A Plan Without Energy is a Car Without Gas

I coach a leader who is preoccupied and impatient. He walks past people without noticing them. He’s testy when interactions hint at taking longer than absolutely necessary. He’s working to better connect with… Continue reading

7 Alternatives to Traditional Gift Exchanges in the Office – #1 Don’t Do it

“Christmas means carnage,” Ferdinand, the duck in the movie, Babe: Pig in the City. A feast for one is tragedy for another. I hope you put an end to traditional gift exchanges in… Continue reading

4 Ways Coaching-Managers Lower Stress and Succeed with Tough Conversations

Discomfort often tips people toward new behaviors. 4 ways to succeed with tough conversations: #1. Have them quickly. Delay makes matters worse. Say-what-you-see as soon as possible. If you’re concerned that you could be… Continue reading

How to Stop Defending What isn’t Working

We have the astonishing capacity to vigorously defend what isn’t working. When this happens, we eventually blame others for nagging issues. After all, someone has to be responsible for these frustrations. Four steps on… Continue reading

When Silence is Painful, Not Golden

Failure to bring up disappointing performance is cruel, not compassionate. Apart from intervention, negative trajectory accelerates.   When silence is painful, not golden: Silence when performance disappoints prolongs pain, increases stress, and affirms… Continue reading

The 5 Most Painful Leaders to be Around

Some leaders are painful to be around. To be honest, sometimes you and I are the pain. We’ve all been the leader others complain about. The 5 most painful leaders to be around: Nit-pickers.… Continue reading