Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

In my teaching, I emphasize the need to overcome the status quo.  That not only applies to your organization, but yourself, as I said in today’s Wall Street Journal:

Pay attention to metrics. Lackluster progress reports and not hearing feedback from a supervisor is a good way to tell if your work has become routine. Aneil [...]

Willpower

In today’s New York Times there is an interesting article on willpower, what influences it, and how it can be enhanced:
Interestingly, restraining our consumer spending, in the short term, may cause us to actually loosen the belts around our waists. What’s the connection? The brain has a limited capacity for self-regulation, so exerting willpower in [...]

Whom do You Ask for Advice?

In an article by Carol Hymowitz in today’s Wall Street Journal, several CEOs talk about how they rely on their spouses for advice on important issues. I think this is a great idea, even if the spouse isn’t a business professional. Getting input from as many intelligent people as possible before making strategic [...]

Is an MBA Worth it? Only if You Have a Great Coach

An interesting interview with Susan St. Ledger, Senior Vice President of Salesforce.com in today’s Wall Street Journal reminded me once again that even though I think an MBA degree will enhance your human capital (and earnings), its payoff will not be nearly so great unless you combine it with great experiences, which include working for [...]

Coaches can hold us accountable

Another benefit of having a coach is having someone who will hold you accountable to work toward a goal at a specific time.
When you are working with a coach, weekly meetings help to clarify your challenges and set new goals. Then, along with your coach, you can set a timetable towards meeting those goals.
When [...]

A big benefit of a coach: your own personal listener

It takes time and energy for others to listen to our concerns. It takes even more effort for them to listen to us carefully and help us reflect on what we are trying to say. This is where a coach can be helpful to you. A good coach is a good listener.
A [...]

Time for a Fresh Perspective? Talk to Your Coach

We all need help once in awhile to reach old goals or to set new ones. Sometimes it is useful to bounce ideas off of someone who is a bit disconnected from your immediate situation to give you a fresh perspective.
We have coached folks in a variety of situations, including those who are job [...]