True Leadership Begins with Self-Leadership

From Reaction to Response: Leading With a Compass Word™

There was a season in my professional life when I found myself in a quiet but constant state of frustration. I was working closely with a colleague who was consistently passive-aggressive. The micro-comments, the performative politeness, the strategic delays—it was all there. And at first, I did what most of us are taught to do: stay professional, rise above it, keep the peace. But over time, I noticed something deeper happening. Her behav…

It's easy to talk about or focus on the person who starts the fire—the one who fans the flames of gossip, actively tears someone down, or orchestrates a bold attack against another’s reputation. But what about the friend who stands by, watching quietly, and does nothing? In the aftermath of a character assassination, it’s not only the assailant who leaves wounds. The complacent witness, the friend who is too comfortable or too passive to intervene, can add another layer of hurt that cuts just as…

In the intricate tapestry of leadership, one fundamental thread often overlooked is the art of self-leadership. It's a concept that transcends the glossy veneer of success and digs deep into the core of personal development. Effective leadership isn't merely about steering teams through calm waters but, more importantly, about navigating the stormy seas, especially when faced with high-conflict situations at work.

Self-leadership is the cornerstone upon which the edifice of effective leadership…

In today's world, we are often pressured to conform to certain societal or cultural norms and expectations. We are constantly bombarded with messages telling us how we should dress, act, and even think. Keeping up with these expectations can be overwhelming and exhausting, and make us lose sight of who we truly are. It's important to remember that only you can give you permission to be yourself, and it's okay to embrace the real you. 

Being yourself means being authentic and true to your values…

WHEN YOU THINK YOU'RE RIGHT, DON'T ABANDON KINDNESS

We've all been in situations where we are convinced we are right about something, but in our determination to defend our beliefs, we can be unkind, disrespectful or even hostile. This can be particularly challenging when it comes to discussions about politics, religion, or other sensitive topics. But what happens when you are in the board room or a brain storming session with your team and you feel passionately about something?

Here is the bo…

There is just something about Christmas lights that makes this time of year magical for me. And if it snows, bonus! As exhausting as it is, I love decorating, shopping, baking, cooking, and wrapping. My favorite part is dinner, not because of the extraordinary amount of food on the table (although I am grateful for that), but because everyone I love is gathered there. It's the reminiscing, the storytelling, the bursts of laughter, and the sense of belonging and gratitude I feel. I never take for…

Thanksgiving is a time when we gather and give thanks for all of the many blessings we receive. I've never been more grateful than I am this year. But, unfortunately, my 14-year-old daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury last December while innocently tubing down the front lawn. She fractured her skull, had a brain bleed, a severe concussion and, eight staples in the back of her head. She spent six long and painful days in ICU before coming home on Christmas Eve to recover.

On October 3rd, …