Why Executive Coaching Fails† The most common reasons executive coaching doesn’t work or feels inert. What does “stuck” mean in an executive coaching context? In my experience, it means the leader (receiver of coaching) has not experienced progress towards their goals in the first three sessions – even something as

I’m critical of the definition touted by the International Coach Federation’s (ICF) – what some consider the credentialing agency for coaching. The ICF defines coaching as: Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. I take issue with this

Among the executives with whom I coach, collaborate with, and call friends, the most common source of frustration, anxiety, and grief is the distortion referred to as fortune telling. Fortune telling is one of several thought distortions that I’ve referred to in the past. Thought distortions are false beliefs and

Have you ever wanted to make a significant behavior change but struggled to break through? Of course, you have – we’ve all been there! Heck, I have several I seem to always be working on. For this blog, let me use a common example. At some time, we (or someone

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about values. Personal values, company values, how they show up at work, and what it means for us to truly live them out in all arenas that we enter. When I work with leadership teams to help them uncover the personal values that

Effective communication secrets revealed Over the summer, my coaching practice has been busy with requests to help leaders improve communication and build relationships. Historically, communication and building relationships are not “unique” coaching topics. However, the context behind the requests has shifted. As leaders are relying more on technology to connect

We are one year removed from the onset of the global pandemic. Over the last year, when I began writing these letters, wellness has been a dominant theme. So, it will not surprise you that I’m doubling down in 2021. Although there is light at the end of the tunnel,

What do you anticipate will change in the aftermath of COVID? It is a question on the minds and mouths of everyone. Although old habits die hard, I contend that management (in its original intent) is drawing in its final breaths. 2021 will bring on the death of management. Management,

Judgment and decision-making – we are questioning a lot in 2020. Global pandemic, race relations, and politics have created a lot of fear and uncertainty. Fear and uncertainty complicate and interfere with good decisions. Those feelings, along with most negative feelings, engage our “system one” thinking – the limbic system.