By

Brian McKeon
Introduction:  Authentic leadership grows when leaders cultivate a strong inner foundation.  Leaders must first cultivate clarity, balance, and compassion within themselves before they can lead others.. It can be helpful to draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS) leadership, a therapeutic model developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, that offers a powerful framework for this work. At...
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Wired To Notice What’s Important The brain is inherently motivated by what we think is relevant to us.   Our self-referential nature is linked to the brain’s default mode network (DMN), a system of interconnected brain regions that become active when we are engaged in introspective activities.  When information is aligned more closely with a person’s...
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Leading with Virtue, Process, and Purpose Stoicism is a philosophy that draws its strength from self-discipline and inner resilience and can be a guide to how we achieve goals. A fulfilling life emerges from four key virtues: wisdom, moderation, courage, and justice. What ties these virtues together in a stoic mindset for achieving goals is...
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Introduction I remember asking one of my early managers what made him such an effective leader.  Without hesitation, he replied that he motivates people to succeed.   At the time, I couldn’t pinpoint why, but his response felt incomplete. Now I realize what was missing: leadership isn’t just about external motivation. Employees who consistently perform above...
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Introduction A crucial element often overlooked in leadership development is the importance of starting with a leadership mindset. Accordingly, many jump straight into acquiring leadership knowledge and skills without establishing the essential mindset foundation. A leadership mindset is the cornerstone for becoming an effective leader; it shapes how you approach human interactions through a leadership...
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Introduction Assessments are crucial in the coaching process as they provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. By utilizing various assessment tools, coaches can gather valuable insights into their clients’ personalities, skills, and behaviors. However, assessments are only the first step in the process of critical feedback and leaders...
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Recognize The Childhood Narrative As a leader, recognizing and evaluating the narratives formed in childhood is crucial for understanding their relevance and impact in adulthood. These narratives significantly influence our thoughts and behaviors, shaping how we interact with the world around us. The challenge lies in developing the knowledge and skills to master our childhood...
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The Midlife Crisis Whenever the topic of midlife arises, it seems inevitably accompanied by the word “crisis.” It’s like they’re a package deal, inseparable as peanut butter and jelly. The notion of navigating midlife without some form of crisis seems almost unthinkable. This association has fostered such a negative perception of midlife that many of...
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Imposter Syndrome In the fast-paced realm of modern professional life, an invisible adversary lurks in the shadows of success: impostor syndrome. Loosely defined as doubting one’s abilities and feeling like a fraud despite evident achievements, this psychological phenomenon affects a staggering 82% of individuals at some point in their careers (Bravata, D. M., et al.,...
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What is Fearless Leadership? Fear is an omnipresent force in our lives, yet we often avoid discussing the topic of embracing and transcending fear. From childhood onward, we encounter fear at every turn, yet somehow we navigate through distress without fully acknowledging the process. Whether it’s the trepidation of stepping into the unknown or facing...
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