Category Archives: blog post

What to do if you’re afraid you are the bad manager

Woman Standing Against Facing Sun with dawn, dust, evening, lens flare

Melissa is a hard-working leader in her organization who found herself entangled in a vicious cycle of self-criticism. She received feedback about the need to hone her listening skills and adapt her approach to be more audience-focused. Despite her efforts, she grappled with quietening her mind during conversations and presentations. Her thoughts, laden with self-criticism,

Not Ready For That New Role? Respond To The Offer Without Tanking Your Future

Unhappy woman staring at laptop with fingers at temples while phone, Ipad, and papers are being handed to her from all directions.

Stepping into a new leadership role can feel like landing on an alien planet. You’re dealing with new rules, new people, and tons of requests that all seem to expect you to have a magic crystal ball. They want an answer now, but you’re still trying to figure out what the question is. It’s rough,

How Managers Can Support Employees in Times of Tragedy

Close-up of individuals standing side by side, with a prominent focus on two people holding hands, showcasing unity and support. The background features blurred figures, also holding hands down the line.

As managers, it is important to be aware of the potential impact of tragic events on our employees, especially in the aftermath of recent shootings, natural disasters, or other tragic events. These events can flood our news feeds and can have a significant effect on the mental and emotional well-being of our team members. When

How Emotional Self-Awareness and the Mood Elevator Transformed My Career

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

An Introverted Manager’s Roadmap to Recognizing and Celebrating Team Wins

A close-up shot of a white man's hand resting on the shoulder of another white man wearing a dark suit, with a soft focus on the background that hints at a well-lit environment.

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 self at work and

From Dread to Momentum: A Strategy to Start Any Task

Closeup of hands tying laces on running shoes.

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