When The Going Gets Tough I…..

Recently I’ve experienced a number of tough challenges.  I’ve also been hearing from friends and colleagues who’ve been voicing the same.  This got me to reflect on my habits and patterns. I’ve also observed how others who receive challenging news manage to courageously embrace “what is.” Leadership is an opportunity to evolve and develop aspects […]

Language and Leadership: Are You “Minding” Your Words?

Language is a powerful vehicle for communication and self-expression.  For leaders, it’s an especially important part of influencing others.  Teams will rely on your communication, both implied and direct, in order to act.  They pay attention to your words, and the meaning behind the words.  Are you aware of all the messages your words convey? […]

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 […]

Slow Down. You Move Too Fast.

Remember the 59th Street Bridge (Feelin’ Groovy) song from Simon and Garfunkel? The lyrics may seem a far cry from relevance for leadership, yet I don’t believe it is.  Take a look. Slow down, you move too fast. You got to make the morning last. Just kicking down the cobble stones. Looking for fun and […]

How do you make your leadership development sticky?

This week’s Step Up Tips and Tools borrows from a book review in Leading Blog that reviews what is required to make your leadership sustainable. I have worked with many leaders who became frustrated after they’ve invested in training, development, and perhaps even coaching, yet are unable to make what they learn “sticky. To sustain […]