If you've ever procrastinated (which we all have at one time or another) then you'll probably recognize this advice as part of the key that got you 'over the hump.'

One powerful tool used in coaching is the metaphor, which offers not only a visual but a description to point to in order to more fully understand an experience. 

As leaders, we are always looking for ways to improve team dynamics, and I encourage you to consider exploring the Enneagram. It might be the tool you need!

The Enneagram framework is a sensemaking tool that classifies human personality into nine basic types. These types describe how individuals see the world and what motivates them.

The discipline of letting your thoughts float by like clouds can help you gain insight into creating distance between your true self and what you tell yourself. 

I remember a handful of times this spring when I connected with colleagues about feeling overwhelmed by the workload. I joked that I was "stifled by my own ambition" as a way to articulate that I brought this on myself. The ironic image evokes laughter because the words seem incongruous. Why would anyone stifle themselves?

Leaders, if you want to encourage your team to develop in a certain way, gain a certain skill, or create some other change, you can't just talk about it once.

We weren't just attending "another meeting" out of obligation, but instead, we made a conscious choice to be invested with a clear, mutual, and relevant purpose.

In leadership development, navigating interpersonal dynamics plays a key role and so much of the angst I see in my leadership coaching clients is because they are taking the actions of their colleagues personally.

Use the COIN method to offer feedback to your teams in a way that’s separated from the emotion of the situation.