By Natalie Pickering, PhD Imposter phenomenon, referred to as imposter syndrome, is shorthand for high achievers who privately fear they are frauds– and that at any time, they will be found out. It is typically framed as a confidence issue. Leaders are told to reframe their mindset, internalize the good stuff, challenge maladaptive thinking, or … Read more
We often think of our strengths as the best parts of us—the qualities that help us succeed, lead, and connect. And they are! But here’s a leadership truth that often goes unspoken: under stress, those very strengths can become our biggest liabilities. This doesn’t mean our strengths vanish. They don’t. But stress hijacks them, puts … Read more
In our relentless pursuit of productivity hacks, meticulously tracked performance metrics, and the latest leadership frameworks, we’ve inadvertently overlooked the very foundation upon which all of these rest: identity clarity. Not personality tests.Not style assessments.Not generic competencies. Who you are—and how congruently you lead from that place—is the most predictive variable of your leadership effectiveness. … Read more
We often think of leadership in terms of strategy, execution, and achieving results. But in today’s dynamic work environment, something more nuanced is required for the relationships you lead: emotional precision. At the heart of effective leadership lies the delicate art of balancing genuine human connection with clear professional boundaries – a “sweet spot” that … Read more
Emotional intelligence (EQ) has become a cornerstone of effective leadership. It encompasses the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, empathize with others, and navigate interpersonal relationships with intention and care. For leaders, honing emotional intelligence is not just a personal pursuit—it’s a critical skill that drives team success and fosters meaningful connections. While … Read more
Importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a critical set of skills that help individuals recognize, understand, and manage their own emotions while effectively interacting with others. The core components of EQ include self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation. These elements are not just beneficial; they are essential for anyone looking to … Read more
Understanding Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is recognized as a crucial set of skills that determine how well we recognize and manage our own emotions, as well as how effectively we interact and empathize with others. Its components—self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation—are essential for anyone looking to succeed in leadership roles, but … Read more
I chose the Dupont National Forest, NC as the venue for my bi-annual personal retreat this year (practicing what I preach to my coaching clients!) And the Triple Falls Trail (pictured) did not disappoint! While these get-aways are in part purposed for me to set goals, vision cast and strategically plan the upcoming half-year, they have also … Read more
I’m often asked for practical ideas to support building emotional intelligence. I love working with teams and this exercise is a powerful one that I use sometimes in team development workshops. My business peer coaching group did this together during the holiday season and I found it extremely impactful. The Affirmation Tool is powerful for … Read more
Commit to growth