Strategies for Business Leaders
Practical, actionable, with a hint of inspiration. Every week in your inbox.
All Posts
It’s Not on the Paper
We just finished the new ventures launch at UNC’s Kenan Flagler B-School this weekend. It’s an intense, fast-paced program for EMBA students who fly in…
The Virtue of Being a Chameleon
Not in your ethics or values. Those stay fixed. But in your ability to move with comfort and confidence across a broad range of audiences…
- book ·
Raising the Barre
About two months ago, I started taking barre classes. It is not an exaggeration to say that up until very recently (as in, last week),…
Your Weakest Link
Is likely your 2nd in command, your #2. For three reasons. You don’t have one and therefore are doing too much that takes you away…
- book ·
It’s Not Enough to Say What’s Wrong
You’ve also got to describe the alternate behavior that you want. Otherwise, you’re leaving someone with feedback that they can’t do a whole lot with.…
Technical Knowledge is the Greens Fee
That’s what gets you onto the course. And later, noticed. But leadership – of self and others – is what elevates you. For more on…
- book ·
Fear is a Fuel Line
One of the recurring themes that I heard when I was interviewing leaders for The Making Magnificence Project® was that they were afraid. Of failing,…
More Than a Quarter Left
What if you went out of the gate this month with your mindset from January, looking forward to what was possible, viewing the months ahead…
- book ·
Your Front Line is Your Bottom Line
In DC last week for client work, I arrive at my hotel to discover that the requests I’ve made in advance regarding my room are…
- C-Suite ·
The Right Question
Isn’t about why something is happening. The better question, if not the right question, is: What am I Going to Make of It? …
- book ·
People or Process?
Both. Processes aren’t flawless, ever, and you need great people with the discretion and authority to make the right decisions when processes need to be…
Readiness
Is not the same as being prepared. Or knowing what lies ahead. It is not the absence of fear. Rather, it is simply the place…
Trusted Advisor or Executive Coach?
If you’re a CEO or division president, you likely need a sounding board, confidante, and devil’s advocate. The phrase “lonely at the top” might describe…
- book ·
The Most Influential Type of Influence
After landing in Ithaca last week, I was greeted by my best friend who invited me to go straight to dinner. And in that moment,…
Preparing for Promotion
Strategic prioritization is one of the key domains that I address with coaching clients, particularly if they’re moving into elevated leadership roles. A few questions:…
- book ·
You Can Do Without a Great EA
But it’s not a great idea. One of the first things that I look at when working with a leader who’s been elevated into a…
When You’re Using the Wrong Hammer
Training can do a lot of things. It can convey cultural messaging and expectations. It can illustrate concepts, outline principles. Provide information. Reinforce standards. But…
- book ·
Mediocre or Magnificent?
An elderly widow. Several CEOs. A writer. Head of an avalanche mitigation team. Government officials. I spoke to many different kinds of leaders for The…
Great Expectations
Are you communicating them? Clearly? Are you meeting them? Consistently? My next openings are in late July. For more on working with me directly…
- book ·
Who Gets Coaching?
Your best and your brightest, the leaders with the greatest potential. Develop those people, and there will be a giant ripple out effect from that…
- book ·
If You Want Success, Deconstruct It
I like to say that no one cheers for my clients more than I do. When someone has a success, something they’ve been stretching and…
Sushi Bar
It’s evening and I’m looking over the last of the sushi at a high-end grocery store. It doesn’t look great. The employee behind the counter…
- book ·
Mile 22
Is supposed to be the worst mile of a marathon. Runners report hitting a wall, with very little physical reserve left. Even though there are…
Impact
Impact is something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. A few questions: What does impact mean to you? How do you define it? Where…
Are you elevating your leadership as your business grows?