Feeling like a fraud in your own life, while intensely seeking to discover a new definition of yourself, is the true definition of emotional dichotomy. It’s an interesting feeling when purposefully surrounding yourself with interesting, supportive people, and still, feeling all alone.
Read MoreI’ve been lucky enough to call multiple places “home” in my lifetime and truly mean it. I grew up in a small town in western Pennsylvania, moved to Philadelphia after college, relocated to Michigan, and most recently lived for a brief period in Mexico City. All of these places have been “home” to me, with a very distinct application of that term to each. During a pivotal life moment in Mexico, however, I began to realize what an important role my true “home” had played in my upbringing, and how lucky I truly was to have grown up there.
Read MoreWhile I was trailing behind my grandma in all of the moments that might have seemed like typical daily activities at the time, I was really observing how independent women acted in various situations. I watched her navigate the markets and her home without the help of a man.
Read MoreStrong Back. Soft Front. Wild Heart. This three-pronged mantra made popular by researcher and author Brené Brown is easy to recite, but difficult to achieve. This post is a reflection of my life’s continued challenge to dismantle the armor created by my own “strong back” that protects my “soft front.” Every day is a work in progress with new lessons to push me forward and continue learning, as a leader and a human being.
Read MoreActive listening - listening with the intent to understand, not to respond - is a necessary, yet often lacking skill in leadership. Providing your teams with a safe space to share and truly be heard is always important. It is even more important now that most meetings are virtual. Take a moment to reflect on your listening and its impact on your leadership.
Read MoreLeadership is tough. Always. Leadership is even tougher during a global pandemic. Providing your teams a safe space to share and process emotions, both positive and negative, will create a safe space for positive growth as a team.
Read MoreWhen everything else seems out of control, leaders should practice forward-thinking to ensure a smooth return to the in-person workplace. Planning for the return will help ensure a healthy and strong work environment where team members can feel safe, both physically and emotionally.
Read MoreI’d always believed that strong women were those that showed grit, resilience, fortitude. Recently through the exploration of emotions research as well as through self-exploration, I have come to the realization that women who possess true strength also show it through expressing vulnerability. Women who recognize and embrace that are the strongest women of all.
Read MoreThere is an old adage in education that teachers should not smile before Christmas. Luckily, years of research have proven that not only is this advice wildly incorrect, it can actually have the exact opposite effect on student learning. Investing in building relationships with students will be even more important during the 2020-21 school year when many districts will be starting the year either in person with restrictions or virtually.
Read MoreThere is much that is unknown in the world right now, which complicated things for leaders’ future planning. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, authored by Stephen Covey over 30 years ago, has some tried and true tips for how to focus on what you can control and think forward in order to get through this global pandemic as a leader.
Read MoreEducators have an awesome responsibility to not only teach children content but also soft skills about life. One of the best ways to do that is to model them. Teachers and school leaders have a unique ability to influence the next generation by modeling positivity in their interactions. How much of a positive influencer are you on a daily basis?
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantine that global citizens faced this year have evoked a variety of strong emotions. Even during typical times, leaders need to be in tune with the emotional temperature of their organization and adjust their practice accordingly. This article offers practical tips for how to create human connection when all connection is forced to be virtual.
Read MoreLessons in leadership and humanity can come from formal classrooms and halls of learning. They can also come from everyday experiences. Sometimes you may not understand the lessons for what they are until much later. I am who I am as a leader and a human being due to many influences. But, one of the greatest influences in my life comes from someone that I consider to be the strongest woman I know, my Grandma Vonnie.
Read MoreA lesson I learned from a great friend years ago has always stuck with me, busy is a choice. Now during a global pandemic, that phrase takes on a completely different meaning. It is up to leaders of organizations, businesses, and homes to help others and themselves navigate through this unique situation and make a conscious choice as to how they will approach each day.
Read MorePerspective-taking is not an easy task. It is often difficult for people to truly step outside themselves and realize if they are making a decision based on what is best for their own personal growth, or for the good of the group. The most successful leaders, however, take time to consider and value others’ opinions, even and especially when they differ from their own.
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