The Strategic Pause
Listen to our podcast episode about this topic here: When I talk to Executive Assistants, aspiring Chiefs of Staff, and other executive support professionals, there is always a common theme (okay, there are several common themes, but let’s just tackle one today): strategic thinking. Force Multipliers are asked to be more strategic at work, encouraged […]
The 5 Daily Accountability Questions
The 5 Daily Accountability Questions is great communication tool we use with all of our team members. I have all of my direct reports email me their questions at the end of every day. In turn, they have their staff members email these questions to them, and so on, throughout the organization. It creates a […]
Are You an Accidental Diminisher?
Listen to our podcast episode about this post: I first heard the term “accidental diminisher“ several years ago while reading Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman. Turns out, it was a concept that I was quite familiar with. I have been guilty in the past of showing up as a […]
7 Strategies to Lead Through Influence
Jo had just finished meeting with the Executive Leadership Team on that quarter’s highest profile project. Action items were reviewed. Schedules were adjusted. Jo provided additional context to the team and asked for two specific reports to be delivered by the end of the day for review. Nope, Jo isn’t the CEO. Jo is the […]
8 Ways to Cultivate Confidence at Any Stage of Your Career
Listen to our podcast episode about this topic here: Confidence is one of the most oft referenced qualities of successful leaders and high performers. Yet, it’s also one of the most elusive to define. What is confidence and how does one get it? Are you born with it? Or can you develop confidence with enough […]
The Dichotomy of Leadership for Executive Assistants, Executive Business Partners, and Chiefs of Staff
I’ve always believed that Executive Assistants are leaders, but it’s more important than ever for Force Multipliers to lean into leading up. As AI and technology moves faster and faster every day, operating as a leadership partner in their organization is a must. Leadership is never easy, especially for those of us in Force Multiplier […]
What is Organizational Whiplash?
Listen to our podcast episode about this topic here: Leaders, particularly entrepreneurial, visionary leaders, have great ideas on the daily. Well, some ideas are greater than others, but these leaders certainly don’t lack the ability to generate ideas at a sometimes alarming rate. I’m sure you’ve been in a meeting or on an email thread […]
Top 6 Lessons from The Art of Livin’ with Matthew McConaughey and Friends
On Monday I attended a special live virtual event with Matthew McConaughey, Tony Robbins, Trent Shelton, Marie Forleo, and Dean Graziosi. Yes, it was a live launch for McConaughey’s new online course, Road Trip, but that didn’t bother me! The five hour training was still packed with great information, thought provoking questions, and a whole lot […]
Workforce Issues in the News and What They Mean for Leaders and Force Multipliers – March 2023 Edition
As founders, leaders, Force Multipliers, Chiefs of Staff, and Executive Assistants, it’s imperative that we stay on top of workforce trends and issues. They not only impact our career choices, but employee retention, hiring, company policies, and organizational culture. And when major publications, like The Wall Street Journal, enter the conversation, I pay attention. This […]
How to Use a User’s Manual
We just bought a treadmill to add to our home gym, and of course, it came with a user’s manual (via an app). It also had a few quick-start guidelines on the screen so we could get up and running (or in my case walking) in just a few minutes. Sure, I could have figured […]
Are You a Lighthouse Leader?
Between the ages of 11 and 12 years old, I lived at a lighthouse – Owl’s Head Lighthouse, to be exact – in Owl’s Head, Maine. The lighthouse is not particularly tall at only about 30 feet, but it is situated on a 100 foot cliff above Rockland Harbor. The lighthouse keeper’s house built in […]
How to Know If Company Decisions Should Be Public or Private
It’s like the wild west in the workplace these days. Mass layoffs continue to make headlines, employees are more burned out than ever, and inflation is causing businesses to make tough decisions about headcount and new hires. Just like in spring of 2020, we need leaders to step up and lead with strength, transparency, and […]
Master the Art of Asking Powerful Questions with a Questions Journal
Whether you are new to the leadership game or have been leading others for years, it’s never too early or too late to learn how to be a great leader. And while there are endless ways to level up your leadership skills, today we are going to focus on the art of asking impactful questions. […]
How to Find Your Purpose with One Simple Question
“What’s your purpose?” That is such a loaded question. I don’t know about you, but it’s one that tends to cause me a bit of anxiety, feelings of self-doubt, and perhaps a little envy towards those who feel so sure of why they were put here on Earth. I know many people feel a deep […]
Leaders, Let Go So You Can Actually Lead
Listen to our podcast episode about this topic here: Picture This… A CEO and an Executive Assistant walk into an office… The Executive Assistant says: “What can I take off your plate today? I’ve reviewed your emails and see eight that I can address for you.” The CEO says: “No, no. I’ll get to those. […]
Are You Working With an Accidental Diminisher Leader?
Are you often frustrated at work? Are you unclear of your career path? Do you feel like someone or something is holding you back? Are you lacking motivation or engagement with your work? Well, it could be because you are working with an Accidental Diminisher leader. Listen to our podcast episode about this topic here: […]
How Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff Become Impact Players
If there was one book I wish I had written, it is Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact by Liz Wiseman. Wiseman wrote another of my favorites too, Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter. However, with Impact Players, I felt like she was writing directly to […]
The Loneliness Epidemic of Executive Assistants and Chiefs of Staff
“It’s Lonely at the Top” I’ve never really liked the phrase, “It’s lonely at the top.” Perhaps its just the context from which it’s usually said – from a place of privilege, as an excuse, or as a subtle request for pity. I swear I’m not cynical! Just bear with me here. “At the top” […]
Podcasts for Chiefs of Staff and Aspiring Chiefs of Staff
For your listening and learning pleasure, here is a curated list of podcasts for Chiefs of Staff and Aspiring Chiefs of Staff, who want to become better leaders, learn to think like their CEO, and level up their careers. Enjoy! FOUNDER’S JOURNAL WITH ALEX LIEBERMAN Alex Lieberman, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Morning Brew, is […]
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Work Life
As I enter the latter half of my third decade (I know, I know… age is just a number!), it got me thinking about all that we can learn from those who’ve come before us. Philosophers, spiritual teachers, and ancient world leaders examined the human experience, questioned the status quo, provided insights to inspire transformation […]