Author Archives: Amy Kay Watson
Jun
Just two years into my first dream job, I got fired. Like many new managers, I had been promoted because I was ambitious and good at the front-line work. But as soon as I was promoted I started using my authority to boss people around. I assumed I was right and they were wrong, and
May
Listen as a podcast I was working with an IT manager for a small nonprofit, and while he cared about the team members reporting to him, he wondered sometimes if they didn’t deserve a manager who could pump them up, Ted Lasso style. Fortunately we were able to find ways he could be his authentic
May
Let’s be honest here. We all want to make some changes in our lives. Maybe it’s your job, or your relationships, or even your business. Or maybe there’s a passion, like writing, that you wish you had more time for. Face Failure Head-On Here’s the real deal: When you try something new, there’s a chance
May
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
Mar
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
Mar
I sat across from my colleague Brenda with a growing sense of discomfort. I had accepted an assignment from the boss, but I heard from my colleague an undercurrent of doubt—or so it seemed. It was so subtle that I couldn’t quite tell what was going on. Did Brenda not believe I could do it?
Feb
Listen as a podcast 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
blog post
Navigate Leadership Challenges by Embracing Self-Compassion, Boundaries, and High-ROI Activities
Feb
When my clients struggle to balance empathy with accountability when they’re busy, I remind them that their personal well-being is the foundation of high performance. I have seen too many leaders burn themselves out by ignoring the very practices that sustain their resilience. If you’re feeling depleted or craving an extended vacation, it’s time to
