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Leadership and Life Blog
Quick tips, ideas, and stories that won't take much time to read and might help you consider new ways forward. We will cover leadership and life topics, which will be honest, vulnerable, and, at times, probably controversial. Feedback is welcome. The views expressed are those of the authors, and while we encourage debate, we ask for respect in any comments. If there are topics you'd like covered, we take suggestions too!
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Lisa Pickard
Aug 9, 2024
Emotion vs. Response
When something goes wrong, how do you respond? Do you lash out? Do you hide? Do you take accountability or assign blame? Having a solid...
231 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Jan 1, 2024
Happy New Year!
Welcome, 2024! Rather than start a list of resolutions I know I won't keep, I'll continue the promise to stay true to myself: Make...
231 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Nov 1, 2023
Atlas Gray turns 1!
Happy November! Today marks the first anniversary of Atlas Gray. When I think back to last November, my plans, and what has changed, I'm...
340 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Oct 30, 2023
Oops!
I was suffering from wishful thinking and an inability to read the calendar when I declared my excitement for the end of Daylight Savings...
166 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Oct 23, 2023
Hot air
There's a delicate balance between being prepared to speak and missing an opportunity to contribute, especially when we feel a power...
200 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Oct 11, 2023
Breaking the code
Many activities come with a secret language. If you've ever been to Starbucks, In-N-Out, or been around a horse person (yes-we, we...
215 views0 comments
Joe Pickard
Oct 4, 2023
BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): Get to the point!
Today’s work environment is continually bombarded with emails, calendar invites, and meetings. Time has become a valuable commodity that...
193 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Sep 28, 2023
Which way?
Knowing your audience makes all the difference in how you give directions. Using street names for an out-of-towner or colors for someone...
205 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Sep 20, 2023
Hear this
Leading and listening go hand in hand, but how we take action on what we hear determines what kind of a leader we are. Listening on its...
156 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Sep 18, 2023
Jot it down
Joining a new team as a leader or teammate brings together multiple skills at once, often while working outside your comfort zone. It can...
161 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Aug 3, 2023
We are what we think
We know we can't control what others think or say about us. We can control what we put out in the universe. Any negative judgments we...
195 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Aug 2, 2023
Communication routines
Leadership can feel like a hamster wheel of catching your team up on what was said and trying to keep them up to date on what's about to...
180 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Jul 24, 2023
Strike a pose
Body language says so much more than many of us realize. Nothing communicates your intention (real or perceived) like slouching and...
175 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Jul 18, 2023
Directions
Some directions come from a map, others from a boss, a manual, or a parent. If you've ever assembled boxed furniture, you can appreciate...
162 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Jun 13, 2023
The full story
Leaders often keep more on their plates because it is easier to do it themselves than to teach others. Sometimes, an effort is made to...
164 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Jun 12, 2023
Plan and Pivot
Every project needs a clearly communicated plan. It must also be ready to pivot for the greatest chance of success. Plans are like...
151 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
May 10, 2023
Riptide
When new leaders join established organizations, the transition can sometimes feel uneasy. There's a melding of new and old ideas, but...
159 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
May 2, 2023
In the mix
It might be easier to comment on the fringe of a meeting, to a colleague in a corner, or after the discussion, but that's not where the...
220 views0 comments
Lisa Pickard
Apr 26, 2023
Playing with bubbles
Communication comes in many forms besides words: body language, tone, volume, timeliness, emotion, listening, and more. What happens if...
241 views0 comments
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