“…And What Else?” April 2022 newsletter

“...And What Else?”

Newsletter and Thought Starter

April 2022

Success begins by asking the right questions. So why not a newsletter that asks a powerful question: “…and what else?”

Hope these insights pierce through the clutter and create a moment to reflect on your purpose.

First Thoughts

His name is Bob.

He is abrupt and rude. He is reactionary and lacks tact, often to the point of annoyance. He thinks only about his needs. Bob is a pain. Bob is me.

Well, not always me, thankfully. Yet there are times when I am far from perfect—times that I choose behaviors that are not productive or considerate. I have chosen to give these behaviors a name. And that name is Bob. I do that to acknowledge that they are real and visible. And unless I recognize them, I cannot alter them.

What are your “Bob” behaviors, and do you recognize when they appear? We all have them (him) and acknowledging that is a key step to limiting their appearance.

Thinking Out Loud Blog

Leadership isn’t Always the Answer

(from the Archives)

For some, the suggestion that leadership can’t solve all problems is hearsay. Sure, leadership is a mighty tool. Yet in the practical, day-to-day sense, leadership is not always what is needed. And, yes, sometimes it can (gasp) get in the way.

The Forty-Two Challenge

Question #34: What both scares and excites you?

The Challenge: If you don’t sometimes ask, “What did I get myself into?” you’re not living a life of purpose. Being a little nervous means you care.

What will you be nervous about today?

Share your reflections on your favorite social channel. #FortyTwoQuestions

Worth Reading

Life on Purpose by Victor J. Strecher

Strecher contends that “purpose” is different than “meaning.” Meaning, according to the author, asks the question, “Why am I here?” Purpose, on the other hand, is concerned with whether we’re living for what matters most. Subtle but truly different.

Finding purpose can transform your quality of life, according to the book’s research. Really.

People live longer when they live with purpose—27 percent reduction in heart attacks; 22 percent reduction in stroke. And a 12 percent reduced risk of…dying. So we got that going for us, which is nice.

Thought Starter: So what matters most to you? What is your purpose? A good place to start is identifying your values. Think about (and watch) how you spend your time. That will point to your values. From there, think about what you want to be known for (your epitaph). How do people describe you when you’re at your best? Knowing your values and your “best self” serve as a terrific starting point for purpose discovery.

Looking for more great reads? Check out these purposeful resources.

Worth Watching

People Skills: Office Space (The Movie)

“I’m good with dealing with people.” Yeah, not so much. Self awareness needs practice, doesn’t it?

Thought Starter: Self-awareness is a powerful tool but also a hard pill to swallow. Do you have a friend you trust? Someone who has your best interest in mind? Seek their input on your blind spots. Development begins when we realize we’re all a work in progress.

Our Latest, Latest Coaching Service

Last month’s newsletter announced our latest coaching service for early-career professionals, Foundational Coaching. This month we’re pleased to announce Performance Coaching.

Our Performance Coaching is designed for manager or director-level professionals seeking to increase their leadership effectiveness and organizational impact. This value-driven engagement:

Takes a developmental focus, targeting particular areas of improvement for maximum impact.
Breaks down barriers to greater organizational impact and personal growth.
Includes peer evaluations to identify blind spots with outcome-oriented coaching.