When times are tough at work, our foes start to reveal themselves: fear and uncertainty. When that happens, it’s time to regroup. In my last post, I talked about why I like having an executive coach. That’s only one of several ways to deal with those thoughts that can drag you down. I envy people […]
Tag Archives | Behavior
Unlearning Patterns
I know you are thinking it, and it’s probably true. About time that honeymoon period is over at work. I’ve been on a five month sprint, barely resurfacing for air and really feeling so lucky to be at my new company, that I’ve been in denial of the office power structure. But I have to […]
Common Misunderstandings
Yesterday was probably the worst day I’ve experienced at my new job so far. My boss wanted to share a chart with me that showed our process and, as he walked through where we (my group) fit in, my eyes stopped at two words written in bold. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT. My mind shut down and my […]
The War Room (inside my head)
Sometimes I realize that my brain won’t turn off. I try to shut down, and especially during 2:00 a.m. AFTER one child or another has awoken and one of us (me or my husband) have gone in to sooth a child. It’s not the first time I turn the light out, after shutting my computer […]
Managing with Care
There is a fine balance between caring too much and caring just enough. I sometimes land in the former camp. I think at least a few of us (Agents) probably complement each other in this area where one agent can play one side, while one of us plays the other. It’s a yin/yang mechanism, and […]
Covert Answers: When a Colleague is Failing in Client Meetings
Covert Leadership Agents respond to readers’ questions in the Covert Answers feature. Submit your question here. Dear Agents, There’s a person on my team who is terrible in front of clients. I’m not her supervisor, but I have to attend client meetings with her, which is pretty painful for me. I’ve talked to her boss about […]
Leaving the familiar
I was sitting across from potentially four new co-workers during my third interview, and was suddenly struck by the thought that this could be my new work family. Amazing to think, I’ve been cheating on my current company by dating the new company. AND I would potentially embrace these unknown entities who would, over time, […]
Holding up the Mirror
Are you good when receiving constructive criticism, or do you get really really really angry? Or hurt? Or both, and it depends on the timing or delivery? I grew up in a fairly blunt environment. I didn’t learn to self-edit before blurting out what was top of mind. And, in my reckless youth, I was […]
Covert Answers: Having “The Talk” with an Underperforming Colleague
Covert Leadership Agents respond to readers’ questions in the Covert Answers feature. Submit your question here. Dear Agents: I have a friend/colleague who isn’t pulling her weight on the team. Other people have noticed too, and I think she’s in danger of losing her job. I know she’s capable! How can I tell her this in […]
When in Doubt, Hit Delete
My neighbor is testimony to life after bad bosses. He recently left his sales job to work for a new technology company, and he was telling me a story that sounded so similar to many I’ve experienced at Company X. Whereas now he can simply ask for time or state that he needs a few […]
