The transition from individual contributor to manager is often the toughest in a person’s career path. Newer managers find themselves needing a whole new set of skills that may be unrelated to the work they excelled at in their previous roles. At the same time, they may lack the confidence to ask for help or admit that they are struggling. Based on what I’ve learned from my clients and from my own leadership journey, I …
Check out this conversation between myself and leadership coach, Lisa Brewer. We talk about what mental fitness is, and the impact that it has on every single human on the planet. We break down the three muscles you need to build to increase your mental fitness. And we share some personal stories about our own journeys and the impact of building mental fitness on each of us. Enjoy!
If you are a produce industry professional who is dedicated to personal growth and development, this message is for you! You know that if you’re not physically fit, you would feel bodily stress if you tried to climb a mountain. Likewise, if you’re not mentally fit, you’ll feel mental stress, such as anxiety, frustration, or unhappiness, as you face challenging situations in your work and your life. Trying to meet life’s inevitable challenges with your …
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 …
Do you dread networking? Do you look for any excuse to delay going to the big reception and then clump together with people you already know when you get there? You are not alone, but you can rise above your fear and dread. The truth is that your success at an industry event hinges on your ability to talk with people, learn about them and make an impression so they will remember you. I’ve created …
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 …
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 …
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 …
I recently had my favorite dining experience EVER at Colonie in Brooklyn, NY. While seated at the Chef’s Counter, I observed a team of chefs, kitchen staff and servers who worked as a calm, efficient and well-oiled machine. It was clear that each person knew exactly what was expected of them, and what they could expect from each other. The standards for the food and service were understood by all. And when things went wrong, …