Recovering Leader

5 Ways to Lead with Trust

There’s nothing worse than behavior from your boss that says s/he doesn’t trust you, particularly if you don't deserve it and they don't intend it. Failure to give you responsibility along with authority, not introducing you to a VIP, and micromanaging are all simple and avoidable ways a leader may be sending a motivation-killing signal on the trust front. To... Read more →

When it’s My Fault and Never Good Enough

Those who take on the weight of the world, yet who constantly find their own efforts lacking, are more prevalent than one might think. One such executive told me, “It’s like I’ve got a ton of bricks on my shoulders,” and the weight keeps being added as issues and needs arise around them ... "I get totally exhausted." It’s a... Read more →

Where Are the Great Companies?

Where are the companies and organizations that live the mission of making the world a better place, every day, in a big way? Of course I googled it. All you can tell from that is that's their stated mission. How do you find the companies that truly are LIVING it, where it's in their organizational DNA? Speak! I'm not asking... Read more →

Why Winning is Bad for Leadership

Aspiring to “win” works for elections and athletic events, but not for leadership. The language you use as a leader impacts everything about your organization. The "winner/loser" approach means MY goals are accomplished at YOUR expense. In a simpler world perhaps that made a great deal of sense. These days, we need each other more often than not. So “achieving”... Read more →

3 Great Ways to Approach Failure

Some “experts” go around saying failure’s great. After all, they repeatedly mention, Edison had 999 failed filaments before the one that illuminated the first light bulb. Let's not kid ourselves: failing professionally sucks, particularly during trying times. As most of us are NOT Thomas Edison, the 10th or so filament might in fact be career limiting / bending / ending,... Read more →

How to Upgrade Your Leadership through EQ

Does what we feel drive how we think, problem-solve, and lead others? I used to think not. I’ve recently discovered it’s time to rethink, or, more aptly, re-feel that. Going through the Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in Action certification course last week, I gained a new appreciation for how feelings drive everything we think and do. Like it or not, neuroscience... Read more →