Author Archives: Amy Kay Watson

From Dread to Momentum: A Strategy to Start Any Task

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My client, a construction manager, was working on three buildings simultaneously. He was juggling three different architects and three separate contractor teams. If that wasn’t enough, he and his wife were renovating a rowhouse in anticipation of their first child. He said he wanted to talk about time management and prioritization. Soon, he opened up

When Your BFF Becomes Your Supervisor

It can be challenging when a close work friend is promoted and becomes your supervisor. When my clients experience this, they can be happy for the friend but nervous about how to navigate this new territory. Perhaps you can relate. However, by maintaining professionalism, adapting to the new dynamics, and fostering a positive relationship, you

Accountability: use the FORD method to get traction

A diverse spread of dishes on a table including a large grilled fish, assorted meats, sliced bread, stir-fried noodles with vegetables, and a vibrant fresh salad in a bowl. Nearby are utensils and a person wearing red is partially visible in the background.

When something goes wrong, it’s easy to look for someone to blame. Accountability doesn’t always have to be reactive (see here for my thoughts on proactively managing accountability). But simply pointing fingers doesn’t solve the problem. The FORD Method helps us dig deeper to find out why things went wrong, and how to make them

Finding Support and Self-Care for Leadership

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Leadership can sometimes feel isolating and bewildering. As you pioneer new paths, it can be daunting. You might question your choices, longing for understanding from someone who comprehends your journey. Tara Mohr, a women’s leadership speaker and author of Playing Big, reminds us that when we undertake meaningful work, both praise and criticism are inevitable.

What Notes Should I Keep After a Leadership Coaching Session?

The hands of a white man seated at his desk holding a pen and paper notebook with coffee cup in the blurred background and laptop keyboard in the foreground.

If you are in coaching, you should definitely have a notebook handy whenever you attend a session, whether you’re using a paper notebook or something on your computer (if it’s an online session). When you’re done with the session, then, it can be helpful to take notes on a variety of categories, including: These notes

How to Manage Uncertainty and Find Clarity When You’re Navigating Ambiguity

Are you facing unexpected changes and uncertainty? It can affect all aspects of your life, triggering fear and making it difficult for you to make good decisions. In this article I will explore the impact of ambiguity on our lives and provide practical tips for managing it in a healthy and effective way. 2020 gave

How to Have Connected and Clear 1:1s With Team Members

Good managers have regular 1:1 meetings with their team members, but it isn’t always easy to crack the code on how to do these meetings well. They have to be more than just a checkbox on your weekly to-do list, and they can be your ticket to building stronger relationships and understanding your team. Remember

What Radical Candor Really Means

Leadership isn’t just about making the big calls or navigating stormy waters. It’s about being genuine, authentic, and straightforward. Let me tell you what I mean by that. Imagine you’re sitting down with a friend over coffee. You want to share something vital, not to criticize but to help them grow. Now, if you’re really