Author Archives: Amy Kay Watson

An Essential Checklist for Coaching as a Manager

Are you ready to transform your conversations and become a more effective leader or coach? Inspired by The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier, this checklist distills the book’s key coaching questions and habits into actionable steps. Use it to help you remember the core lessons after you’ve read the book so you can build

An Essential Checklist for Receiving Feedback

Inspired by the book Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well Feedback can be a powerful tool for growth—or a major source of frustration. Whether it comes from a manager, a colleague, a partner, or a friend, feedback often stirs up strong emotions and challenges our self-perception. The good news?

Mental Decluttering: A Brain Dump Exercise That Works

Feeling overwhelmed is a universal experience, but finding practical ways to regain clarity and control isn’t always easy. One of my favorite tools for breaking through mental clutter is the “brain dump” exercise—with a powerful twist. This method not only helps you unload your thoughts but also guides you to focus on what truly matters.

An Essential Checklist for Leadership and Self-Deception

Listen as a podcast Use this checklist to evaluate how well you’re applying the principles of Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute in your daily interactions and leadership style. Reflect on your behaviors and attitudes to uncover patterns of self-deception and take steps to operate “out of the box.” 1. Recognizing Self-Deception 2. Seeing

Leading Through Adaptive Challenges: An Essential Checklist

Leading through adaptive challenges can be one of the toughest tests for a leader. Inspired by Leadership on the Line, With a New Preface: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Change by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky, this concise checklist distills the book’s core principles into actionable steps to help you lead with clarity, courage, and resilience. Whether you’re navigating change, addressing conflict, or sustaining your energy, these guidelines will keep you grounded and effective.

A Checklist for Using the SCARF Model to Get Your Head Straight

David Rock, a thought leader in the field of neuroscience and leadership, introduced the SCARF model in his seminal book Your Brain at Work. This book explores how understanding the brain’s natural tendencies can help individuals and teams improve performance, collaboration, and decision-making. The SCARF model, one of the central concepts in the book, offers

Speak Up! Use the 4-Player Model to Find Something Useful to Say

Listen as a podcast Receiving feedback that you need to “speak up” more in meetings can be both challenging and empowering. It highlights an opportunity to enhance your presence, contribute more effectively, and influence outcomes within your team. One practical framework to guide your engagement is David Kantor’s Four Player Model of team roles. By

Building a Networking System: Using A, B, and C Lists for Success

image shows colorful plastic game pieces arranged on a white surface connected by a network of lines. The game pieces are in various colors such as red, yellow, green, blue, purple, and black, symbolizing individuals or groups connected within a broader network or system. The lines between them suggest relationships or connections, illustrating a network structure or concept of teamwork and collaboration.

Networking can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are an introvert or prefer a structured plan over “mixing.” When you break it down into manageable steps, networking becomes much more approachable. Whether you want to advance your career, grow your business, or simply improve your effectiveness at getting things done, a structured networking

An Essential Checklist for Optimal Energy Management

Listen as a podcast Have you ever felt drained trying to juggle work, family, and personal time? In today’s fast-paced world, sustaining high energy levels can be a challenge. To bridge the gap between knowing and doing, I’ve created a practical, three-part checklist inspired by The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony

An Essential Checklist for Difficult Conversations

Listen as a podcast Inspired by the book Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen. We’ve all been in conversations that feel overwhelming, emotional, or downright impossible to navigate. Whether it’s addressing a misunderstanding, offering critical feedback, or discussing sensitive personal matters, these moments can feel