The See-Say-Do Chain Reaction
The brain, it seems, does not make much of a distinction between second- and firsthand experiences. Whether you’re doing something or watching someone else do the same thing, the same neurological regions in your brain are stimulated. Interestingly, research shows that the same pattern of neurons, called mirror neurons, fires in the observer as in...
ReadAre You A Reactive or Responsive Leader?
Highly effective leaders tend to be highly responsive leaders. In psychological terms, being responsive involves thoughtfully and intentionally adapting your behavior to the current circumstance. It entails first taking the time to calmly digest what is happening. In contrast, being reactive means to go straight into high-alert stress mode. Your brain automatically processes the problem...
ReadHow Your Mind Sculpts Your Brain
Did you know that every time you intentionally shine the spotlight on the positive, valuable, and worthwhile you change your brain for the better? It’s true! Have you ever heard the phrase, “neurons that fire together, wire together?” Well, that is exactly what happens in your brain to strengthen the relationships between what happens in...
ReadPeople Follow People, Not Just Great Ideas
What makes Pope Francis such an inspirational leader for so many people? I believe Reverend. Robert A. Sirico got it right in his recent opinion piece for The Detroit News: “In a monumental and unanticipated way Pope Francis is changing the tired conversations of the past and inviting us to engage in a process of...
ReadWhat is Your Signature Leadership Presence?
Who is your harshest critic? I’m guessing it’s you. Like most highly effective people, you probably have high standards, big expectations, a keen eye… and are well practiced in self-criticism. You were probably taught to internalize self-criticism by well-meaning parents, teachers and counselors who tried to improve your performance by pointing out what you were...
ReadCourageous Conversations: The Importance Of Telling The Truth Fast
True story – I once had to tell an employee who reported to me to clean his dirty fingernails before working with our patients. I agonized for days about what to say and I secretly resented that this well-educated adult had put me in such an awkward situation. Twenty years later, thinking back on the...
ReadCuriosity Kills The Conflict Or How To Make Opposition Your Ally
We can all take a note from improvisational theater in dealing with opposition. In improvisational theater, actors are taught to accept whatever comic material comes their way and then figure out a way to advance it. It’s called the “Yes…And” principle. For example, if one actor hands you an imaginary box and says, “Here’s your...
ReadThe 5-to-1 Principle For Giving Feedback
A few years ago, I attended a conference on Leader As Coach, facilitated by Mark Rittenberg, Founding Director and CEO of Corporate Scenes, an international communication consulting firm based in Berkeley, CA. Mark has done extensive research on what people want the most at work and here’s what he shared with us. At work, what...
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