There are times in business and in our personal lives that call out to us to rock the boat, to make a mess. These are the times when the only sane thing to do is to be the child yelling “The Emperor has no clothes!” And when that time comes, you will surely recognize it…. [Read More]
One Little Example of Courage
I play in a recreational hockey league in my community. It consists of a bunch of mostly late middle-aged men and a few women that enjoy the challenge and camaraderie of the affliction known as “adult onset ice hockey.” The skill levels of the participants vary from former college and high school players to rank… [Read More]
What is my Unintended Impact?
Do you know how you impact people when you enter a room? When presenting your case in an important meeting, does your voice change if challenged by a superior? Is your “default face” a blank stare or a scowl that discourages others from contributing? Do you always follow a humorous remark with a forced laugh?… [Read More]
Are You a “Hitter?”
Recently, I was meeting with a 40-something client of mine, a long-time Managing Director at a successful middle-market private equity firm. He described the process by which he had just landed a seat on the board of advisors of a very prestigious international studies program at his alma mater. “Somehow my name came to the… [Read More]
Learning to Say “No!”
“I have so little time for myself and the things that are really important in my life. This has got to stop!” I was listening to the strained voice of one of my clients whom I had been coaching for over a year. Over the prior three years, he had agreed to take significant leadership… [Read More]
Goal Setting
As we enter the first weeks of 2012, it is the time that many of choose to set goals for the coming year. In thinking about your professional and personal goals, I challenge you to stretch, think HUGE and set goals that take you out of your comfort zone. Most of us spend too much… [Read More]