“One of the great tragedies of life is that men seldom bridge the gulf between practice and profession, between doing and saying…. On the one hand, we proudly profess certain sublime and noble principles, but on the other hand, we sadly practice the very antithesis of these principles. How often are our lives characterized by … Continue reading Doing and saying
Do your actions and values match?
Over the last 15 years, I’ve done quite a bit of coaching with leaders who are preparing to interview for various leadership roles. One of my best pieces of advice to them is to demonstrate congruence in their interview. That is, when they say they have particular values, strengths or abilities, they need to be … Continue reading Do your actions and values match?
Know your WHY
“It all starts with clarity. You have to know WHY you do WHAT you do… people don’t buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it, so it follows that if you don’t know WHY you do WHAT you do, how will anyone else?” – Simon Sinek, Start With Why Do you follow what … Continue reading Know your WHY
Living your values
If you examine what it takes to be a successful leader, you'll find that integrity tops the list of essential leadership competencies. While it may not be a sexy or popular topic in today's often polarized climate, a leader who demonstrates integrity through truthfulness, accountability, and efforts to keep their promises, is much more likely … Continue reading Living your values
What me? Blindspots?
“As a leader, first, work on yourself--increase your self-awareness. There shouldn’t be any other urgent agenda than this. Get enlightened! Know very well who you are including your strengths, weaknesses, and blindspots!” – Assegid Habtewold Do you know what your leadership blindspots are? We all have them. They are unseen weaknesses that unless managed, can … Continue reading What me? Blindspots?
Is your team not achieving their best?
I’ve been fortunate to lead and be a part of several high-performing, cohesive teams during my career…teams that get a lot done and enjoy working with each other in the process. Being part of a high-performing, cohesive team can be productive, fulfilling, and fun. The best part of working with a great team is that … Continue reading Is your team not achieving their best?
It’s about relationship
“When leadership is a relationship founded on trust and confidence, people take risks, make changes, keep organizations and movements alive.” – James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner Have you ever noticed that its much easier to get things done when you are working with people you trust? I certainly have. There is ease, satisfaction, … Continue reading It’s about relationship
The value of good coaching
A few years ago, I got myself into a very tight spot. Literally! After leaving work, I entered the parking garage and realized that there was less than an inch between my minivan and the neighboring cars. On both sides! With some quick thinking, I managed to open the tailgate and climb over the rows … Continue reading The value of good coaching
Want to increase your career opportunities? Take a bite of PIE!
One of the most pleasurable things I've done throughout my career is coach leaders in higher education as they explored their career options and interviewed for new leadership opportunities. As people prepare for taking that next step, it is often helpful to ask them think about their PIE. What is PIE, you might ask? It’s … Continue reading Want to increase your career opportunities? Take a bite of PIE!
Leadership is a Balancing Act
Photo by Tina Nord on Pexels.com A few years ago, my 16-year-old daughter Emma bounded into my bedroom and hopped on my bed where I was winding down for the night. “How was youth group?” I asked. “Great!” she replied. I asked her what made it great and she said that they talked about whether … Continue reading Leadership is a Balancing Act