Leadership

Many years ago, I sought the advice of a career counseling company. I had been a full-time employee in the business world, working in technology. At that time, I was looking for another job with a large company in the same field. My career coach suggested that I attend a workshop for entrepreneurship. I was exploring different things and I thought, “Why not?”  

The facilitator of that workshop said something to me that had a great impact on me. He said,

“Don’t look for the same type of work …

In my last blog, Finding Truth in Feedback, I talked about a key lesson I learned a few years ago when I attended a yearlong intensive leadership program with 23 other participants led by Co-Active Training Institute. This program included four residential retreats as well as several homework projects that all focused on observing and learning about leadership impact. 

After writing about this lesson it reminded me of another one that was even more difficult to learn from and even more valuable…

A few years ago I attended a yearlong intensive leadership program with 23 other participants led by Co-Active Training Institute. This program included four residential retreats as well as several homework projects that all focused on observing and learning about leadership impact.

I found this program to be extremely useful in helping me recognize and value my personal leadership styles and strengths. During this period, I developed the capacity to be effective in a wide range of circumstance…

I always took great pride in my ability to accomplish a lot. I was one of the fastest “Check it off, it’s done” people I knew. During a leadership program I attended, I pulled aside the leader and told her, “I am getting impatient with all these people. They seem to take forever to come to a decision and want to just talk on and on and on.” She looked at me and smiled. “Pat, I know that you are capable of accomplishing a lot. I’ve seen it. The place I think you need to look now for the sake o…

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

~John Quincy Adams

Autocratic, Bureaucratic, Charismatic, Democratic...are only a few leadership styles. They all have pros and cons and can be effective in different situations.

There is no one "right" way to lead. Different leadership styles are needed for different situations. 

I've been a big believer for a long time in what is called Transformational and Situational Leadership. This le…

Many of my clients feel the Imposter Syndrome and this recent Thrive Global (to which I’m a contributor) has some great ways to stop letting feelings of self-doubt prevent you from reaching your potential.

What can start as a quiet, nagging voice in the back of your head telling you-you’re not qualified for a job or task can quickly evolve into paralyzing self-doubt and the fear that you’ll be “found out.” Welcome to impostor syndrome — an affliction that’s more common than you may think.

If y…

Last week I was putting a lot of stress on myself as I was preparing the day before for a webinar I was leading where the technology was new, the content needed updating and I had to practice a 45-minute delivery. When I prepare to present to others, my usually quiet and sometimes easily controlled perfectionist comes screaming out in my head at 194 decibels (the point at which sound waves become shock waves) and I simply can’t shut her up.

I couldn’t take it any longer so I clicked open Facebo…

"The problem with communication...is the illusion that it has been accomplished."

~George Bernard Shaw

I have been in the business of coaching for almost 17 years and whenever anyone asks me, what is the number one thing you coach on, I tell them regardless of the reason I’m hired, it frequently comes down to how to communicate with others. 

This includes not only what’s being said and how it’s being said, but also (and sometimes more importantly), what is not being said. 

Communication is …

In my work with leaders, we discuss the concept of servant leadership. This concept was first articulated by Robert K. Greenleaf 

“A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid,” servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and p…

"To be a leader is to enjoy the special privileges of complexity, of ambiguity, of diversity - but especially the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who permit us to lead." ~ Max DePree

I have often wondered if you take someone who is a great leader out of their context or circumstance, would they continue to be a great leader? Well, my question has been answered.

The answer is "Yes."

I had the opportunity to hear Jim Kouzes, co-author with Barry Posner, o…