“What have you done for me lately?” We need to flip the script on this tiresome question. Sometimes we just want to be seen for the excellent work we’re doing. Instead, the demands pile up, robbing us of the time and energy to finish our priority projects. Worse, we end ... Read More

How do you make progress when overwhelmed? Most of us have more than enough work, including conflicting and competing priorities. We know each day we need to face the unholy trinity of chaos, friction, and resistance. Guaranteed the ‘Tyranny of the Urgent’ shows up, too. Don’t forget the endless meetings ... Read More

What extra work did you agree to take on this week? When you accepted, did you mean it — or did you feel forced into agreeing? The ‘Tyranny of the Urgent’ often makes it seem like we have no choice but to agree. Urgent is not always important. Worse, these ... Read More

When was the last time you delayed sharing something you created? Some folks are reluctant to share drawings, maps, and even updates. Presentations frequently cause hesitation (and sometimes procrastination). What held you back? Did you fear what people would say? Fear creates doubt, hesitation, and procrastination. Then we find ourselves ... Read More

Do you fear being wrong? We’re under a lot of pressure to always know the right answer. What is it you fear the most – being wrong, not knowing the answer, or something else? Take a moment to explore fear, sometimes explained as: False Evidence Appearing Real Real or not, ... Read More

Biggie Smalls crooned that “Mo Money” just means “Mo Problems”. Jay Z explained he’s got “99 problems”… and we’ll leave that there. We sing about problems. Do you face your problems or run from them? A few years back, I hit a turning point after a few sequential “summers of ... Read More

Do you have agency? Agency is both the capacity to act and the exercise of that capacity, with intention. Agency is the ability for individuals to think for themselves then take directed action. It shapes their experiences and outcomes. If we avoid subjective labels like good and bad, it means ... Read More

The purpose of clarity is to remove confusion. Clarify the problem to solve and what success looks cuts down the friction that erodes value, destroys trust, and burns people out. Especially when the upfront effort to clarify reduces wasted work and unnecessary rework. If clarity is so good, then why ... Read More

Tell me something good. Right now, take a second to tell me something good happening in your life. There are no limits to the good things in life and you can pick something good about work, a hobby, or whatever comes to mind. Are you drawing a blank? Most people ... Read More

Ever walk past an open garage door and see someone working away? Maybe they’re running a saw or just hammering away. But it’s interesting to watch them create. Imagine what it’d be like to watch someone inventing in their garage? Or watching someone learn in public? What if you had ... Read More