HUMANERGY'S LEADERSHIP BLOG
LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS THAT WORK IN THE REAL WORLD
Explore our library of practical tools, tips, and stories. Drawn from decades of coaching leaders and teams.
Explore Humanergy’s leadership blog for proven tools, strategies, and insights to help leaders and teams thrive.
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The world needs a new kind of leader
All of us at Humanergy have struggled to clearly describe the work we do. We have invested many, many hours in this because we want to be able to reach out to people who want help making their work...
Whose monkey is it?
Bob, one of your direct reports, comes into your office, obviously stressed. "The client just found another glitch in the software. They're threatening to cancel the work." People come to you with...
Stop Whining
“Complaining is not a strategy” (Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder). This quote hits the mark and is now being featured in Startup Vitamins' posters and other products. I’ve been known to do a bit of...
What are you reading?
We are often asked to recommend books that address a particular leadership challenge. While reading books certainly doesn’t guarantee behavior change, many people report that they are inspired and...
Why change?
We're confronted by the need to change on a daily basis. New organizational expectations require learning a new skill. External pressures mean that the team must shift their ways of working...
Boost your willpower
I might believe that a penny saved is a penny earned, however I'm not immune to impulsive, mood-boosting shopping. I was surprised by a recent article on the power of gratitude to increase...
Avoid being trampled by sacred cows
We love our business manager, Karen Parker, and we'd feel lost without her amazing skills, steadfast care and phenomenal customer service. We also know that there are some things she does "Karen's...
Choose your words
I cringed when I read this post by Karin Hurt of Let's Grow Leaders. It reminded me of many times when I've spoken without carefully choosing my words. Most often, the results weren't awful, like...
The perils of praise
My kids have an amazing collection of trophies, medals, ribbons and certificates. I agree with the concerns shared by Ashley Merrman, in "Losing is Good for You" at NewYorkTimes.com. She writes...
The world needs a new kind of leader
This new kind of leader is all about the greater good. Yes, greater good, even in corporations. What does this new kind of leader believe and do? This new kind of leader recognizes that companies...
Stop saying you are sorry
Leaders have been encouraged to stop making excuses and simply apologize when they make mistakes. Good advice, but it isn't enough to say you're sorry. It really isn't that hard to apologize. What...
Yay, me!
What have you accomplished this week/month/year? If you can't answer that question, your contributions may not be on your boss' radar either. That could spell trouble when it comes to career...
Your leadership compass
The quality of life and leadership is built by the choices we make - small and large - everyday. How do you have a meaningful life and strive to be a great leader? Begin by reflecting on the "best"...
Spring clean!
My goal for this spring is to clean out my basement. (My youngest is 13. Why do I still have a toddler's play kitchen?) Spring is also a golden opportunity to clear the decks of your leadership....
What should you do today?
Whatcha doing today? Most of us try to tackle too many priorities, and that is bad for the organization's bottom line and your personal effectiveness. As you plan your action for the day, do one...
Focus your wandering mind
At the beginning of Humanergy's meetings, our mindfulness expert, Launda Wheatley, helps us focus. She takes us through a series of breathing and centering activities that clear our minds and...
How to really help
When a coworker comes to you for help with a problem, you're probably like me. In your quest to be helpful, you give her some advice. Or you share your brilliant process for solving problems. While...
Will you really do better tomorrow?
We are big fans of Jono Hey's sketchplanations. These are small pictures that convey big ideas. This one was painfully familiar. Is it human nature to believe that our future behavior will be better...
Lead like a band competition judge
Last week, my daughter, Maggie, performed in the middle school band solo/ensemble competition. Having never experienced this type of event, I figured I'd be watching three young people perform...
What are you doing in meetings?
You know what you need to achieve. The right people are in the room. You have plenty of coffee and snacks to keep the group energized. Your meeting is off to a great start, but how do you make sure...
Take time for you
It's not too early to start thinking of summer vacation! The United States is the only country in the developed world that does not require companies to give workers paid time off. Even if...