Category Archive: vulnerability

How Successful Leaders Navigate Disruption

Success during disruption is a function of opportunity, humility, talent, and focus – the elimination of distraction. Ego hinders meaningful contribution. Avoid Superhero Syndrome.  Superhero-leaders work too hard rescuing others. It feels good… Continue reading

How No-Nonsense Leaders Succeed with Conversations

Agenda-driven conversations feel safe. It’s those spontaneous conversations that kick some leaders in the pants. It might feel easier to avoid interactions, but your team is better served when you engage. Personal conversations… Continue reading

Give Presentations Like a Pro Even When You Hate Public Speaking

You might not enjoy it, but leading includes public speaking. Speaking skills matter when you lead meetings for teams, boards, or the entire company. You can’t lead without speaking in public. How to… Continue reading

Surgery Without Anesthesia

“My husband says a conversation with Dan is like surgery without anesthesia.” (During a birthday party for a long-time coaching client.) People don’t tell leaders the truth. They imagine what you want to… Continue reading

The Four Powers of Courageous Leaders

The courage of leadership is seldom seen and never understood by those who choose safety over adventure. Real courage is a decision made without fanfare. Courageous leadership is the power to: #1. Live… Continue reading

Hugging in the Men’s Room

Corporate life is dead because there’s no heart. I scrambled for something to do when he said, “My son committed suicide two years ago.” We were standing in the men’s room.   The… Continue reading