Category Archives: blog post

An Essential Checklist for Compassion in the Workplace

Compassion is more than just a feeling—it’s an active force that shapes workplace culture, builds trust, and strengthens organizations. Inspired by Awakening Compassion at Work by Monica C. Worline and Jane E. Dutton, this checklist provides actionable steps for fostering a compassionate work environment. Use it to assess and enhance how you respond to suffering,

An Essential Checklist for Non-Reactive Leadership Presence

Effective leadership requires emotional strength, self-differentiation, and a calm, non-anxious presence. Friedman argues that leaders often fail because they succumb to the anxiety, emotional pressures, and reactive behaviors of those around them. The book advocates for leaders to stay grounded in their principles, resist the contagion of anxiety, and embrace the courage to confront challenges directly. By maintaining emotional resilience and clarity, leaders can inspire confidence, drive meaningful change, and avoid the pitfalls of over-functioning or reactive decision-making.

Empathetic Accountability Done Right Prevents Leader Burnout

Graphic representation of a clear, well-maintained pathway with guiding signs, representing structure and support.

Listen as a podcast: Burnout is a word we hear often in leadership circles. It lingers in the background, often spoken in hushed tones or with a resigned sigh. Leaders walk a tightrope, juggling competing demands as they strive to support their teams and meet performance targets while retaining their humanity. With unclear expectations from

Love and Power: An Essential Checklist

How can leaders balance empathy and accountability to drive meaningful change? Inspired by Power and Love by Adam Kahane, this checklist provides actionable steps to integrate love (connection) and power (agency) in your leadership approach. Use it to navigate complex challenges, foster trust, and build partnerships that lead to sustainable progress. Checklist 1: Embrace the

An Essential Checklist for Selling What You Have to Sell

In today’s world, we are all in sales. Whether you’re pitching a product, an idea, or yourself, mastering the art of persuasion is essential. Inspired by To Sell Is Human by Daniel Pink, this checklist breaks down key concepts to help you sell with authenticity, empathy, and effectiveness. Use it to refine your approach, build

A Fierce Essential Checklist for Communication and Leadership

Are you ready to have the conversations that make a big difference? Inspired by Fierce Conversations and Fierce Leadership by Susan Scott, this checklist provides actionable steps to help you engage in meaningful, transformative dialogue. Use it to build stronger relationships, address challenges head-on, and foster accountability in both your personal and professional life. Checklist

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?

Untangling Perfectionism from Striving for Excellence

Two women are standing together in a professional office setting. One woman, dressed in a red suit, looks distressed, holding a hand to her head and clutching a tablet. The other woman, wearing a dark green suit, looks calm and focused as she examines the tablet, appearing to offer guidance or support.

A client told me she knows “perfectionism is bad,” but she likes it because it makes her work better. Do you agree? Let’s explore the difference between perfectionism and excellence and how one small shift in perspective can open the door to greater success and satisfaction. Understanding Perfectionism vs. Embracing Excellence Perfectionism thrives on fear.