Take a Conversational Risk: Put Aside Your Agenda
I love the spark that ignites in a client during our conversations when they discover their own solution to a challenge. You don’t have to be an executive coach to…
The Dangerous Slippery Slope of Blame
2021 has been an especially trying year for all. Along with the exhaustion, I’ve noticed a general uptick in blaming. (I am referring to misplaced, short-sighted and exaggerated blame – not…
How to Help Your Organization Exit the Pandemic
A nonprofit executive director recently said to me: “I know how I want to be leading now [post-peak crisis] and what’s good for the organization, but I’m not sure how…
Three Things to (Re)Learn from Wise Young Managers
I recently wrapped up the annual AlumniCorps Emerging Leaders program I lead for rising nonprofit managers. Over eight months, the cohort members learn about their own leadership and discover what…
A New Year, But No “New Normal”: A Call for More Resilience
We continue to navigate the trifecta of a growing pandemic, frightening societal unrest, and economic uncertainty. Everyday life remains destabilized, even for those of us fortunate to be healthy and…
What I Learned from My Mother
I lost my exceptional mother, at 87 years old, on October 9th. My grieving will continue for a long time. But thankfully, it is accompanied by the positive inspiration of…
Don’t Sweat the Big Stuff (continuously)
The best-selling book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (Carlson, 1997) offered advice for living life with less stress by letting go of less important things. That remains excellent advice. But…
This. Is. Exhausting.
Many leaders and managers I know, especially at nonprofits, are working harder than ever during this pandemic. Their challenges are extremely volatile, unprecedented, and high stakes – creating extra personal…
So, We Now Seem to Know Almost Nothing
As the COVID-19 pandemic swells, we have no idea how tomorrow’s news will impact our daily lives and the people and organizations we care about most. Yet we each still…
Who (or What) is in Your Navigator’s Seat As You Start 2020?
As a coach, I feel like a navigator – in the front passenger seat with GPS tools and the freedom to look around. I have access to information and perspectives…