Do your people have clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations? If they don’t, it’s not just inefficient—it’s a recipe for predictable breakdowns. When people lack clarity about what they’re accountable for and how success is measured, they’re effectively operating in the dark.
Consider these common scenarios
Everyone walks around with stories about what they can’t do or won’t try. These narratives are usually based on limiting beliefs. Some of these beliefs stem from experiences they had years ago; others are concocted based on false assumptions strung together more recently.
In either case, these beliefs are toxic. When you do nothing about them, they can infiltrate other thoughts and create even more questions or doubts.<!–more->
One of my clients, who decided to change something related to her business process, went through this. It was a good and worthwhile decision that was necessary to continue to scale her company.
But she became nervous and worried that she had made the wrong decision. We talked through it, reinforcing the additional value that she was going to be able to offer. This validated her decision, and she’s since moved ahead beautifully.
When something pops into your head that sounds like one of these phrases, “I can’t raise my fees because….” or “I could never do…..” or “No way I could manage that….”, it’s time to question the underlying belief.
Be curious about it; don’t judge it. The closer you get to the root, the more likely you can see the underlying issue and make any necessary changes.
This may seem counterintuitive, but you also need to truly want to change your mindset. Why wouldn’t you change? Well, in many cases it’s because you’ve lived with it for so long that the change means breaking an imbedded habit.
It’s helpful to have someone with whom you can share this information. It can be an executive coach or a counselor or even a compassionate friend. The person needs to challenge your thinking, not judge you.
Pay attention to your self-talk and catch yourself in a moment where a limiting belief reveals itself. You’ll know what to do.
“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.”
– Victor Hugo
Header image by Karolina Grabowska/Pexels.
People are transitioning into 2026 with the usual array of resolutions, goals, and fresh perspectives. I hope you’ve taken time to reflect on your wishes for the year and have captured them in a way that will stay on your radar in the months ahead.
More than this, though, I’d like you to pay mindful attention to your aspirations as we enter this new year. Being mindful means that you’re aware and accepting of what is happening in the moment: your thoughts and feelings, the environment, the people around you….complete with no judgment.
Another year has flown by and we find ourselves leaving 2025 and entering 2026. I hope that last year met your expectations and you look back with satisfaction on your accomplishments.
But now is the season to think of the year ahead….your resolutions….your aspirations….your goals. If you’re a planner, you’ve probably already mapped out 2026 to guide your way. Even if planning isn’t your style, you’ve probably thought about what you want to accomplish in some fashion.
‘Tis the season of giving. And it’s also the season of rushing. Many people are trying to get everything done, including buying thoughtful gifts for loved ones.
Here’s a way to change that vibe.
As we edge towards the end of 2025, the annual recurrence of holiday tensions has arrived. December brings year-end deadlines, an abundance of holiday parties, and greater than usual personal commitments.
The result? More stress, more tension, and more anxiety which is creeping into the fabric of many organizations. What to do? Consider these tips to manage through the next few weeks.
You don’t have to look far to notice how quickly conversations can turn sharp these days. From community meetings to workplace Slack channels to everyday interactions, the level of incivility has crept upward. People seem quicker to snap, less patient with differing viewpoints, and more inclined to assume the worst.
The result? A general moodiness and edge that can make even simple exchanges feel heavier than they should.
Happy Thanksgiving!
It is my tradition to write about gratitude on this uniquely American holiday. Today is a time to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the things that mean the most to you. Many of you are celebrating today with friends and family, and that is something to be grateful for.
My friend and colleague, Bob, and I had an interesting conversation over lunch. I was commenting on the scope of some of his professional achievements and learned that one of his most influential drivers was a colleague, Tony, who represented the antithesis of who he wanted to become.
Early in his career, Bob worked closely with Tony, who was the embodiment of making a deal regardless of whether the sale was good for the prospective client. Not only did he not take time to get to know his prospects or understand their needs, but he quite simply didn’t care.
One of the most important issues facing my clients is time management. They are over-scheduled, perennially interrupted, covering for others’ mistakes, and solving dozens of challenges.
I was working with a client in his office and within a brief ten-minute slice of time, four different people “dropped in” to ask something. When the fourth person walked in, he just looked at me and started to laugh. This man’s workday really begins in the evening, and obviously, that isn’t sustainable over time.