Advice for transforming leadership, culture, Curiosity, and communication from Beth Wonson
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This weekend I held space for someone dear to me to let go of a big chunk of the past and deposit it squarely into the bin at the Goodwill. Initially I was more inspired than she was. I had picked up a copy of the best selling book, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo. Since it is so much more entertaining to facilitate someone else’s journey through their past than it is to journey through my own, I was ready and eager to help her jump into the first category of tidying, clothing. Simplified, Kondo’s system…
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Am I Perfectly Clear?
My youngest daughter was about four years old and playing outside with a friend. They were into a little mischief playing in an area of the yard that was off limits. In my stern mother voice I clarified the rules again and then asked, “Am I perfectly clear?” (I am not even sure where I picked up that expression but I seem to have used it a great deal in my mothering.) Neither girl spoke instead staring up at me, frozen, with eyes big as saucers. I asked again, this time a little slower, enunciating each word, “Am…I…perfectly…clear?” No…
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You can only call me for 3 reasons!
I spent time today with one of my wonderful individual coaching clients. I love all the shared learning that comes from my work as my clients dare to step into vulnerability, reflection, learning and growth. Today’s call was no exception. My sweet, smart and ambitious client is also a go-getter, hard working and deeply nurturing wife, mother, daughter and sister-in-law. And she is exhausted. She describes herself with words that are full of self-judgment and deprecation. Words like “not doing well”, “not in control” and feeling physical symptoms like nausea and jittery. As we poked, probed around and discovered…
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Trust Tree
I can’t tell you how often I’m asked, “What did it take to start your own consulting business?” I love that question because it helps me to reflect on what has gotten me here. And by here I mean being able to ride an Icelandic pony on a Monday afternoon. Stand with an intelligent, kind caring executive as she looks into the fire, leaving the past behind to be the best she can be today. Waking up at 5:30 a.m. excited to create and write. Hiking a trail above the Pacific Ocean and having my phone ring and someone…
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Undefended Problem Solving
The CEO of a large, successful company confided to me recently that one of his greatest frustrations is when a member of his team gets carried away defending their own position. To the point that the person sulks or doesn’t participate productively in problem solving or innovation. His interpretation is that the person is having an emotional attachment to a business decision. Have you ever found yourself defending your position beyond what in hindsight was reasonable? Getting emotional. Withholding your participation. Maybe pouting? Knowing that your stance could damage your working relationship but you just could not let go? Have…
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How did we end up here? This place is horrible.
In the opening scene of the movie Birdman, actor Riggan Thomson is in the dressing room of the Broadway play he has written, is directing and starring in. This play is his final opportunity to be seen as his true self. Although a big risk, he sees this as his last opportunity to return to his authentic path. As he meditates in his dressing room, an inner voice (his alter ego) dialogues endlessly with him. If you are like Riggan and me, you too have a little voice that creeps in and asks you a judgment-filled question. Most often…
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Does Play Make You Cringe?
Regardless of your play personality, when you are designing trainings or meetings or even teambuilding events, include opportunities for all the play styles. Not only will you have more engagement, you’ll also have participants who are more focused, innovative, connected and creative.
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Four Simple Ways to Improve as a Leader
Do any of these statements resonate with you? – I spend all my time putting out fires. – I’m tired of getting blindsided by missed goals and deadlines. – I thought I wanted to be the leader but I miss the camaraderie of the team more and more. – I’m not sure my team really has my back. – I let small things go that really bother me because people get so upset when I bring it up. If any of these rang true for you, you aren’t alone. In my experience as a leadership coach, many leaders share…
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Feeling Powerless in Challenging Conversations?
Have you ever felt powerless in a meeting when the conversation turns into an emotionally charged diatribe? Here are a few seemingly magical steps that you can use to turn around unproductive and damaging diatribes in just minutes. Imagine that you are leading a meeting. One of the agenda items is: rising health care costs. Your intention is to brainstorm creative solutions. One person, who also happens to have seniority over you, begins a rant about health care. He opens with a rational, but off-topic story about the history of health care costs. He then quickly digresses into unproductive blame-placing,…
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Thinking about Leveling Up?
A dear friend is sleeping soundly in my guest room. Last time she was here was about six months ago and only days before she embarked on a six-month trip through Asia armed with only her backpack, a yoga mat, her cell phone, her courage and occasional met ups with friends. Just days before she left the States, I sat with her as she reorganized her pack in preparation. The mix of emotions, both anxiety and excitement, was palpable. She is a goal oriented, driven person who is most comfortable with a plan of her choosing. She holds several degrees…
Leveling up Leadership and Culture Through Healthy and Candid Communication
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