Category: Motivation and Engagement

Assertive selfishness is not equal to aggressive selfishness

Assertive Selfishness is not equal to Aggressive Selfishness

“Selfish” is not a four-letter word. We’re taught from infancy that being selfish is bad.We condition ourselves to believe we must be selfLESS to be good. That story we tell ourselves results in frustration, exhaustion, and burnout. We’re missing the nuances of being selfish. While it’s advisable to avoid being “aggressively selfish” – displaying toxic…
Read more

Text: The most important safe space is the one in your own head Image: person hugging themselves

The Most Important Safe Space

Imposter syndrome.Fear.Doubt.Self-criticism.Self-punishment.Perfectionism. The stories we tell ourselves can hold us back from developing and helping others develop. Becoming a more effective leader often starts with creating a safe space in our own heads. 

Woman standing looking at brain on fire

Think of Stress as Your Brain on Fire

When you’re under stress, all your brain cares about is that it is on fire. Not the work you are trying to do.Not the lesson someone is trying to teach you.Not the conversation someone is trying to have with you.Not the goal you need to work on. It’s too preoccupied with the fire. It usually…
Read more

People Carrying a Lightbulb

The Opportunity of the Executive

The Managers began to talk. Openly. Honestly.  It took many hours of conversation and confidence in the pledge to maintain confidentiality. And they were ready to offer insights about challenges and opportunities.  They had excellent observations and suggestions. They balanced the positives with the opportunities. They were constructive. They were empathetic. They continued to speak with respect. And they were not willing…
Read more

Everything was not fine

Everything was not fine

“We don’t get a lot of complaints around here” It was true.  People did not complain.  – They did as they were told. – They put in the long hours needed to get their jobs done.  – They made the most of the “open-door policy,” frequenting their manager’s office to ask questions and understand how the Manager…
Read more

Bucket filling with water

Leadership Tip: Fill the Bucket

Every person has an emotional bucket for their relationships. We have a bucket for every relationship we are in, including our relationship with ourselves. When the bucket is full, we feel a high sense of trust and safety in the relationship. The bucket is filled with positive interactions that feel good and build trust, giving…
Read more

Say no to pizza parties to solve workplace problems

Pizza is Not A Solution

Almost every caring, intelligent leader I’ve met has at some point attempted to solve a morale, motivation, or engagement problem with a pizza party. In our linear-thinking world, when faced with a problem, we often respond immediately with “we need more ____.”  We need more people We need more time We need more money We…
Read more