1. Brilliant Blunders!

    May 17, 2013 by Elaine Suess

    Ira Flatow hosts a radio show called Science Friday on National Public Radio. As you can imagine, it airs on Friday (yes), and it’s about Science (that’s right).

    Weird Science

    Some of the topics in recent weeks have included:  Insects May Be The Taste of The Next Generation, Resetting the Theory of Time, and The Perils of Plankton.

    I don’t know about you, but I find most of this stuff fascinating. Curiosity, after all, is my greatest character strength, as reported by the VIA institute on Character.

    I promise, however, that I’m not writing this particular post about bugs, time, or the stuff of the oceans. The latest Science show however, is a whole. other. thing. Not only does it pique my interest but it also includes great lessons for leaders!

    Brilliant Blunders

    Today, Ira Flatow interviewed astrophysicist and author Mario Livio. His recent book, Brilliant Blunders: From Darwin To Einstein, “explores the colossal errors committed by scientific greats, from chemist Linus Pauling’s botched model of DNA, (more…)

    Category: Change ,  Communication ,  Leadership ,  Self Awareness ,  Transparency
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  2. Are You A Fixer Or A Coach?

    January 31, 2013 by Elaine Suess

    Recently, I’ve had conversations with business owners and leaders about the challenges they have helping employees solve problems. These conversations led to discussions on the difference between consulting and coaching, and what this means for leaders.

    In simplest terms, consultants are often hired to help companies solve problems, and are brought in to provide answers to those problems. Coaches approach problems and challenges in an entirely different way; recognizing that most times, the client or employee already knows the solution but doesn’t see it.

    As A Leader, Where Do You Stand?  

    Most leaders have a choice to make each day.

    Consultant or Coach?

    Fixer or Developer of People?

    Two of the leaders with whom I spoke mentioned recent, specific instances when they acted as Fixers. Employees approached them with problems, and the leaders fixed the problem.

    In our conversations, both leaders realized (more…)

    Category: Change ,  Coaching ,  Communication ,  Leadership
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  3. Hope. Gratitude. Joy.

    December 31, 2012 by Elaine Suess

    At the end of the year, I’m looking forward to helping activate even more positive change, and am spending time reviewing:

    • Successes, to see how I can create more of them for me and for my clients in 2013
    • My strengths, to see how I can use them more fully to serve
    • The things and relationships for which I’m grateful 

    These each align with the Big Three –

    Hope. Gratitude. Joy.

    Hope is a feeling of great expectation – it’s about looking forward to see what’s possible. There is so much undiscovered possibility for all of us, just waiting to unfold. We can each create a world for ourselves that delivers on our hopes and visions for our lives.

    Gratitude unlocks the goodness for us, even in the midst of stresses and challenges. Taking note each day of what we are grateful for helps us to see more clearly the gifts that surround us.

    Joy is different than positivity or happiness, but an outcome of both of these, lived to the fullest. Imagine an increase in positivity and happiness that unlocks a joyful life. It’s possible!

    I can’t wait for all that will unfold in 2013!  I wish you the best on your journey throughout the year.  If you’d like a companion as you go, to bring clarity and accountability, just let me know.

    Category: Change ,  Gratitude ,  Happiness ,  Hope ,  Joy
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