“I should” and “I am supposed to …” Thinking
How expectations can trap our thinking brain We’ve all had times in life when our inner voice starts a thought that “I should …” or “I am supposed to …” The sense of obligation to meet others’ expectations can be overwhelming. Acting on our own positive beliefs reinforced our values;…
Why Giving Advice to Others is Easier than Taking It Ourselves
And The Problem With Objectively Observing Others While Critically Judging Ourselves Recall the last time a good friend or colleague was having a tough time and how easy it was to offer practical, actionable advice. How appreciative they were for you to take the time to listen and help them…
Partnerships That Matter Most – Professional
Changing the Stage with Real Questions In the first blog of this series, we explored how to become the designer of one’s own life and practiced slowing down to balance the pressures in our daily experience. Now it’s time to practice building on these skills with others. Let’s move to…
Partnerships That Matter Most – Personal
The strength of our relationship with ourselves will reinforce all other relationships in our lives. It will drive our energy levels, help us balance the vicissitudes of our daily lives, and allow us to center ourselves when needed.
Same Page or Status Quo?
What happens if we are willing to make a situation better but take no action? If for now, we just maintain status quo?
Stop Keeping Score and Start Asking Real Questions
Getting on the same page with others of importance is challenging enough-being overly focused on “keeping score” can make it impossible. Unlike in sports or business, trying too hard to win in professional and personal relationships often delivers losing results. Real Questions that invite open discussion and thoughtful replies can…
Slowing Down to Get on the Same Page with Others Faster
Most of us have heard from leaders, managers, parents, or significant others—or thought to ourselves—“we need to get on the same page.” Often, the person speaking wants to increase team alignment on an important problem or strategy and believes a simple discussion can accomplish that goal. This sounds like a…
Pausing When The Heat Of Difficult Situations Is Turned Up
Pausing to consider our response-ability in challenging situations can help us to Get on the Same Page with our self and others important to us. Asking, “What can I do differently that might make this situation better?”
Centering Clay on a Potter’s Wheel
A Metaphor for Life Clay represents a metaphor for a life of relationships-and situations-and you are the potter. Life will offer its external and internal expectations of what the final piece should look like. It is the potter who gets to decide when: to add pressure and to ease up;…
Leadership Lenses of 4S Leaders
It’s important to note that many of the perspectives and references we share refer to leaders and leadership; however, don’t dismiss their advice if you’re not currently a recognized leader whose job description includes responsibility for others as, we must all take responsibility for our own behavior and achievement. Lead…