What is the primary “doing” of leadership? I believe that it’s the act of convening the right conversations with the right people in the right way. Let’s look at three aspects of that – sensing, being and acting.
Leader as coach
Recently, I was talking with Jim, a former client who has retired from his role as CEO of a major nonprofit organization. As we talked about his desire to support other CEOs, the idea of “leader as coach” came up, and with it, the notion that we can develop others more effectively with questions than advice. “I didn’t spend a lot of time asking questions as CEO,” Jim confessed. “It’s just inefficient.”
What the Leaves Know
Fill The Room
You know that feeling when you walk in the room and it’s full of sadness or anger or joy? Our moods are significantly affected by the dominant mood in the room. Given that, it might be smart to choose what you spread to others.
Getting the most out of coaching - 4 Things You Can Do
Getting an awesome coach is a good starting point. Beyond that, there is a lot the client can to do to ensure great results. Here are 4 things to help you maximize your ROI from the coaching investment.
Getting an awesome coach is a good starting point. Beyond that, there is a lot the client can to do to ensure great results. Here are 4 things to help you maximize your ROIfrom the coaching investment.
Longing, Awe, and Commitment
One of the most fundamental acts of leadership is to declare our commitment to a desired future, a future that likely won’t come about without our help. And then, we move ourselves (and others) toward that future. I’m not talking about simple goals or mission statements. I’m talking about a heartfelt, fully embodied commitment. This commitment is only as powerful as the energy behind it. The energy of longing, caring, passion – that’s where amazing things happen. This kind of bold, passionate commitment always asks something of us, and in some way demands that we move into a larger version of ourselves.
Delegation - An Inside Job
My executive coaching clients often struggle with delegation. Sometimes they find that they hand things off but then they bounce back; sometimes they just don’t feel like their staff is up to what is needed. They may have learned a ton of “tools and techniques” still nothing shifts. So what’s up with that?
Ship It
Leaders are confident. No wait, leaders are humble.
Piggies Under the Table
Early in my career, I was reaching for bigger impact in my work, but something held me back. You know, those inner voices that say “You can’t do that” or “It’s too risky” or whatever. My friend Pat began to refer to those voices as the “piggies under the table.” I loved having a playful way to acknowledge these voices and so it stuck. We all have “piggies” in one form or another. They shape our lives and our leadership.