Build Workplaces With Thriving People + Extraordinary Outcomes
My friend Vic Strecher has a simple acronym to help us remember elements of physical wellbeing: SPACE. Sleep. What was the quality and quantity of your sleep last night? Stop looking at digital screens or having alcoholic beverages too close to bedtime. Make sure that the room is darkened, and a comfortable temperature. Don’t allow … Read moreWant Wellbeing? Be a SPACE(R)!
Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. The Serenity Prayer, Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971) is the real title… Being frustrated with bureaucracy is part of the deal we make in working for a large, complex organizations. Even with the best … Read moreThe Change Agents’ Prayer
Why do we wait until people die to tell them about the difference they have made in our lives? Living Eulogies are a way of sharing our appreciation for the difference others have made in our lives… while they are still alive. Many people can imagine doing this for someone dear to us in our personal … Read moreBeing Our Best Selves
Conversation #1 “How are things?” “Good. Busy.” ********************** Conversation #2 “How are things?” “I am not especially busy. I have time to <talk or listen or play or laugh or help or sleep or exercise or learn or think or create>.” ******************** Roughly how often do you have the first conversation versus the second conversation? … Read moreI Am Not Busy
Many things stand in the way of creating a culture conducive to giving and receiving feedback. Sometimes, these challenges seem so insurmountable that we stop trying. We simply opt not to take the psychological and relational risk involved with these difficult conversations. We just say nothing. Or, even worse, we default to destructive, passive-aggressive communication. … Read moreThree Steps for a Feedback Culture
Creating organizational culture change can be hard. We may not initially have the skills we need. We have to sustain our energy and commitment to the change process, while continuing to fulfill our other job responsibilities well. We have to persist even through skepticism and resistance along the way. Oftentimes, we believe such change efforts … Read more4 Efficient Steps To a Positive Culture
There are sessions taught in some companies these days on “Executive Presence.” Such courses help high-potential employees to walk, talk, and look like a leader is meant to look. Whatever that is. Ugh. All too often, programs like these emphasize techniques people can employ to create a certain impression, rather than their underlying leadership principles … Read moreHow to Avoid Being a Fake Positive Leader
As this year winds down and the new year approaches, many of us are reflecting and setting new goals. Maybe we want to get a new job, or form closer relationships with partners, colleagues, or friends. Maybe we want to get more involved in helping our communities. Maybe we want to get fitter or healthier … Read moreSustain Motivation for New Year’s Resolutions
Walking down the street is a hazardous experience these days. People have their heads down, eyes glued to their smartphones, while walking full speed ahead (or unconsciously zigzagging), oblivious to people walking in the other direction. From time to time, collisions occur and people and gadgets come crashing down in a heap. Other times, those … Read moreCreating a Healthy Relationship with Technology
Leadership experts make it sound easy: “Follow these simple steps and you will have amazing results!” The typical format is somewhat formulaic. With poise and pithy quotes, we deliver our sticky stories. We boil down thousands of hours of research and experience into a set of snazzy slides and talking points. When they go well, … Read moreIn Defense of Doers