Want to be a more nimble leader? Try stretching
Why are nimble leaders—also referred to as “agile leaders,” “elevated leaders” and “deliberately developmental leaders”—in such demand today? They're better prepared to deal with constant changes, uncertainty, disruption, growing complexity, and multiple stakeholders...
Are you a female giver who gets taken for granted? Set boundaries
For the past decade, I’ve intentionally focused on being a giver. After reading Adam Grant’s first book, Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success, published in 2013 and then taking his Give and Take Assessment, I figured it made sense to lean into my natural...
3 reasons why you need a clear narrative about yourself
“I’m a researcher/leader who craves data in order to make decisions.” “I’m a first-generation financial planner/leader driven to build long-term financial security for my clients and my family.” “I’m a leader from pioneer stock whose even-keeled nature provides...
Want to improve your communications? Follow these 3 lessons from a dog
Marcel the Therapy Dog doesn’t speak, write, or communicate in human-centric ways. Yet he's an expert in the art and science of in-person calls to action. He commands attention to get humans -- especially me -- to follow his directions again and again. You can...
Want to become a better communicator? Build a “pause” habit
Will you please pause for our cause? Our cause: Pause before communicating to make us all better communicators. As context, here’s why we members of the Habit Crew (Sam Yankelevitch, Jim Thompson, and I) advocate the practice of pausing. It’s the ideal habit to make...
Why we need to defend DEI/ESG: they’re good for people, the planet, and profits
Did you expect the growing conservative backlash against DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and ESG (environment, social and governance), the key non-financial factors that many investors use in their analysis. I didn’t. And if you’re not familiar with what’s been...
How to balance compassion and accountability for behavior change
“How do you balance compassion and accountability?” Kendra Kinnison, the Coach.me CEO asked me this question after my commencement talk to the latest Coach.me habit certification class in February. After answering, I thought more deeply about how you need both...
Want to live your best life? Take time to exercise, eat well, and sleep
“Adopt good habits for exercising, eating and sleeping.” These eight words summarize how to take care of yourself, especially your mental and physical health. Granted, it’s not always clear what constitutes the best exercise, the healthiest diet, and the ideal amount...
Why mutuality matters more than reciprocity in a human-centered world
“Reciprocation – You, then me, then you, then me… Be the first to give: Service Information Concessions From the “Principles of Ethical Influence,” a Pocket Guide by Dr. Robert Cialdini This pocket guide has maintained a place of honor in my wallet for years. The...
