Insights: Leadership
Managing Status in the Medical Community
I once attended a gathering to celebrate the opening of a new, expensive university facility. Since I had been affiliated with the organization for several years, I decided to introduce myself to one of the senior leaders whom I had not met. We spoke briefly, but the moment he realized I was not a wealthy […]
Four Elements of a Great Presentation
The longer I’m in the coaching business, the more I realize how helpful it can be to break a skill or behavior down into its component parts. There’s something about knowing what the ingredients are—the recipe, if you will—that makes it easier to learn or improve a behavior. Several years ago a colleague and I […]
Know Your Audience
I once worked with a pharmaceutical CEO who had been presenting effectively for decades. He had passion and flair—a great salesman and engaging communicator. But for the scientific regulatory audience he was preparing to speak to, his tone was a bit too commercial. He was skilled presenting to investors and many other audiences, but he […]
Don’t Climb Alone
I recently wrote about an experience I had trekking in Nepal and how its lessons apply to leadership. Another powerful lesson came to me when I was sick, scared and alone in a remote village in the foothills of Mt. Everest. Ask for help The village of Namche Bazaar is one of the most unusual places I’ve […]
To Acheive a Big Goal, Look at Your Feet
In a previous post I talked about a lesson I learned from a slow-moving old man who passed me again and again in the hills of Nepal. At another point as I climbed higher, another lesson was waiting. One of my most memorable moments of trekking in Nepal was the day that I reached the […]
What An Old Man In Nepal Taught Me About Focus
Some years ago, I was fortunate enough to spend four weeks in Nepal, three of those weeks exploring the foothills of Mount Everest. Some memories from that time recently came into my mind, and I thought I would share a few. The power of steady focus. One of my vivid memories from Nepal is of […]
The One Universal Rule of Time Management
Most leaders wish they had more time. In this post, I share the one piece of “universal” advice I most frequently give executives to help them better manage their time and boost their productivity. Are you ready? Spend a few minutes each day planning your day, and spend an hour each week planning your week. […]
The Art of Receiving Feedback
Recently I wrote about the importance of giving feedback to your direct reports and others—openly, candidly and in a way that’s actionable for them. I think 50% of the feedback equation rests on the side of managers, who have to be willing and skilled in giving it. Today I want to share a few tips […]
Saving Your Job
Sometimes I coach leaders who are afraid they are at risk of being fired. They may have good evidence to support this. For example, they may have just been transferred to a different department or moved to a more junior position; or they may have gotten direct feedback from their boss, HR, or others that […]