Two Words That Changed Me
A few years ago, a coach told me something that caught me off guard.
She said it was difficult to celebrate me.
Not because I was unworthy. Because I would not let it land.
Every time she acknowledged me, I redirected it. Minimized it. Handed it back.
I thought that was humility. It was deflection.
Somewhere along the way, I learned it was safer to stay slightly below everyone else. If I never ...
If You Can’t Ask, You Can’t Lead
I was working with a horse who had one very clear preference.
Scratch her collar bones.
If I stopped, she’d nudge me. If I scratched the wrong place, she’d reposition herself.
At one point I said to my trainer, half joking, “She’s kind of high maintenance.”
Without missing a beat she said, “No. She knows what she wants and she’s okay asking for it.”
That hit me harder than I expected. Because i...
When Saying More Makes You Less Clear
Lately, I’ve been noticing something in myself.
I’ll know exactly what I want to say.  The point is clear in my mind.  And yet, when I open my mouth, I add more than is necessary.
A little background. Â A justification. Â A few extra words to make sure it lands well.
What I’m starting to see is that this isn’t a communication issue.  It’s a confidence issue.
Many high-capacity leaders don’t strug...
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