer You Some Feedback?”

On November 14, 2017

Shauna and David, both consultants, just made a presentation to a client. David gave the strategic overview and Shauna provided the implementation plan. Afterwards, on the way back to the office, David says, “Shauna, can I offer you some feedback?” Shauna’s thought…if I say yes, this can’t be good otherwise you would have just said

The Art And Science Of Listening

On October 31, 2017

Great leaders listen. They don’t just hear, they actively listen. When you are talking with them, they make you feel like you are the only person in the world. Many of our interactions are transactional information exchanges, yet there are those times when it is time to go deeper than the casual exchange. That is

Hey, What About That Turn Signal?

On July 20, 2017

I was driving to early morning yoga class the other day. I’m in the middle left lane of a 4-lane road. A large white SUV is in the far left lane just ahead of me. No other traffic on the road. I’m startled as a flash of white crosses the lane in front of me

Look Up, Way Up

On January 17, 2017

Is one of your 2017 goals to get promoted? Do you feel you are doing a good job, getting good reviews, and yet the next level seems to elude you? I have a couple of young professional clients who are feeling this frustration. They have ‘followed the rules’ at their company, gained expertise over the

“Pack Up And Move!” (Your Brain On Change)

On December 7, 2016

Dear Mr./Ms. ____, you are hereby notified that your office space will be reassigned from XXX to YYY on 1 December. Kindly have your office and personal items packed in the provided boxes and labeled clearly with your name and new location no later than Nov 30. This is the note a colleague received last

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