Addressing the Leadership Skill Gap “When I first went from regular employee to manager, I knew exactly how to step into my new role and lead my team…” …said no leader ever!!! More often, it’s the opposite. You step into your role, then maybe you start to realize… “I didn’t get trained for this.” “I’m confident in my work but not in my team.” “I don’t want to let my team down, but I don’t […]
New Managers Aren’t Trained in Leadership Read More »
5 Tips to Salvage the Meeting With so much uncertainty in the world right now turning up the heat and pressure, employees are having a tough time. So if you’ve noticed your teammates being stressed or disengaged—now more than ever is a time for patience and understanding! As leaders, we face the same challenges that our teammates do. But we also have the responsibility to try to make connections and understand their struggles—and one of the
One-on-one Took a Negative Turn? Read More »
In leadership roles, we’re used to starting Q1 with the heat turned up. Always busy, always behind, and always battling a long to-do list 😬 When under pressure, we naturally feel the need to work harder and faster. Especially as leaders with a whole team counting on us! But if that’s your mindset, you’re in danger of falling into the same trap I did: ➡️ You’re productive but you’re not actually making progress. ➡️ You’re
The #1 Gamechanger for Growing as a Leader Read More »
As 2020 draws to a close, I’ve been thinking about what I can say to you all at this time that will be helpful. What will be in support of you all finding peace with 2020 and setting your sights on better days (and outcomes) ahead in 2021? I’ve drafted and abandoned several blog posts, and finally arrived at this simple approach, which is based in the work I’ve done this year. If we can
Discover the Gifts of 2020 Read More »
I think I can safely say that 2020 has not worked out as any of us predicted it would. We started the year with a massive vision. It was a “2020 Vision”- how perfect! Unfortunately, we all now know the deep pain and loss that this year has delivered to our doors. As we slide into August, with even more uncertainty on the horizon, I want to offer a cleansing ritual of sorts. I encourage you
The end of one year and the start of the next is always a great opportunity to pause and notice where we’ve been and where we’re going. As we head into 2020, we have the chance to usher in a new year and a new decade. 2020 represents symmetry and balance. It holds layers of meaning if we let it. No matter the condition of your actual eyesight, don’t pass up this opportunity to have
Click through and scroll down to watch the short video. This is a simple concept that we all lose sight of from time to time, so it bears repeating. Our circumstances are quite often happening to us. Sometimes bad stuff happens and we are powerless to change it. What we do have power over is our perspective through which we view the circumstances. Think of this like a lens or a framework for seeing the
Circumstances and Perspective Read More »
The brilliant Simon Sinek implores us to “Start With Why”. It’s a question that’s intended to drill right to the heart of our purpose. When used effectively, “why” helps us create a vision that’s infused with energy and supported by passion. Unfortunately, that’s not how most people use “why”. “Why did you do it that way?” could simply be a bid for understanding. But with just the slightest change in tone, emphasis or even body
The Impact of Asking “Why” Questions Read More »
I reconnected with a friend this morning. My first question was, “How do you like your new job?” Without missing a beat, she replied, “I love my job – I have the best boss I’ve had in 20 years!” She went on to speak about the work, the company, her co-workers, and then came back around to speak more about this fabulous boss. Once again, I’m reminded of what a difference it makes when you
A Great Job Starts With A Great Boss Read More »
It sounds simple, but it’s not easy. It takes effort and intention to identify your values and then arrange your life to align with those priorities. Check out this short video for more insights about living in alignment with your values.
The Secret to Happiness Is… Read More »
There seems to be lots of confusion about the differences between training, mentoring and coaching. I see leaders claiming that they are “coaching” their team when they are training or mentoring. Using a coach approach can make a huge difference in a team’s engagement and results, so it’s important to recognize when you are actually coaching. I’ve come up with three simple phrases to help you identify which mode you are in at any time.
What’s the Difference Between Training, Mentoring and Coaching? Read More »
Nearly all of my clients tell me that lack of time is the obstacle that’s standing between where they are and where they want to be. It seems to be universal to the human experience. It’s likely that you experience this frustration as well. Unfortunately, I don’t have a time machine. I can’t give you any more than the 24 hours we all have in a day. The only magic wand I know of is
High Impact Activity Read More »
For most people, New Year’s resolutions just don’t work. Instead, create a vision for 2019 that excites and inspires you. That vision, combined with your dedication to making it a reality, can change your life. Before we start our next journey around the sun, take time to reflect on what has gone well and how you’ve grown through your successes and your failures in 2018. Then, from this place of clarity about where you’ve been, set your
Set a New Year’s Vision, Not a New Year’s Resolution Read More »
Contrary to the notion that leadership is a capacity you’re born with (or not), research has proven that leadership can be understood, taught and practiced so that anyone can become a more effective leader. On my never-ending quest to understand how individuals can acquire these skills, I discovered The Work of Leaders, How Vision, Alignment and Execution Will Change the Way You Lead. The Work of Leaders model identifies tangible behaviors that can build one’s
Deepen your leadership mastery with the “Work of Leaders” model Read More »
A Leadership Development Program for Women in Produce If you’ve spoken to me for more than 10 minutes, you probably already know that I’m passionate about the produce industry. Going to work for the National Watermelon Promotion Board in 2001 and later for the National Mango Board changed my life for the better in more ways than I can count. I found this industry to be overflowing with dynamic, generous, smart, caring people. I knew
Lean In To Leadership Read More »
How to capture your thoughts and unlock your potential. I was working outside recently and had a flash of insight. It was a powerful thought that seemed to come from nowhere, but in reality, I know it bubbled up from my subconscious. The topic was personal, so I won’t share the specifics, but this thought was exactly what I needed to hear at that time so I could move forward on a difficult situation. Our
A produce industry friend recently wrote about asking for what you want. I’m a true believer in this approach, and I appreciated the reminder. Today I’m asking you to raise your hand if you are curious about coaching. Most of you know that I left the National Mango Board (NMB) at the end of May to pursue my passion for coaching. Right now I’m completing a year-long coach training and certification program. During this period, I need
Asking For What I Need Read More »
When you hear, “high value”, what pops into your head? Don’t think too hard, just notice what comes up first. In our society, high value generally equates to things that have a large monetary value, such as an expensive home or the market price of a successful company. If someone is willing to pay a lot for something, we consider it to have high value. If that’s where your mind went, you’re not alone. I’d like
The High-Value Lens Read More »