As a leader in your organization and in your own life, you’re always looking for ways to get smarter, faster. Me, too. Podcasts are free & simple to use every day, everywhere. As a coach, writer, and leader of my own business, I’m always on the hunt for fresh ideas and inspiration, so I listen […]Read the full post >>
“I thought this was my dream job,” Mark told me as he debated whether it was time to leave his company. “But right now, I hate the office politics.” I’m writing this just weeks before the next US Presidential election. And so the issue of national politics is front and center. But long past November, […]Read the full post >>
In the veggie aisle of the supermarket, I ran into a top manager who works for one of my leadership coaching clients (let’s call him B.) In a rare candid moment (just us and the cucumbers), she vented: “Things are going sooooo much better since B’s been working with you, Darce. But if I had […]Read the full post >>
With all the talented professionals in the world (including those reading this article), you’d think lots of people would want to become a mentor, right? That no one who ever wanted a mentor had to go without? Wrong. In researching and working directly with mentorship programs in companies, professional associations, and universities, I keep hearing […]Read the full post >>
(All photos courtesy Shannon Guest.) My sister’s friend Shannon invited us to join her in Chicago for a concert with megastar singer and Oscar-winner Adele. Stunning. Moving. Best. Concert. Ever. And a great opportunity to witness powerful, effective presentation skills. So as I get ready for a busy spurt of my own performances (okay, in […]Read the full post >>
If you want to grow your leadership skills, someone will likely give you this piece of career advice: “You need a mentor.” Sure, mentors are great. Their support, counsel, and example can be a foundation for how we change and learn. But that advice is only half-right. Because while having a mentor is great, becoming […]Read the full post >>
No. Short on letters; long on impact. As leaders, we don’t like to hear “no.” We want all of our ideas to be “yeses.” Yes seems easier. Yes seems powerful. But here’s a secret: “no” is where the growth is. And if you’re not growing, you’re never going to become a better leader. Here’s why […]Read the full post >>
Do you know someone scary at work? No, not the frighteningly quiet guy in the mailroom or the security guard who gives you the stink eye. Those people aren’t scary. Really. But there are three types of folks that are. And what’s even more petrifying is that one of them might be you. Here’s who […]Read the full post >>
At the time of this writing, the Chicago Cubs are headed to the National League Playoffs. (Sorry Cards fans, but this former Chicagoan sings “Go Cubs, Go.”) Fascinated as we are with underdogs and lovable losers, there’s been endless analysis of why the Cubs are now post-season players. Young sluggers Jorge Soler, Kris Bryant, and […]Read the full post >>
Darcy here– In my corporate consulting days, I used to teach a class called “Charm School.” No, it wasn’t a course in manners exactly. It was designed to smooth out the rougher edges of newer consultants, giving them strategies, tips, and concepts to help them operate with more grace and professionalism than the average consultant […]Read the full post >>
