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I am excited to share that I was recently recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Executive Coaching. I immediately told my husband that we need to celebrate! He said sure, though he was not quite sure what we were celebrating. I explained, that a top voice badge signals being a trusted source of information and insights in your field, adding credibility and authority. I also told him about the work I have been doing towards this recognition.

As I coach my clients to celebrate successes, big and small, empowering them along their journey, I endeavor to do the same. Celebrating success plays a vital role in reinforcing progress and recognizing one’s journey – the work put in, challenges overcome, and lessons learned. It is important to celebrate your own success but also that of your team’s and family members.

Celebrating achievements and success is vital for several reasons:

Motivation and Morale: It boosts morale and motivates individuals or teams to continue striving for excellence. It validates one’s efforts and encourages them to maintain their momentum towards future goals.

Positive Reinforcement: Celebration serves as positive reinforcement for desired behaviors and outcomes. When successes are acknowledged and celebrated, it reinforces the behaviors and actions that led to those accomplishments, fostering habits and a culture of continuous improvement.

Team Building: Celebrating achievements with your team fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among colleagues. It reinforces the idea that success is a collective effort and encourages collaboration and support among team members.

Retention and Engagement: Acknowledging and celebrating achievements contributes to higher job satisfaction and engagement. It demonstrates that one’s contributions are valued and recognized, which can increase retention rates and reduce turnover.

Learning and Growth: Celebrating achievements provides an opportunity for reflection and learning. It allows individuals and teams to analyze what worked well and identify areas for improvement, facilitating continuous learning and growth.

Brand Image and Reputation: Publicly celebrating achievements can enhance your and your organization’s brand image and reputation. It showcases one’s commitment to excellence and success, which can attract top talent and enhance its credibility in the industry.

Celebrating achievements and success not only recognizes individual and collective efforts but also plays a crucial role in fostering a positive work culture, driving motivation, and facilitating continuous improvement and growth.

I want to use this opportunity to thank LinkedIn and all the people who liked and commented on my LinkedIn contributions and supported this journey and achievement!

What big or small success can you celebrate, yours or your team’s?

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in the tranquil beauty of Ojai, California. This serene backdrop provided the perfect setting for me to kickstart the writing of my upcoming book centered around the CORE framework I’ve developed.

As I contemplated where to begin my writing journey, I reflected on the environment that truly inspires me. Having had my fill of the cold Boston weather, I yearned for warmth and serenity. I envisioned a quiet retreat, where I could be alone with my thoughts, yet accompanied by the comforting presence of my dogs. Ojai seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

Nestled amidst the majestic Topa Topa mountains, the house I found in Ojai felt like a sanctuary, a picturesque abode that perfectly encapsulated my vision. With expansive views of the majestic Topa Topa mountains and ample natural light streaming through its large windows, the house exuded an aura of tranquility. Stepping outside, I was greeted by the sight of rolling fields and the soothing sounds of nature. The outdoor area invited me to sit, sip my coffee, enjoy the sun, hear the birds chirping, and watch my dogs roam around.

Despite the seclusion, the house was conveniently located just an hour away from friends, offering the reassurance of companionship and support if needed. One such friend, who had organized her own writing retreat in the heart of Chicago, couldn’t fathom my preference for solitude amidst nature. She thrives amidst the vibrant energy of the city. Our differing preferences served as a reminder of the diverse ways in which individuals find inspiration.

What environments inspire you? What helps you do your best thinking?

This retreat was my first extended period of solitude, coinciding with my husband’s trip to visit family in Australia. It was an experiment—one that proved to be successful.

Amidst the serene surroundings of Ojai, I made significant progress on my book. Embracing the writing process with enjoyment, I found myself effortlessly weaving through mornings and afternoons of focused writing, interspersed with coaching sessions and rejuvenation—a nap or a refreshing yoga session, and daily walks with my faithful companions.

As of yet, the book remains nameless, but I’m confident that the perfect title will reveal itself in due time. For those curious about its content, allow me to provide a glimpse into the heart of my work—

The CORE framework

The CORE framework is a four-step process that I’ve honed through years of personal exploration and professional practice. Standing for Clarity, Operationalize, Reflect, and Evaluate, this framework serves as a roadmap for cultivating a life of purpose and fulfillment.

With the CORE framework, you embark on a journey of self-discovery, gaining clarity on your values, priorities, and aspirations. Through introspection and exploration, you uncover your true essence—who you are at your core, and who you want to be.

Next, you translate this newfound clarity into action by identifying the behaviors and habits that align with your values and priorities. This process of operationalization empowers you to live authentically and intentionally, bringing your aspirations to life.

But the journey doesn’t end there. Through reflection, you delve deeper into your inner landscape, exploring the patterns of thought and behavior that may be hindering your progress. By confronting limiting beliefs and self-imposed barriers, you pave the way for growth and transformation.

Finally, the Evaluate phase provides invaluable feedback, allowing you to assess whether your actions are in alignment with your intentions. This ongoing process of self-assessment ensures that you remain true to yourself, walking the talk and embodying your values with integrity.

Ultimately, the CORE framework offers a pathway to living and leading with intention, authenticity, and integrity. By following its principles, you can navigate life’s complexities with clarity and purpose, avoiding burnout and finding fulfillment in your journey.

I am so thankful to have had this experience and opportunity to move forward with my book!

What project are you currently working on? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Many of my coaching clients share their struggle to take time off and disconnect. It’s crucial to understand that taking time off is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity for overall well-being and professional effectiveness.

Disconnecting is an investment in your mental and physical health.

Consider these vital aspects:

Stress Reduction: Continuous work leads to stress buildup, affecting your mind and body. Taking time off allows you to recharge, promoting better mental and emotional health.

Preventing Burnout: Breaks prevent burnout, chronic exhaustion impacting job performance and personal life.

Increased Productivity: Time off leads to increased focus, energy, and motivation, enhancing efficiency upon return.

Work/Life Balance: Balancing work and personal life is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, creating boundaries for well-being and relationships.

Physical Health Benefits: Breaks mitigate risks of chronic stress and overworking, contributing to better overall physical well-being.

Prevention of Mental Fatigue: Continuous work leads to mental fatigue, affecting concentration and decision-making. Breaks recharge your mind for better cognitive performance.

Recognizing that your mental and physical health impact personal and professional success is key.

In our coaching we addresses the reasons for difficulty in disconnecting, from demanding work environments to mindset challenges. Then we shift to focusing on what is possible.

As you navigate this holiday season, consider how you can disconnect and recharge.

Managers, encourage your team to disconnect. Acknowledge that the holiday period may not universally recharge everyone. Some face heightened stress. Foster open communication, offer support, and consider flexible arrangements. Create a supportive environment for a healthier work culture and team well-being.

I, and my fellow Israelis and many Jews around the world, have struggled with this since Oct 7th.  How do you respond to a casual “How are you?” or “I hope you had a wonderful weekend?”. Or to silence.

As part of my standing commitment to show up authentically I have shared my feelings with my clients and wanted to share them here with you too.

Many Israelis and Jews are currently grappling with the feeling of living in parallel universes.

Our hearts are broken. We are devastated by the unimaginable events of October 7th. Our trust in the Israeli government is diminished. The Israeli army’s lack of preparedness has left us shocked and disappointed.

It feels like the rug has been pulled out from under our feet.

October 7th, a date now etched into our collective memory, left no Israeli untouched. In our small country, we all have a connection to someone who was a victim of the barbaric attacks, whether it be a friend, a relative, or a friend of a friend.

The lucky ones are not mourning a death of a loved one. We are “only” constantly worried about our family and friends who have been kidnapped, drafted, called up into reserve duty, or have volunteered, risking their lives to protect others. And our family and friends who are frequently running in and out of shelters, with rockets threatening from the south and the north. The photo is of the house directly across the street from my uncle’s, hit by a rocket today. All the windows in my uncle’s house were also shattered by the blast. Luckily the people are safe, they were all in their shelters.

This situation consumes our thoughts. We tremble with fear for those dear to us, and the rise of antisemitism, with calls to “Gas the Jews” at anti-Israeli rallies, Stars of David painted on the homes of Jews, in Germany,  adds an extra layer of fear that we’ve never experienced before. More details on the rise of antisemitism since October 7 here.

For some of us, volunteering or working offers a momentary escape from this ongoing crisis. We count ourselves fortunate to have that option.

An Israeli executive vulnerably shared how he feels and received emojis from colleagues and employees. Emojis.

An Israeli mother in my town, Lexington, MA, home to many Jews and Israelis, received a note from one of her children’s teachers asking if there is a problem at home, as the child seems sad at school. She was shocked by the teacher’s lack of awareness of what Israelis are currently experiencing.

When our American friends and colleagues ask why we seem so somber, wish us a wonderful day, or wonder if we had a great weekend, our stomachs turn. Why don’t they understand what we’re going through?

When they remain silent, it hurts. It is difficult for us to understand.

We are not living in the same world and it is hard to explain how tough this is.

How do we show up authentically in a world that doesn’t quite understand our reality?

Thinkers50 (a gathering of the top management thinkers world-wide) is coming up in London. I have so been looking forward to it. Yet I am personally struggling. How do I smile, network, meet people? Do I go? Do I stay home? Do I let Hamas take over my life?

I would love to hear any advice you have.

I also urge you to reach out to your Israeli and Jewish friends. Show them your support. It is ok to tell them you don’t know what to say. Give them a hug, a simple hug to convey the support and solidarity we so desperately need. Or send a loving note.

Help us feel like we are living in the same universe.

2 Notes:

My heart goes out to the Palestinian civilians being used as human shields by Hamas.

And to those of you who think of me as Australian, and remember my Australian accent when I speak English, you are not wrong. You likely have not heard my Israeli accent when I speak Hebrew. I am Israeli, Australian and American.

This week, after getting back home from being away for a month, all I wanted was a simple task: to refresh my trusty sourdough starter. Little did I know that what started as a straightforward mission, involving nothing more than some flour and warm water, would soon escalate into a full-blown battle with an unexpected adversary.

It’s funny how life has a way of throwing curveballs at us when we least expect it.

When was the last time you embarked on what seemed like a straightforward endeavor, only to find yourself knee-deep in unexpected challenges?

A seemingly innocent question can sometimes lead to revelations that catch us completely off guard. We may stumble upon misalignments we never saw coming, discover substantial gaps in our team’s knowledge, or realize that a customer’s assumptions were way off the mark.

It’s in these moments that we may briefly question why we bothered to ask the question in the first place. But then, we quickly come to realize that asking, even if it unravels a tangled mess, is far better than remaining in blissful ignorance.

So, what do you do when life presents you with an unexpected quagmire?

First, take a deep breath. Embrace the chaos, accept that things are not going as planned, and remember that sometimes, the universe has a way of steering us in a different direction for a reason.

In my case, as I waged my day-long battle against the pantry infestation, I felt a deep sadness having to discard a substantial portion of my stored food. However, amidst the frustration and disappointment, I found an opportunity—a silver lining in the storm clouds. It was a chance to clear out my pantry, reorganize it, and perhaps most importantly, reflect on a lesson I had learned during my recent month in Paris.

During my time in the City of Light, I had adopted a mindful approach to grocery shopping. I bought only what I needed for the next day or two, aiming to minimize food waste. Returning home, I was determined to continue this practice. As ironic as it may seem, the bug infestation that turned my pantry upside down felt like a cosmic nod of approval. It was a reminder that sometimes, life’s unexpected challenges can be blessings in disguise, pushing us to live in alignment with our values.

Next time you face a situation where simplicity turns into complexity, remember to embrace it.

Seek the silver lining, for even the toughest battles can yield unexpected victories. These moments of chaos often hold invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptation.

And in the photo is the current state of my kitchen. The boxes are new, lesson learnt! My pantry cabinets are out of their niche in the wall. I have not seen any of those little buggers in there the last couple of days. I think I will get my pantry back soon!

What questions are you asking yourself? Your team?

As leaders, the questions we ask ourselves and our teams have a profound impact on the quality of our conversations, decisions, and ultimately, our outcomes. Thoughtful and thought-provoking questions can unlock new insights, challenge assumptions, and foster a culture of curiosity and growth.

Consider the power of open-ended questions versus closed-ended questions.

Asking are you happy/fulfilled/challenged? Will gain very different insights to: What makes you happy/fulfilled/challenged?

When we ask simple yes or no questions, we limit the depth of engagement and critical thinking. On the other hand, open-ended questions that begin with “what,” “how,” or “why” invite exploration, reflection, and diverse perspectives. They encourage individuals to dig deeper, examine their beliefs, and contribute their unique insights.

It’s important to be mindful of the impact of our questioning style.

While “why” questions can sometimes put people on the defensive, reframing them as “what” or “how” questions can create a safer space for dialogue. By focusing on understanding and learning rather than blaming, we can foster an environment of openness and trust.

Here are 11 questions that can serve as catalysts for critical thinking and meaningful discussions within your team:

1. “What is the underlying problem or challenge we are trying to solve here?”
2.  “What assumptions are we making that might be limiting our thinking?”
3. “What would success look like if we pursued this path?”
4. “What are the potential risks and rewards associated with this decision?”
5. “How does this align with our core values and long-term vision?”
6. “What alternative approaches or perspectives should we consider?”
7. “What can we learn from past failures or successes in similar situations?”
8. “What if we approached this problem from a completely different angle?”
9. “How might this decision impact our customers/clients/stakeholders?”
10. “What possibilities and opportunities can we uncover within this challenge?”
11. “What questions are we not asking, that could lead to new insights?”

As a leader, ask yourself: Are you posing thought-provoking questions that ignite curiosity and promote deeper thinking? Are you challenging yourself and your team to explore new possibilities?

Take a moment to reflect on the questions you regularly ask, and consider how they contribute to a culture of growth, innovation, and collaboration.

What are some of your favorite questions to ask your team? How do you encourage them to think critically and embrace curiosity?

Your boss is agitated. They begin drilling you about a comment you made regarding the progress of a project. Their tone is far from productive, and you can’t fathom why they are behaving this way towards you. It’s easy to take their rudeness personally and wonder, “Why are they doing this to me?”

People have a natural tendency for a self-centric perspective where they perceive actions and behaviors of others as directly related to them.

More often than not, their behavior is a result of their own struggles, frustrations, or a bad day.

It is not about you.

Life is full of ups and downs, and we all have our fair share of bad days. Your boss is anxious before a critical board meeting; your colleague is frustrated after a challenging customer meeting; you just spent 2 hours in traffic. We have all been there. External circumstances, personal challenges, stress, and a range of other factors can contribute to someone feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or angry. And, inadvertently projecting their negative emotions onto others, leading to seemingly unwarranted hostility or unpleasant encounters.

Consider that they are not giving you a hard time but rather having a hard time

Rather than immediately becoming defensive or feeling hurt, take a step back and detach yourself emotionally from the situation. Remind yourself that their behavior is likely not a reflection of your work or character. By separating yourself from their negativity, you can maintain a more objective perspective and respond in a more constructive manner.

Try responding with empathy and simple reflections such as:

Is everything ok?

Did I do something to upset you?

You seem to be very upset by this.

Often, the person who is upset or behaving rudely is not even aware of their own behavior and how it is impacting others, including you. In such situations these questions serve as a mirror, reflecting their behavior back to them and giving them an opportunity to pause, reflect, and open up about what is truly bothering them.

Sometimes a simple act of kindness, such as asking if everything is alright or offering assistance, can go a long way in shifting the dynamics of the interaction.

If the person’s demeanor remains unproductive, it might be necessary to redirect the conversation. Seek clarification on their concerns and propose a solution-oriented approach. By shifting the focus to problem-solving rather than dwelling on their tone or demeanor, you can steer the conversation towards a more constructive direction.

It can be challenging to remain calm in the face of rudeness, and to not take things personally.

Remember it is not about you.

They are not doing this to you. They are having a hard day.

Responding empathetically can help diffuse tension and promote a more productive dialogue.

Can you recall a time when someone’s negative behavior made you question whether it was about you? How did you respond? What did you learn from that experience?

“Let’s be honest here, it really is only because you don’t really know me.” Those were the words James Taylor uttered in response to the overwhelming declaration of love from the crowd during his performance at Tanglewood this weekend. And those words lingered in my mind long after the concert ended.

Imagine telling people that they only love you because they don’t truly know who you are.

It’s a bold statement that got me thinking. It made me curious to learn more about the man behind the music. After the concert, I delved deeper into James Taylor’s life. I discovered his insecurities and imperfections, his battles with depression and addiction, the struggles that shaped his life.

It made me question the nature of love and admiration.

We live in a world where we can love and idolize people we’ve never even met. We develop a profound connection with athletes, musicians, actors, and other public figures who, in reality, know nothing about our existence. We form bonds with these strangers based on their performances, their art, and the characters they portray. We see glimpses of their lives through interviews and social media, but we don’t really know them.

We only see what they choose to show us, the polished version that fits within the framework of their public persona. We create an image of them in our minds, an idealized version that aligns with our own desires and aspirations. And in doing so, we sometimes forget that they are just as human as we are, with their own flaws, vulnerabilities, and struggles.

But maybe that’s part of the allure. Maybe we’re drawn to these distant figures because they represent something larger, they become symbols of our dreams and aspirations. We project onto them our own hopes and desires, using them as vessels for our own fantasies.

Yet, my mind kept going, and it made me ponder the love we have for the people we truly know. The ones we interact with on a daily basis, the ones who are part of our lives. How often do we reserve our love and forgiveness for the strangers we admire while being more critical and judgmental toward those closest to us?

It’s a paradox, really. We extend our compassion and understanding to people we’ve never met, while sometimes struggling to offer the same to the ones we hold dear. We forget that they, too, are complex beings with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. We forget that they, too, deserve our love and acceptance, even when they fall short of our expectations.

Was James Taylor’s statement aimed to bring us down to reality?

Or, just something he said, without thinking much about it. His sense of humor.

Either way, I think it is worth reflecting on his candid words and acknowledging that love, whether it’s for a distant celebrity or a cherished friend, should be about embracing the person for who they truly are.

We’ve all experienced those moments when frustrations pile up and stress levels skyrocket, leaving us in need of an outlet to vent. Venting can be cathartic and serve as a coping mechanism, preventing emotional buildup that could lead to burnout. However, simply venting without a purpose or action plan can be counterproductive, fostering negativity and toxicity in the workplace.

It’s crucial to combine venting with proactive problem-solving.

As a leader, how do you strike balance and ensure that venting remains a means of release rather than a constant habit that consumes your work environment?

Consider these strategies:

• Lead by example. Model constructive communication and avoid excessive venting yourself. Show your team how to address challenges in a professional and solution-oriented manner.

• Encourage open communication to foster a culture of open and honest conversations where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns.

• Seek to understand what an employee is looking to gain from a conversation. Are they looking to vent or seeking a solution?

• Practice active listening to show empathy, validate their feelings, and make them feel heard.

• Ge to know your employees’ venting patterns – do they vent and then shift t to finding solutions on their own? Are they constantly venting and creating a negative work environment? Do they need your encouragement to shift their focus from venting to problem-solving?

What has helped you build a healthy work environment where venting is a means of release and not a constant habit?

You are constantly striving to keep projects on track and meet your goals. In the midst of your busy schedule, one of your team members presents an idea that, at first glance, may not seem immediately relevant.

Sounds familiar?

It can be easy to respond with dismissal or brush it off without fully exploring its potential consequences. By doing so, you risk missing out on valuable opportunities for innovation, stifling the creative potential within your team, and potentially creating a sense of dissatisfaction or demotivation among your team members who may feel unheard or undervalued.

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it is an effective way to build relationships and approach the world with an open mind. It can be your leadership’s secret sauce. In a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, cultivating curiosity can unlock a world of possibilities and foster stronger relationships within your teams.

Here are 3 actions you can take to become a more curious leader:

1. Ask Thought-Provoking Questions: Instead of assuming you know the answers or making quick judgments, take the time to inquire about your team’s perspectives, challenges, and ideas. By asking open-ended questions that encourage deeper reflection and discussion, you demonstrate a genuine interest in understanding your team members’ experiences and foster an environment of curiosity. Consider asking questions such as:
“How might this decision/idea impact our customers/clients/stakeholders?”
“What would success look like if we pursued this path?”

2. Practice Active Listening by giving your full attention to the person speaking, maintaining eye contact, and avoiding interruptions. You can also practice reflective listening by paraphrasing and summarizing what the speaker has said to ensure mutual understanding. By genuinely listening and seeking to comprehend different viewpoints without rushing to judgment, you demonstrate curiosity and create a safe space for open dialogue.

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives within your team and beyond. Actively encourage team members from different backgrounds, roles, and levels of experience to contribute their insights and ideas. Seek external perspectives by engaging with mentors, industry experts, or participating in networking events to expand your knowledge and understanding.

The next time you find yourself about to dismiss an idea, pause, remove judgement and add curiosity.

How has curiosity impacted your leadership?