When I was in second grade, I remember hurrying through my reading assignments so I could be the first one finished. I am sure I did not read every word of whatever story we were assigned. Thankfully, it did not impact my ability or desire to read. Still, that memory has stayed with me.

I have been working with a leader and her team through their leadership development program, providing emotional intelligence training and one-on-one coaching. These sessions have given me a front-row view of their dynamics. While no team is perfect, this group demonstrates several qualities that signal the makings of a great team. Let me explain.

Many people experience emotions deeply but keep them contained. They may know exactly what they are feeling, yet hesitate to share it with others. This gap between recognition and expression can quietly shape both personal relationships and leadership effectiveness.

Growth doesn’t always happen in a straight line. Sometimes, it curves toward a direction that fits us better than the one we planned. As for me, I’m entering 2026 with gratitude for the unexpected turns and excitement for what’s next.

Sometimes you need to find someone to emulate, someone who’s gone before you and done what you want to do.

When we are fully engaged with another person, we are sending a clear message: You matter. You are worth my time. That simple act fosters connection. It builds trust. And it dramatically increases the likelihood of meaningful exchange, about our work, our interests, and our opportunities.

Today I pruned the floor plant in my office. It’s a beautiful plant that I’ve had for many years, with big, glossy leaves that brighten the space. But recently, it grew out of control. So, I took my scissors and began to trim. Snip by snip, I cut away what no longer looked good. That’s when it struck me: pruning isn’t just about plants. It’s about our work and personal lives, too.

Negative self-talk doesn’t just affect your confidence; it shapes your behavior, decisions, and results. The words you speak to yourself are powerful. When you start replacing the negative with the positive, you begin to rewrite the story you tell about who you are and what you’re capable of.

How does the saying go? “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” I love a good action plan. Goals are clearly laid out with specific steps and a timeline. Then, wham, an obstacle pops up and blocks the way. When that happens, you usually have two choices: stop in your tracks and give up, or find a way to go around, over, or through the barrier.

Hiring a life coach is more than a trend, it is an intentional investment in yourself. Many people wonder if the time and financial commitment is worth it. The answer is yes, because coaching provides four powerful benefits: validation, insight, action planning, and accountability.

When we hear the word coach, our minds usually jump to athletics. But coaching extends far beyond the playing field. There are life and business coaches, executive coaches, debate team coaches, book coaches, and the list goes on.

But have you ever thought of yourself as a coach? If you’re a leader, you’re coaching every time you provide feedback or encouragement. If you’re a parent, you’re coaching your children in how to speak, act, and make decisions. As a spouse or friend, you’re coaching whenever you respond to a complaint or a concern.

We’ve all been there. You go into a critical conversation prepared. You think through what you want to say, maybe even jot down a few points to keep yourself focused. You feel ready and confident, yet somehow, the conversation backfires. The other person seems to shut down, you don’t feel heard, and instead of progress, you end up with tension or silence.

I recently participated in a networking meeting where we were given the prompt, “I thought I was buying a goat, but I got a sheep.” The exercise encouraged us to reflect on circumstances in which we expected one outcome but ended up with something entirely different. That phrase has lingered with me. It’s a lighthearted way to describe a universal experience: we all, at some point, thought we were buying a goat but ended up with a sheep.

It’s time to say goodbye to summer. The days are getting shorter, the evenings are cooler, and yes, the first pumpkin latte has already made its way into the season. Fall is always a time of transition. Summer vacations are over, kids are back in school, and work routines return with a renewed urgency to finish the year strong. The question is: how can you master a smooth transition into fall?

How do you prioritize your tasks? Is it off the cuff, deciding in the moment based on what feels urgent? Or do you follow a more detailed, intentional process? A better question might be: How is your team prioritizing their work?

When was the last time you took a deliberate, objective look at what your team is actually doing? If your answer to process questions is, “We’ve always done it that way,” it may be time for a deeper review. But where should you begin?

Most workdays move along predictably. A few unexpected challenges may arise, but we rarely find ourselves in a true crisis. When a significant disruption does occur, whether it’s a cyberattack, a key employee suddenly resigning, or a supply chain breakdown, it calls for more than routine problem-solving. It demands steady leadership, swift coordination, and clear communication.

Disruptions, whether planned or unexpected, can easily throw us off course. The key is not to resist, but to intentionally adapt. Recently, both my personal and work routines were disrupted, one planned, the other not. Let me tell you what happened and how I navigated the upheaval.

It's common to hear or say, "I hate conflict!" We are often conditioned to believe that conflict is inherently negative and should be avoided at all costs. However, what happens when we avoid conflict, and how can we leverage it to our advantage?

For me, procrastination starts as a physical urge, a need to get up, move around, or do anything but the task at hand. Next time you want to procrastinate, pause and check in with yourself. What are you feeling? You can train yourself to recognize that feeling and rather than give in to it, tell yourself clearly, “No, you’re staying right here and tackling this task.”