“…And What Else?” July 2022 newsletter

“...And What Else?”

Newsletter and Thought Starter

July 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

Perceptions are 100% Accurate

She lost $400,000 in the latest market correction; he lost $5,000. It was 0.5% of her portfolio. It was 25% of his savings.

They’re jubilant because their team just won the national championship. Their friends are crushed—same game, but fans of the other team.

His direct reports think he is pushy and arrogant. He thinks they’re lazy and don’t care. The team just wants clear accountability and measures of success. So does he.

My college science professor once said that there is only one absolute: everything is relative. Yep, perception—that annoying relative that never goes away.

Thinking Out Loud Blog

What’s Your Advice for the Groom?

Marriage—It’s a big step. It’s a life-altering event that brings many new experiences. Yet, as with most of life, so it goes. Life is a series of transitions, some celebrated and obvious: child to adolescence; high school to college; old job to new job; friend to spouse. Some less celebrated and obvious: today to tomorrow. Yet each of these transitions has one element in common: with each we bring our previous self to something new.

Our Coaching Service Portfolio

Our coaching engagements are designed to support individuals at all organizational levels and functions: Senior-level, Director, Manager, and individual contributor. We meet you where you are in your leadership journey.

Our coaching portfolio includes:

Foundational Coaching: early career professionals
Performance Coaching: managers and directors
Transformational Coaching: senior leaders

Which one fits you? Learn more about how our coaching meets you where you are in your leadership journey.

The Forty-Two Challenge

Question #26: To what do you aspire?

The Challenge: Aspiration drives action. So what is your aspiration? Try finishing this statement: “I exist to…”

Share your reflections on your favorite social channel. #FortyTwoQuestions

Worth Reading

Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman

The philosopher Thomas Hobbes is known for saying, “Life is nasty, brutish, and short.” A pretty brutal assessment. In his more uplifting analysis, Rutger Bregman makes this counterargument case: people are good—or at least try to be. Bregman’s advice: when in doubt, assume the best.

Thought Starter: There’s lots of terrific research and perspectives in this book. One that sticks out is this: if you treat employees as if they are responsible and reliable, they will be. How do you accomplish that?

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

Worth Watching

Why Middle Management is the Hardest Job, Simon Sinek

Translating the organization’s vision to the front line is hard work. As Sinek notes, the middle is where most things break. “We don’t train people to lead,” according to Sinek. This is why we get managers, not leaders.

Thought Starter: Sinek advises to “be the leader you wish you had.” What does that mean to you?

Final Thoughts

“Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, ‘Would an idiot do that?’ And if they would, I do not do that thing.”

Dwight K. Schrute

Leadership Coaching | Team Development Training and Facilitation