The Most Painful Feedback

The Most Painful Feedback

More than 20 years ago, I stood at my work mailbox, retrieved a page of meeting minutes, and stopped in my tracks. Someone had inadvertently shared the minutes of a meeting to which I was not invited, one in which people shared candid feedback about my performance. It...
Time For An Upgrade?

Time For An Upgrade?

A wise client and friend of mine recently encouraged me to consider that every time someone makes an exit from my company, it provides an opportunity for an upgrade. Because I value growth, this perspective makes sense to me. As our company grows, our needs change;...
When Quitting Is Not an Option

When Quitting Is Not an Option

Days before my second marathon, a well-meaning friend said, “If you can’t finish, go as far as you can.” I laughed and gently told her “I’ll finish. Quitting is not an option.” Nearly everyone who enters a marathon enters with the...
Stretching Stretches Me

Stretching Stretches Me

I’ve been running, although not always consistently, for more than 22 years. Among the good running habits I’ve failed to consistently practice: stretching. I’m not sure why I’ve never had a stretching regimen. I wasn’t a high school or...
Sometimes We Fail

Sometimes We Fail

The first time I ever fired a person, I failed —in a spectacular way. I’d sensed for months that the working relationship wasn’t working out, but every time we got together, I resisted sharing constructive feedback. I resisted, month after month, until I...