Leadership Triggers: Teachers in Disguise?

Triggers.  We all have them.  None of us are entirely immune.  I say “entirely” because there are things we can do to reduce the impact that triggers have on us as leaders.  Triggers are events that stimulate our brain into a reaction—often “fight or flight.”  The brain checks into the memory banks and looks for […]

What Gets In the Way Of Your Being Original?

I’ve been thinking a lot about being innovative, creative and original. Fortunately, I’ve recently come across a book with a truly extraordinary perspective on the topic.  For life-long learners in leadership, it should be placed near the top of your “must-read” list.  The book is titled “Originals:  How Non-Conformists Move the World” by Adam Grant. […]

How Recruiting Fails: Leadership Learning

This week’s Step Up Leader Tips focuses on a key leadership competency:  recruiting talent. During my past life as a vice president of a retained executive search firm, I learned how much opportunity there is to educate companies for a more successful recruiting experience.  Large organizations have HR departments and often employ internal recruiters or […]

Do You Talk Out Loud Enough?

As a leader, do you talk out loud enough? Typically leaders are believed to process information and search for answers quietly in a guise of control. After several client sessions last week, I became curious as to whether that habit is the best case scenario. When asking them for one or two valuable take-aways from […]

Getting Started: A Leadership Secret You Deserve To Know

Slow down to move fast.  This important leadership secret underscores much of the work I do with leaders.  At this hectic time of year, I thought it would be helpful to emphasize that how we start the day often determines how effective we are in our activities.  It can be challenging to resist the urge […]