Recovering Leader

Practicing Worry Management

Some believe worrying is a positive, motivating force to keep us on our toes. Worrying never made anything better, faster, or more effective. It drags us down more than it motivates us to our best. Read more →

Monday’s LeaderTip: Worry Management

We all worry about the future at times, and leaders are no exception. Some even hang onto it, believing it to be an effective motivator. Yet the positive results you achieve are in spite of—not because of—the strain and stress of your worries. When you notice yourself doing it, call it for what it is: counterproductive, nagging, self-inflicted negativity about... Read more →

Monday’s LeaderTip: What’s Your Leading-to-Doing ratio?

Daily demands create a tidal pull toward “doing” versus leading—tasks and challenges tempt us to jump in and fix, suggest, organize, manage, etc., “in the interest of time.” Yet every minute you’re driving the day-to-day is one minute with your eyes off the road ahead. Over time, this pattern hinders your ability to guide your people toward the future vision... Read more →

Monday’s LeaderTip: Leading by Inquiry

Certainty and leadership do not coexist. Even when you have (or think you “should” have) the answer, it’s much more effective to challenge your people to solve their own problems. By asking questions, you are affirming and supporting the capabilities of your team. Answer their questions with your own questions, and don’t worry about displaying your uncertainty. You’ll find creative... Read more →

LeaderTip: Leadership in Fallibility

We all make mistakes every day, and leaders are no exception. If you have high standards, you may wrestle with the temptation to deny or dwell on your errors. Feel free to visit, but don’t pitch a tent there—remind yourself that so many of history’s errors have led to tremendous achievements. Most mistakes bear gifts—a lesson, a key insight, a... Read more →

Self-aware Leadership Watch: Is Your Ego Your Amigo?

Fundamentally, a healthy ego is a good thing. It serves a simple and vital function: to keep us separated from each other in our own thinking. Without it, there’d be no sense of self versus other, and I’d have no way of telling myself from you. However, a mismanaged ego can be anything from a minor liability to majorly overbearing.... Read more →

A Challenge for Worried Leaders

Worrying: is a trait shared by many leaders. is completely optional -- up to you whether you do it or not. is fed / encouraged by society and the media. never made anything better, despite the notion that you may think it keeps you on your toes. boils down to making up stories / lies to yourself and repeating them.... Read more →