You think you’re getting the truth, but you’re probably not—at least not the full truth, the unfiltered truth, or the kind of truth that would actually change how you lead. Because if you’re in a leadership role, people are filtering what they say to you. It’s not a question of if. It’s a question of …
The Risk of Speaking Up: What It Costs to Tell You the Truth Read More »
You explained it clearly. You walked through the reasoning. You answered their questions. When you looked around the room (or the Zoom/Teams call), people nodded. So why, days or weeks later, does if feel like things are moving at a snail’s pace? Why do you feel like you’re still the one poking and prodding to …
They Heard You, They Nodded…So Why Aren’t Things Moving Like They Should? Read More »
The Real Challenge of Speaking Up Having good ideas isn’t enough. Being right isn’t enough. And sadly, working hard, assuming your contributions will naturally be recognized is definitely not enough. If you’ve ever spoken up in a meeting only to be ignored until someone else repeats your idea and gets credit, then you know exactly …
Influence with Intention: The Art of Strategic Advocacy Read More »
I think most people would agree work—and life, in general—would be a whole lot easier if we didn’t have to deal with difficult people, but that’s not the world we live in. Honestly, if there was never any friction, things would be boring. Growth comes from challenge, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating …
Dealing with Difficult People at Work: The Life Maximizer Way Read More »
Ever had one of those days where work feels like an uphill battle? Deadlines slip, projects veer off track, and frustration builds. At first glance, the easy answer—the one most people lean on—is “miscommunication.” However, let’s be honest—that’s a cop-out. The real issue isn’t just that people aren’t hearing each other. Instead, it’s that they …
Fixing Misalignment at Work: The Leadership Skill That Never Gets Enough Credit Read More »
A few years ago, one of my close friends asked me why I do the work I do—interpersonal communication, leadership development, diplomacy training, strategy—and I told her it’s because I want people to be better leaders. She looked at me and said, “Duh! Donnie, I got that, but why? Why? WHY?” After fumbling through four …
Why I Teach Intentional Leadership: Fewer Doormats, Fewer Assholes Read More »
Quality leadership is tough. In addition to doing your job and maintaining performance, you’re managing back-to-back meetings, solving problems, juggling endless priorities, and putting out fires—sometimes before your day even starts. By the time you finally catch your breath, it feels like you’ve been in motion all day, but you’re not sure what you’ve actually …
I think, for many people, genuine trust feels rare these days. Sadly, as a whole, I think we’ve created a lot of low-trust relationships, workplace environments, and communities over time as a result of the negative events we see in our communities / the world, the events that have taken place in our own lives, …
Genuine Trust…Will We Ever Get It Back In Our Companies or Communities? Read More »
Feeling seen feels so good. I don’t know if you’ve ever had anyone in your life reflect back to you the gifts they see in you, but it is one of the most restorative and soul-nourishing acknowledgments you could ever receive. When I was 26, Keri, one of my coaching mentors, said to me, “Donnie, …
First of all….Oooooooo…I’m sorry you’re going through this right now, and I’m sending you a lot of love, comfort, and ease as you work your way through the rubble. If your world hasn’t imploded before, it is a heartache that is hard to accurately put into words. There is confusion, anger, sadness, grief, frustration, agitation, …
Your Old Life Has Been Demolished…How Do You Begin to Rebuild? Read More »
