Well hello, and welcome to May. The blossoms (and okay, the allergens) are in full bloom. My choices this month are based in reflection – from new books by favorite authors, to the ending of a fun and energizing program.
Time to reflect was also taken on an amazing vacation to Iceland. What a place full of wonder and beauty. It made me slow down, pause and enjoy. And plan a trip back. 🇮🇸
Ok, here we go.
Reading for fun AND learning.
Somehow: Thoughts on Love by Anne Lamott
Anne is probably my favorite author, from Bird to Bird to her most recent book, her twentieth. She discusses the ways that love can support us in the face of despair, helping us to believe that tomorrow will be a better day. She is funny, warm, and so wise. In a time of crazy world antics and suffering, this has been a nice anchor.
Listening.
Feeling Unmotivated? Here’s How to Get Out of the Rut, HBR IdeaCast with Alison Beard
Many of us love our jobs, our work, and yet at times we can get demotivated and disconnected. Harvard Business School professor Boris Groysberg and research associate Robin Abrahams share a four-part process on getting back into an engaged space: detachment, empathy, action, and reframing. Their simple tips were interesting to me as I often coach leaders who are at a crossroads and considering next moves. For these coachees, it is worth taking a deeper look to reconnect.
How to Build the Life You Want: Timeless Wisdom for More Happiness & Purpose, The Mel Robbins Podcast
I like Mel’s conversations and this one was recently recommended by friends. In it she speaks with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness expert who is coincidently speaking at an ICF New England event in June I’m attending. (Also, there are no coincidences.) In this podcast, he shares some interesting and surprising research on increasing happiness and building simple, small changes toward a successful, happy life. A great listen.
The Quote.
“Ask yourself ‘How can I become 1% happier?’ Not ‘How can I become happy?’”
Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar
I often get into the trap of 100%, immediate change, and quickly lose energy as I try to take on too much and set crazy expectations for myself.
Experiment. Make small changes. Keep trying. Continue moving.
The Testimonial.
“Through this program, I have been able to use more confident wording in my decision-making which I think has made others rally around my strategies and recommendations as a leader.”
Senior Director
I love when learning can inspire confidence and change! 💪
The Product.
It’s hard to believe, but this week I am finishing up the first cohort of my New Manager’s Advantage program. It included a great group of leaders from different functions and industries, proving that regardless of where we work, we have similar challenges in managing people. Together we got curious, laughed, learned, and experienced a-ha moments. I will miss interacting with this bunch every few weeks. I plan to launch a new cohort in early fall, a great “back to school” experience. 🚌
More information coming soon…
☕Want to learn more about the New Manager’s Advantage and additional offerings? Let’s chat! Book time on my Calendly here.
Your Turn
Ok - what’re you reading, listening to, thinking about, or working on?
Reply back to let me know what you are up to this month.
Enjoy May and your own reflections in this time of growth. Adding a picture of Iceland for inspiration.
Ellen