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.
The dark side of personal growth and transformation
I’ve always been a bit of a “personal growth junkie.” It’s what draws me to the work of coaching. And of course, I have a coach. He constantly invites me into a larger, more powerful version of myself. He challenges the ways I limit myself. Coaching helps me live more fully into my potential. All great, right?
That’s the light side of personal growth, the pretty part of the journey. It’s what makes coaching or workshops worth the investment of our time and money.
Leadership, Complexity and the Self
If you’ve been following my blog for the past year or so, you know that complexity and what it asks of us as leaders has been on my mind a lot. There is no arguing with the fact that these are complex times. It can be challenging to see clearly what is needed. Doug Silsbee has just released his new book, Presence-Based Leadership. It’s an incredible resource for today’s leaders.
Your Bold and Beautiful Aspirations
What’s bigger than a BHAG and small enough to hide in your pocket? It’s those hidden dreams for what your organization can become and what you can do in the world. Not just your “stretch goals” or even your BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). You’ve pushed yourself to write those down and used them to help your team achieve more. That’s fabulous. And, I’m betting there’s more. Your bold and beautiful aspirations.
2017 Scholarship Winner Announced
I'm very excited to announce the recipient of our 2017 coaching scholarship, Mimi Marziani, Executive Director at the Texas Civil Rights Project. I'm very much looking forward to working with her!
In Q1, 2018, I'll open applications for the 2018 scholarship. If you want to be among the first to know, sign up for blog updates or my monthly newsletter. You can learn more about this year's scholarship program here.
Leadership Imperatives for Complexity #2
The story of the 5 blind men exploring an elephant reminds us that what we see depends entirely on our perspective. This suggest two things we want to consider when working with complexity.