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Rest assured, this won’t be a lesson in values-based leadership…I like to leave preaching to my Dad (an ordained Lutheran Minister). The fact is, however, values play a role in the many types of leadership that have been touted by experts. This is not a new concept. It flows hand-in-hand with one of the of…

In the corporate world, having “executive presence” is often cited as a desired coaching engagement outcome. And, while it often includes communication style and strategic thinking components, when asked if they also would like to show up in a grounded yet approachable way, the answer is always a resounding yes! Hmm … sounds like confidence…

Think of all the times you wanted to step up to the plate—or go out on a limb—but didn’t. What held you back? Did you defer to those with greater position or authority? I see this happen often in business. Brilliant leaders who know how to make the right things happen yield their power to…

One of the most impactful books I’ve read is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I find that the third agreement is the hardest for me to apply: “Don’t make assumptions”. We are hardwired to run on automatic, and it is when I’m on automatic that I live and breathe my assumptions. I tell…

I’ve always had a passion for adventure. I haven’t always, however, been courageous. I’m deathly afraid of heights, and yet I embarked on a climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock, a massive fortress standing nearly 660 feet high in the center of Sri Lanka. Centuries ago, King Kashyapa built his palace on its top.…

Mental Models is a trending term right now. More and more folks are recognizing just how powerful our brains are as neuroscience makes new discoveries daily. I was a skeptic until I found myself in the most stressful job of my career, with a boss who had an extremely high achievement bar and no social…

Whenever I go out to eat, I always ask the individual who is serving our table his/her name. It’s a way of creating some connection (one of my top values). And I’m often amazed at what happens with one simple question. When dining with some friends recently, an engaging person greeted us when we sat…

As you SET Your Path for leadership, one final step to Strengthen Your Core is finding courage. I live in a small town that’s all about turtles. It’s turtle nesting season right now, so they are fresh on my mind…and in my heart. There’s a story about a tiny turtle named Hope who was born…

Who … What… When… Where… Why… It’s true. Delving into these five, small-but-mighty words will produce clarity. And, clarity creates a firm foundation for Strengthening Your Core as a leader. When we are clear on who we are and what’s important to us, everything seems … well … easier, enjoyable and rewarding. And who wouldn’t…

As you “S.E.T. Your Path,” the first element—Strengthen Your Core (“S”)—is about what’s available to you as a leader from within. Leaders have so much available to them externally. And it’s just as important to look inside. An example might help. Ever try stand-up paddle-board or SUP? Imagine you’re a SUPer. You have equipment, the…