“It gave us a place to fail.”

“It gave us a place to fail.”

“First and most important, Second City gave me a place to go; it gave me a place to function. That was the main thing. And the second most important thing, which was very, very close to the first, was that it gave us a place to fail. Which doesn’t exist in this...
Great Leaders, Make Your People Feel Seen

Great Leaders, Make Your People Feel Seen

Great Leaders get their teams aligned with action, moving in the same direction and doing their best work. People who feel seen and feel safe are more loyal, productive and innovative. When Amy Poehler gave her commencement speech to Harvard graduates, she spoke about...
Leaders, Present thoughts and ideas with utmost clarity

Leaders, Present thoughts and ideas with utmost clarity

The Magical Number Seven, Plus or Minus Two: Some Limits on our Capacity for Processing Information – 7 +/- 2 bits of information Based on cognitive psychologist, George Miller’s research at Harvard If you were given a series of letters to remember (e.g.,...
How to Read the Room

How to Read the Room

Back in the day, when I’d go on sales calls with my team, I’d ask if I they’d take the lead and that I’d be “Second Chair”- relating to the position of an instrument in an orchestra. As “Second Chair” I’d take the...
Does it Work?

Does it Work?

Does it work?  I am asked this often. It’s my favorite question. Really.  Yes. Here’s a terrific piece of evidence. I coached a financial services senior leader where her work with her clients was stellar. They loved their results working with her. Her...
A Pause for Centering

A Pause for Centering

Center is a state of unity in harmonious balance.  Being centered means having the ability to recover your balance, even in the midst of action. A centered person is not subject to passing whims or sudden excitements. Center is a living process of self-organization....

“One word expresses the pathway to greatness:  Voice.

Those on this path find their voice and inspire others to find theirs.”     Stephen R. Covey

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See and Be Seen

  Today, there is so much value being placed upon having Presence. In our workplace, we are asked to project leadership presence. What does that mean? It means in the moment having full engagement with another. The leader who is one who declares the future learns that...