Warning: This Dangerous Thought Causes Harm
A “NO OUTLET” street sign near my house inspired this column, while I was walking my dog. Whenever I believe that I have no choices in a tricky situation, I…
Remember to Bring Your Curiosity Wherever You Go
Humor me while I do some self-coaching here. I am self-aware enough to know that I place a high value on being productive and helpful. These two tendencies often serve…
Are You a “T-shaped” Leader?
I often help top leaders figure out what capabilities to cultivate in themselves and their senior managers. I’ve also guided several strategic planning efforts recently. Both situations raised the same tension: Balancing big…
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…