The Biology of Risk
An interesting article on the physiology of risk taking. The basic premise is that people are more likely to take risks when calm and relaxed and they become risk averse when under stress. This finding has real implications on performance in sports, business, and life in general.
Read MoreRadio Interview on Coaching Stress
I was recently interviewed by Charlie Tuggle, the host of Sports Focus, on WCHL radio in Chapel Hill, NC, on the topic of coaching stress following the recent health scares by two NFL coaches.
Read MoreHow Do You Make a Major Life Decision?
I recently had dinner with a former client whom I had worked with about 15 years ago. Cassie (not her real name) was in her teens then and she is now a grown woman with a great career and about to be married. She asked for my guidance to help her make a major career […]
Read MoreThe New Demands of 21st Century Leadership
Perhaps the most frequently asked questions these days in boardrooms, corner offices, and business school classes is: What is leadership and how has it changed in the 21st century? There is little doubt that the business landscape has changed in the last two decades driven primarily by two forces: globalization and technology. Not surprisingly, these two market influences have directly impacted how heads of companies lead.
The most notable change has been in what skills are believed to be necessary to lead a company. In previous generations, business leaders were chosen for their specific business acumen including their business-related knowledge and skill sets such as finance, marketing, or strategy. Pedigree and education also played a role in who was placed on the top floor of a company.
In recent years though, there has been a shift toward less-tangible psychological, emotional, and people skills as prerequisites for leaders. Of course, the hard skills are still important—leaders still need to know the nuts and bolts of their business—but these knowledge sets have become, in my experience, necessary but not sufficient, for getting the key to the executive washroom.
I have identified four such areas that have gained prominence in my work with senior management of companies around the world during the last decade.
Read MoreSki Racing: Four Secrets to Final Start-area Preparation
With March now upon us, the end of the season is in sight and some of the most important races of the season lie just ahead. As you prepare these big races, whether the State Championships, Junior Olympics, NCAA Championships, U.S. National, Topolino, Whistler Cup, or the World Cup Finals, you’re looking for any edge […]
Read More