Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest…. – Georgia O’Keefe (1976) I’ve been working at home and practicing social distancing for over three weeks. Like most of you, the phrase “social distancing” wasn’t even part of my vocabulary
Asking questions demonstrates curiosity, shows interest, solicits answers, engages others, prompts shifts in thoughts and actions, fosters reflection, helps to reframe a situation, helps generate ideas and solutions, and builds rapport.
What can we do individually to ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’?
There are many benefits of networking. People have made career changes, found their life-partners, avoided personal and financial disasters, resolved conflicts, built businesses, and even met people they admire by building strong networks.
Recently an executive coaching client asked me how to break the ice with people who have achieved great things in life and who might be considered intimidating. Here are 20 questions to help get a conversation started and build a relationship (with just about anyone): How did you get into the work you are doing? What do you like most about the work you do?
Imagine the complexity of a highway…all of the roads that feed into it, as well as the roads that the single highway feeds. That same complexity is true for bus systems, subways, and air traffic systems. Beyond transportation, there are countless other examples of these complex systems — healthcare, food, water, electricity, information (the internet) and even diseases. Not only does each part play an important role, it is also related in one
The ability to think and act strategically has long been recognized as a key differentiator between average and exceptional leaders (Management Research Group). But what is strategic thinking and acting? Simply put, it is the practice of thinking broadly about current and future issues, in a manner that considers the implications of actions. As a critical leadership skill, this enables
Successful organizations provide executive coaching for leaders and aspiring leaders at all levels. As an executive coach, I am regularly asked … “exactly what does someone work-on with a coach?”. Here is a list of 80 scenarios I’ve assisted with in my practice: Gain self-awareness Know the whole business (Agility) Build effective relationships across functions Increase crucial relationships with leaders Understand and
One of my favorite science fiction movies is The Matrix (1999). The movie imagines humanity that is unknowingly trapped inside a simulated reality (aka The Matrix) created by intelligent machines to distract humans while using their bodies as an energy source. A computer programmer (aka Neo, played by Keanu Reeves) uncovers the truth as he is drawn into a rebellion against the
When researching and preparing to meet with an executive coach for the first time, I recommend thinking about certain questions that may help to determine a good fit for both you AND the coach.