“I should” and “I am supposed to …” Thinking
How expectations can trap our thinking brain We’ve all had times in life when our inner voice starts a thought that “I should …” or “I am supposed to …” The sense of obligation to meet others’ expectations can be overwhelming. Acting on our own positive beliefs reinforced our values;…
Why Giving Advice to Others is Easier than Taking It Ourselves
And The Problem With Objectively Observing Others While Critically Judging Ourselves Recall the last time a good friend or colleague was having a tough time and how easy it was to offer practical, actionable advice. How appreciative they were for you to take the time to listen and help them…
Partnerships That Matter Most
Changing the Stage with Real Questions Having embraced being the designer of one’s own life and having practiced slowing down to balance the pressures in our daily experience -it’s time to practice building on these skills with others. Let’s move to a new professional setting, maintain our clay metaphor, and…
Partnerships That Matter Most
Setting the Stage with Real Questions As much as partnerships with others can shape our personal and professional lives-the most important partnership is the one we have with ourselves. The strength of our relationship with ourselves will reinforce all other relationships in our lives. It will drive our energy levels,…
Same Page or Status Quo?
My choice. Your choice. Our choice! Getting on the same page with ourselves is a simple choice and requires nothing but an investment of our time to ask, reflect, and answer a few real questions. Cultivating this habit— in both good and bad times—can present a challenge. Do it anyway! …
LIFE’S NARRATIVES and REAL QUESTIONS
When we’re feeling overboard, out of sight of land with no rescue on the way, lifen situations can seem impossible to resolve. Consider the following three narratives. Does one resonate with you more than another? A young adult who is a serious student develops strong friendships, volunteers in the community,…
Stop Keeping Score and Start Asking Real Questions
Getting on the same page with others of importance is challenging enough-being overly focused on “keeping score” can make it impossible. Unlike in sports or business, trying too hard to win in professional and personal relationships often delivers losing results. Real Questions that invite open discussion and thoughtful replies can…
Slowing Down to Get on the Same Page with Others Faster
Most of us have heard from leaders, managers, parents, or significant others—or thought to ourselves—“we need to get on the same page.” Often, the person speaking wants to increase team alignment on an important problem or strategy and believes a simple discussion can accomplish that goal. This sounds like a…
Pausing When The Heat Of Difficult Situations Is Turned Up
Narratives in Life Pausing to consider our response-ability in challenging situations can help us to Get on the Same Page with our self and others important to us. Asking, “What can I do differently that might make this situation better?” Consider the next few narratives. Have you heard a backstory…