How to overcome being blinded by the obvious
Even when you think you're being alert, you can become blinded to the obvious. That's what happened to me. I had inadvertently compartmentalized two aspects of my professional life. As a result, I didn't see the bridge between them until a couple of months ago....
How to be a better leader by replacing these 3 behaviors
“Unprecedented times offer unprecedented opportunities for those willing to take unprecedented courage.” That message was my key takeaway from the recently concluded 2020 virtual NeuroLeadership Summit. Granted, we’re also living in an era of paradoxes. Change fatigue...
How to improve your performance with nerdy brain tricks
What’s one of the biggest winners of 2020? Videogames. Already a popular form of entertainment, videogame playing has been surging since March. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, spending on videogames and equipment has been hitting all-time monthly...
How to speak like you drive
How intentional are you these days with your speaking and your signaling? I'm not referring to virtue signaling, which means showing your good character or moral position on a particular issue. Instead, this is about basic communication: signaling instructions or...
How to improve your communication to counter uncertainty
Have you heard anyone this year rave about all the uncertainty that's everywhere we turn? Probably not. But even though we humans would rather trade this uncertainty for some predictability, we're capable of managing all the changes coming at us from so many different...
Why and how to comply with the Platinum Rule
The Golden Rule is king in my household, which is a stark contrast to what I encourage my clients to do. For my clients and myself, I prefer the Platinum Rule – do unto others as they like to be treated. When you follow the Platinum Rule, you show respect,...
How weak are your social muscles these days?
Even the dogs are acting weird these days. When we’re outside walking, Marcel the Therapy Dog who used to adore attention from humans, will now often wrap himself around my legs when he thinks a stranger is getting too close to him. When Marcel’s in my office, he no...
Why my mail-in vote needs a witness to be counted
Voter suppression is alive and well in the state of South Carolina where I live. Normally I don’t write about political issues, but these aren’t normal times. Three issues are at stake and in danger of eroding: Free and fair elections, the hallmark of a strong...
Can you overcome two obstacles to lead with empathy?
Here's what executive presence looks like now: Leaders who show their humility and vulnerability as they express kindness, compassion and empathy for us and others. And, by the way, we also want them to deal with all the extreme uncertainty we face. Being a kinder,...