How much time do you spend talking vs. listening? Take a listen/talk ratio audit.
Communication involves talking and listening and is foundational to leadership. Ideally, An ideal ratio is 2:1 where you listen at least twice as much as talk. That’s why we have two ears and only one mouth. I talk excessively when: I feel compelled to showcase my expertise and knowledge. I’m anxious and feel a lack […]
Boundaries vs. Comfort Zones
We need to respect boundaries and stretch comfort zones… how to tell the difference. Boundaries and comfort zones are crucial for personal growth and well-being. They are intended to protect you, but in different ways. Boundaries protect in a way that enables you to grow while comfort zones protect you in ways that disable growth. […]
The holidays are meant to be a time to relax, s-l-o-w d-o-w-n and reconnect with our internal rhythm.
There’s no “right” way to get through the holidays. The authentic way is to attend to what’s in your heart and design, as best as you can, a holiday that is right for you and your loved ones. This week, my wife’s dear aunt passed away peacefully at the age of 98, after a good […]
Unmasking Your Life
During the holiday season, family gatherings can bring a mix of joy and tension such as when Susan found herself preparing for another holiday with her family. For years, she wore a mask of perfection—the jovial daughter, the dutiful sister, and the calm intermediary in family conflicts. But inside, she felt overwhelmed beneath the festive […]
How do you want your team to feel on Sunday night about coming to work on Monday morning?
The other day, I asked someone how their weekend was. “Too short” was the reply. How we feel about our job on the night before the week starts has a lot to do with how we feel about the people we work with and work for. Are you dreading coming to work Monday morning? Are […]
I had an incredible experience working with leaders of The Good Samaritan Society this week.
With over 75 years of experience providing specialized health and community care services, you are truly remarkable caring and authentic leaders. You know how to create spaces where you know you belong and can call home. Thank you for valuing my message and for the honourable and noble work you do.
Monopoly Is Life
I loved playing monopoly with my kids. I was a pretty good father, but not when I played monopoly. I was brutally competitive. In fact, I needed to win so badly I tricked my kids when we played. I convinced them not to buy Boardwalk and the higher end properties when they landed on them […]
UNMASKING Navigating Blind Spots and Embracing Authenticity
When Scott was growing up, his father wasn’t around to give him any kind of a model of what it meant to be an available dad. He learned to show his love to his young children the only way he knew how – by working hard and providing financially for his family. When his two […]
Was wanting to be a leader something you envisioned for yourself?
The best leaders don’t necessarily seek leadership. They seek to make a difference. They are committed to fostering growth on their team and building capacity in others. Their motive to earn a title is service, not increased power, recognition, financial gain, or using organizational politics to further personal agendas. We must stop using promotions as […]
What portion of your day is spent intentionally connecting with your team?
Why it matters and how to make it part of your routine in a meaningful way. I’m usually very reluctant to reach out spontaneously to my teams – my work team and the one I chair in my non-profit world. I score high on the introvert scale, so it isn’t easy to initiate conversations. I […]
