the Seven Dysfunctional Dwarfs (Sulky, Moany, Shouty, Crabby, Martyr-y, Touchy and Petulant),

the difference between coaching for performance and coaching for development. Coaching for performance is the label typically applied to everyday solving-the-problem management. Coaching for development goes beyond just solving the problem and shifts the focus to the person who’s trying to solve the problem. As I said, it’s the difference between t

The Strategic Question: If You’re Saying Yes to This, What Are You Saying No To?

But more than that, what you’re holding in your mind will unconsciously influence what you can notice and focus

Leo Babauta frames a helpful way of connecting to the big picture in his book Zen Habits: Mastering the Art of Change. He talks about making a vow that’s connected to serving others. Leo gave up smoking as a commitment to his wife and newborn daughter. So think less about what your habit can do for you, and more about how this new habit will help a

If you believe you do have a choice, then this environment is more likely to be a place of reward and therefore engagement.

“I will ask them, ‘How can I help?’” You’re seeking clarity by asking, “How can I help?” Or you’re being even blunter and asking, “What do you want from me?”

(Have you ever heard or uttered the phrase, “I never said I was going to do that!”? Me too.) So to ask, “Let’s be clear: What exactly are you saying Yes to?”

the essential exchange: What do you want? What do I want? And now, what shall we do about that?