Your Leadership Coach

The phrase for the week is "Don’t Forget What You Already Know.” How many times over the last year have you heard yourself saying? ·          I knew she would say that? ·          I knew that wouldn’t work but I thought I’d try it anyway? ·          I can’t believe they voted that down? Is it that we forgot what we already knew about the parties or situation?   Of course not, it’s much like retroactive interference.   That occurs when new information interferes with your ability to remember previously learned information.   It’s when you become so focused on your own idea that it’s like a lunar eclipse in your mind.   The only thing you can see is your idea and the outcome you envisioned. The solution to this affliction is to press the pause button and ask yourself, “What do I already know about this scenario and how can I best...

The phrase for the week is "We Are What We Practice.” What patterns emerge in your behavior time and time again that you wish were different?   What if  you are chronically late, for example?    How do you change this behavior if you practicing being late everyday?--late to work, late to meetings, late to bed...   It creates stress, embarrassment and shapes your personal brand reputation.  Consider this process for changing this. You must first realize the consequences of any poor behavior.   If y ou’re in denial and haven’t acknowledged there is a real problem, ask those around you for feedback on the one thing you might change to enhance your personal brand.   Until you can acknowledge your role in the behavior and want to change, it will continue. Once you acknowledge there is a problem and you want to change it, you must interrupt the pattern in a dramatic way.   Let’s use the example of being chronically late.   To int...

The word for the week is "Timeliness” Be on time.   Start on time.   End on time. A few observations on punctuality: ·          Demonstrates your level of self-respect and respect for others. ·          Provides a sneak peek into your organizational skills. ·          Your time management skills are on display. If a meeting starts at 9 a.m. and you walk into the meeting at 9 a.m.--you are late. I respect my time and the time of others.

The phrase for the week is "Meditation Works.” Begin the week by tapping into the spiritual you! The answers you seek will be revealed. Be open. What I like best about meditation is it can be like a mini vacation without leaving home.   Because you must focus and quiet your mind, you eventually reach a higher level of awareness and inner calm. I was surprised to learn that you can meditate anywhere and at any time.   I find it hard to meditate unless it is perfectly quiet, but others can meditate amidst utter chaos. There are countless techniques for meditating, find one that works for you and practice each day this week.  If you meditate regularly, consider taking your meditation to the next level and go deeper than you have in the past. I meditate with purpose to connect with all knowing voice within.

The phrase for the week is "Stand Firm.” Individuals with any measure of success are without question, engaged in some level of risk taking.   Not reckless risk, but strategic risk--supported by research, a strong network and faith.   For a business enterprise, these calculated risks result in increased market share, an innovative product design, and can distance the company further from their nearest competitor.   This week, identify a project, initiative or idea you’ve been considering.   Do the required research to support your position and the opposing points of view.   Be clear on how this can move the organization from point A to point B.   Be clear, be confident and stand firm. I do my research and I stand firm on my ideas and decisions.

The word for the week is "Communication” Communication is central to all aspects of life. It’s a critical skill for maintaining your personal as well as professional relationships. ·          Builds trust ·          Establishes credibility ·          Lays the foundation for great leadership Be aware of the nonverbal cues you receive when speaking your mind.   Silence does not automatically mean agreement. When communicating, ask don’t tell .   Being asked lights up “positive visioning areas” in the brain, associated with greater cognitive and perceptual openness.   Being told can activate “negative emotional attractor” areas of the brain, causing defensiveness. I communicate clearly and listen for clarity and understanding.

The phrase for the week is "Know When To Walk Away” You might be humming the Kenny Roger’s hit “The Gambler.”   It is so appropriate for this week’s affirmation.   We often hear, “hold on tight to your dreams,” “persevere,” “never give up.” It is so specific. So, if I let go of a dream, give up--am I a failure, a loser? How do we know when it may be time to sunset something that isn't working? When do you focus on what you've learned and move on? I’ve read a lot of self-help books over the years. Necessary Endings by Henry Cloud stayed with me for years and I’ve recommended it to countless friends and clients.   In it he states, “Getting to the next level always requires ending something, leaving it behind, and moving on. Growth demands that we move on. Without the ability to end things, people stay stuck, never becoming who they are meant to be, never accomplishing all that their talents and abilities should afford them.” Wow!   I was so relieved to consi...