A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure and joy of presenting to nearly 300 women leaders in higher education in the state of Wisconsin. I was excited and honored to be asked. The organization is celebrating their 25th anniversary and wanted to talk about reflecting on their successes and ways to set the path going forward.
Read moreThe Unrelenting and Fabulously Rewarding Responsibility of Leaders
The fall is here, and it is so wonderful to have crisp air, orange and yellow leaves, and a sense of change coming. Fall is one of my favorite times of year. Mainly because the humidity dies, ha, but mostly because there is a chance to slow down, reflect, and prepare for the rest of winter.
Read moreThe Synergistic Leadership Model and Leading Remotely
Today’s current environment is full of disruption, uncertainty, and transformation beyond what we have seen in quite some time. Organizations are navigating waters uncharted. Leaders have been incredibly successful and also struggled with the path forward during this disruptive time.
Read moreLeading with Vulnerability
I’m in the middle of a “few” projects right now. Few is in quotes because it is really a boat load. LOL! Yesterday, I was pulling together a very “rough” draft of a chapter. Rough is in quotes because it is really rough as in it will be bleeding when I finish the next edit. LOL!
Read moreTrusting the Positive of Change
The last few weeks have been, shall we say, a bit like a cross between whack-a-mole, Pac-Man, and a pinball game. Hey, it isn’t boring, and sometimes it is quite hysterical, so I’ll take it. 😊 I have had several big changes take place for me personally and professionally
Read moreActive Listening for the Win
This week was a blast with my students. The topic of the week was emotional intelligence. It was incredible to see the eye movements, head nods, and even a few “oh’s” pop up. We did an activity to round out the learning on balancing compassion with accountability.
Read moreThe Positive of Talking about the Negative
I’ve noticed something on LinkedIn (and in the professional realm all together): we don’t’ like talking about the negative stuff. Hey, I get it. It’s a hell of a lot more fun to focus on the positive. The science supports a focus on the positive and the positive effects positivity has on our bodies, minds, and souls.
Read moreDon’t “Extinguish” your High Performers
It has been an interesting week or so. I have had the same question (or a variation of it) asked by a handful of clients and students: what do I do as a leader if I have people on my team who will not do what they’re asked, will not follow directions, and refuse to listen to me?
Read moreKindness and Compassion Lead to Success, even if there’s a little Anger
Here's to a New Year and Exposed Cracks
Happy New Year, 2022! It has been almost one year since my last blog writing (and I’ll get back to that topic soon).Not long after that post, the year took some big twists and turns.
Read moreA Trip Down the Unknown, and Exciting, Road, Teil Eins
“Why can’t we do that?” was the question I posed when I last wrote. For the longest time, I have noticed more and more of us saying “No” or “We can’t do that” or “We have a policy so we can’t do that” (ugh, this one annoys me more than most).
Read more"Why can't we do that?"
About two hours ago, I had a breakthrough after a conversation with a rock star. Not a Mick Jagger type of rock star, but a rockin’ leader nonetheless. It is so exciting to be working with this amazing individual.
Read moreThe Lived Experience of 2020
I think it can go without saying, 2020 was a hell of a year. It was full of more pivots and changes than I have experienced in my lifetime. For so many, it was incredibly difficult. For others, the year ushered in some amazing events. For me, 2020 was a complete and total transformation, in ways that I am still unable to describe.
Read moreLoving the Uncomfortableness
This was one of those weeks that on Tuesday just before Noon it felt like Friday afternoon. When I realized what day it was, I laughed. It was a much-needed ab workout for sure. Anyone else losing track of days and time as we work more virtually?!
Read moreNew Direction from Rejection can be Awesome
The Oxford Dictionary defines rejection as dismissing or refusing a proposal or idea or more. It is also defined as the spurning of one’s affections (that one really hurts, eh?!). Most of you are probably thinking about a time that you have been rejected. I am hoping the sting of the hurt is not still lingering, and if so, know you are being held in my thoughts and heart that it heals soon. I want to talk about rejection a little differently. The small ways that rejection hits our worlds, and the ways we reject others without even thinking about it.
Read moreBeing Wrong can be the Most Right You’ll Ever Be
Whew, this year continues to lob the surprises, doesn’t it? I have been remiss in keeping up with my writing. When I do not write or keep up with my writing schedule, I find it affects me in odd ways. Writing is my outlet for my research, my problem-solving, my decision-making, and my mind (my journal is big, ha). As I have been thinking about today’s topic, the need to be right, my lack of writing fits in well here. Let me explain.
Read moreThe Need to Succeed. How Fear of Failure Roadblocks our Success
Embrace the Fear, but Don’t Let it Eat your Soul
At the current moment, there is a lot of fear that we are experiencing. How are you experiencing fear now? In the past? Do you embrace it? Do you run at it head on yelling, “I got this. You can’t beat me!” Do you let it overtake your life and roadblock you? Do you let it eat at your soul?
Read moreEmbrace the Fear
All of life’s changes bring about uncertainty. Uncertainty brings fear. Fear brings self-protection. Self-protection starts eating at trust, and well, it just spirals from there because we do not understand how change affects people as individuals.
Read moreOptimism Requires a bit of Trust
Some call it faith or hope or maybe even magic, but ultimately trust is a key factor in the role of the optimistic individual.
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