Tall Poppy syndrome is the desire to mow down those you feel are above you or head of you – those who seem more successful, wealthier, drive better cars, have nicer offices, and so forth. It comes with a desire to not be a Tall Poppy yourself. But there’s a big difference between arrogance and well-earned pride. And if you find …
Don’t do it!
Do you make New Year’s resolutions? May I suggest that you don’t? The last New Year’s resolution I ever made – and the only one I ever actually kept – was to … (wait for it) … never make another New Year’s resolution. The start of a year seems like a great time to reset and step forward into a …
Is it THAT time of year again?
No, I don’t mean the holidays (though those are approaching all too rapidly). I mean … performance reviews. And the even-more-dreaded potential for layoffs. Because whatever we may think about companies that do this, it’s common practice that when RIFs (Reductions In Force) are necessary, they often happen just before the end of the year. (It’s a financial accounting thing. …
What’s it like to work for you?
Seriously: what’s it like to work for you? Have you ever thought about that question? Have you ever considered how your team feels about coming to work under your supervision and guidance every day? It’s human nature to remain in the rut of our own mindset: our thoughts, ideas, concerns, to-do lists, plans for the weekend, and wondering what our boss …
Feeling uncomfortable? Good!
Over the last few days, I’ve had an extended conversation with one of my clients about what it takes to learn and grow. We started talking about one of his employees, moved into a more general discussion, and then came back to his employee … and him. The essence of the conversation centered around this reality: if you’re feeling uncomfortable, …
Do you like people?
Seriously. Do you like people? Not just your friends. People, in general. Humanity, as a whole. Of course there are specific people you don’t like, people who rub you the wrong way, people whose values, attitudes, or philosophies you don’t agree with. But if you want to be a good leader, someone who inspires and motivates your team, you need …
What are you doing?
Directly across from my computer is a bulletin board. On the board, right in my line of sight, is a five-inch by eight-inch index card with three short lines on it. The top line reads: When I look up and see it, I’m reminded to check in with myself. Is what I’m doing worthwhile? That doesn’t mean it has to …
Afraid of being judged?
Fear of being judged shows up in many ways. We don’t say what we really feel. We don’t wear what we want to wear. We don’t plant our garden – metaphorically or literally – the way we want to plant it. We don’t eat what we want to eat. We don’t ask for what we really want. We don’t read …
Muting the rotten tomato (a.k.a. your inner critics)
I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is that your inner critics will never go away completely. The good news is – well, actually, there are two pieces of good news. (Yay!) Good news #1 You can dial down the inner critics’ noise significantly. With time, patience, and practice, the inner critics’ voices will sound more and more …
What to say to your inner critic
In my last post, I suggested that you list out the cast of characters throwing rotten tomatoes around in your head. You know, your Inner Critic – or rather, your whole regiment of Critics, since none of us have just one. (If you want to go back and (re-)read that post, click this link; it opens in a new window, …