The Importance of Failing Forward

Failing forward, or learning from what went wrong, is a critical component of having a successful career and being an effective leader.  Becoming better from your mistakes, rather than spending all your time focusing on covering them up or defending them, is the key here. As a leader, one must strive to develop a growth … Read more

Follow the Leader

The news has covered many stories about CEOs and other members of the senior management team misbehaving in terms of lavish parties, exorbitant salaries, etc.  When the economy tanked, other issues of exploiting executive privileges came to light as well. There were also a few executives who seemed to be unaware that bad practices were … Read more

Leaders are Catalysts for Change

Most definitions for catalyst describe a chemical reaction, but it also means “a person or thing that precipitates an event or change.”  A leader not only has to suggest changes to move an organization forward, but also has to have a solid plan to not only execute these changes, but to communicate them effectively so … Read more

Self Awareness is an Essential Element of EQ for Leaders

Before one can become a leader, it is imperative to be aware of one’s own self.  Too many leaders are not aware of how they behave and then are surprised when their interactions and relationships with others are not as fruitful as they can be. In addition, the way these leaders perceive themselves under normal … Read more

How to Embrace the Gray Areas in Life

Do you consider yourself a black and white type person?  Do you see the world in absolutes with no gray areas?  Do you take the high road or the low road but don’t see yourself in the middle?  Do you get very uncomfortable when things are not crystal clear? It is difficult to chart a … Read more

What is Your Xanadu?

Xanadu represents a place of great beauty, luxury and contentment according to Dictionary.com.  How often do we feel that we are in our own Xanadu?  Your work space may not be luxurious but is it a place where you can work at your peak performance?  Is it designed for functionality but not personality?  Does it … Read more

The I Wonder Exercise

If money, time, and other things were not factors, what would be your greatest wish?  Would it be to go on an exotic vacation, buy a fancy car, or purchase a house?  The issue is if we feel things are out of our reach, we don’t even attempt to get them. Why is that?  Do … Read more

How Do You Validate the Work You Do?

When you were younger and did well on a test or a school project, you may have gotten a letter or numerical grade.  If it was really good, the teacher may have also written “good job”, “excellent”, or some other complimentary words. If your work was not as good as it could be or there … Read more

Why We All Need Our Own “Board of Directors”

According to Dictionary.com, unity means “the state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification.”  I take that to mean that we can accomplish more as a unified group versus individuals doing our own thing. Who is your group, your tribe, your board of directors, your … Read more

Great Leaders Don’t Worry About Titles

I have many titles – President, Executive Recruiter, Certified Executive, Business & Career Coach, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Mom, Taxi Cab Driver, Cat Lover, etc.  How many titles do you have?  I think if I really listed all of mine I would fill up this entire blog. For me, it is rare that I ever … Read more