In the midst of organizational change, ever wondered why rationality often takes a back seat? Recently, I was talking with a client about a big change effort that she and her team are immersed in.  We were exploring why individuals weren’t embracing the transition logically. The conclusion we came to is that change invariably carries an emotional component, whether it promises improvement or upheaval. Even if the change is for the best, even if we see that it will make things bett ..read more

When you start a new project it is essential to set clear team expectations. You need to create a container of expectations so you know what you can expect from each other. Whether in coaching or any team collaboration, creating an expectation framework ensures clarity and productivity. These expectations could address how you want to communicate with each other —whether via email, Slack, or texts—and guidelines for expressing challenges or seeking assistance. And also, how can people let you know when you are not being helpful or being the bottleneck to the work. Setting up this framework per ..read more

Do you ever feel like your to-do list keeps giving birth to other lists?  I’ve been in the midst of launching a big client project this past month and I’m amazed at how checking one item off my to-do list seems to lead to 3 more next-step items taking its place.  Have you ever felt this way, Sharon? If you’re like me and thrive on efficiency, moving quickly through the to-do lists and checking off items feels productive. However, be warned. A desire to push a project forward at a brisk pace can sometimes create more bumps in the road.  As an executive coach to clients who manage ..read more

“I got the job!” is a frequent text I get from clients – who calls these days? My clients are high performers and they want to aim even higher. New jobs and roles are an occupational hazard for many successful leaders. It’s hard to keep moving up unless you’re willing to take on new challenges, new responsibilities, and new colleagues. Michael D. Watkins wrote the famous book “The First 90 Days” about how to conquer the challenges of starting a new role. And he’s right, the first 90 days do count. But I would wager that the first 30 days are even more important. This is the time period when pe ..read more

Entering a new role comes with its share of challenges, particularly the pressure of “proving your worth.” As an executive leadership coach, I often hear from my clients who are starting a new role they feel pressure to rush in and make sweeping changes. But I strongly caution against doing that. Ignore that voice in your head that is telling you to prove your worth. That is the voice of insecurity. It is not the voice of wisdom. willingness to listen, you lay a strong foundation for long-term success. This is the number one mistake I see when people start a new job. They are dead set on tryin ..read more

As a leader, are you considering your time span effectively? Recently, I was reading an article about how our brains tend to focus on the near future, instead of encouraging us to look farther into the future and plan for that. As you climb the ladder from manager to executive levels, the more the organization is counting on you to have a longer term strategic vision. While lower-level managers might focus on short-term goals, VPs and beyond must navigate multi-year strategies. Elevating your strategic thinking by expanding your time span could be the key to advancement. If you’re stuck in the ..read more

In the realm of leadership, there’s a powerful yet underrated tool that often goes overlooked: the breath. Recently, while listening to a podcast featuring Jennifer Garvey Berger, she made a profound statement: “Breath is the most underrated leadership tool in the world.” This struck a chord with me because it’s true – the breath serves as a crucial pause between stimulus and response, allowing us to make intentional choices rather than reacting on autopilot. One of my favorite breathing techniques is the four-seven-eight method. Inhale for four counts, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. Ju ..read more

Do you feel like you are an imposter? Probably, because I hear it often in my executive coaching practice. It’s common for my leadership clients to question their abilities and describe themselves as feeling like imposters in their roles. But did you know that the term ‘imposter syndrome’ is a pet peeve of mine? I feel like people grab the word because they hear it so often. But what I think people  are  saying when they use it is: “I  feel  like  I’m  in  a  new  role  or  I  have  a  new  responsibility  and ..read more

Do you consider yourself to be a good referral source? After I received a great referral from someone recently, it made me reflect on how people appreciate connectors; the ones who know the things that we need, people who are the referral source for us, who reach all the best people. Finding the right recommendation or referral can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of connecting people with the resources they need. Whether it’s recommending a resume writer or sharing a favorite vegan cooking website, being a trusted referral source can mak ..read more

There is healing power in saying “I’m sorry.” When we are apologizing, we may say “I accept responsibility” and express ownership of our actions but often there is a reluctance to directly say the words, “I’m sorry.” In a recent conversation with one of my executive leadership coaching clients, I encouraged them to consider the healing power of a simple “I’m sorry.” Beyond acknowledging responsibility, saying sorry can convey genuine remorse and empathy, fostering deeper connections and reconciliation. In many cultures, including the U.S., it’s a way of making amends by actually saying the wor ..read more