Executive Sound Board

I'm proud to annouce the launch of a new podcast!

It's called "Making Yourself Clear", and it's all about clarity of thought and communication. It's packed full of mindsets, frameworks, and practical tips to help you communicate clearly in work, and in life.

You can check it out here, or on any of the usual podcatcher apps.
www.makingyourselfclear.com

There's also a corresponding YouTube channel for those who prefer the video experience...
https://www.youtube.com/

Making Yourself Clear Welcome to “Making Yourself Clear”, where we explore the art and science of clarity. We’ll discuss these things theoretically because it’s fun and interesting — but more importantly, I'll give you practical tools, mindsets, and frameworks to help you think clearly and communicate effective...

Do you struggle with procrastination? Try this 👇

https://youtu.be/G6IUJmJ5DZw

Do you struggle with procrastination? Try this. If you struggle with procrastination, the problem could be uncertainty or lack of clarity on your 'To Do' list. Our brains hate uncertainty and will instinct...

Today's hot take:

Stop trying to project confidence. Do this instead 👇

https://youtu.be/tGYqG47A57M?si=nvqM21fQZdCFvT-t

Stop trying to project confidence. Do this instead. Trying to project confidence is like trying to look cool: it's inherently self-defeating. Instead, do the inner work of getting comfortable with what's true....

Overwhelm is so common it's practically an epidemic.

But it doesn't have to be.

One surprisingly simple tool has been a game-changer for many of my clients:

It's called a Time Study, and it works like this:

1) For the next two weeks, track how you spend your time in 30-minute increments (at most, 15 is better). Don't rely on your calendar — track how you actually spend your time. Be honest.

2) Rate each activity as high, medium, or low value. Ask yourself these questions:
(i) does this have to be done?
(ii) does it have to be done now?
(iii) does it have to be done by me?

3) Ruthlessly flag anything you can eliminate, consolidate, delegate, or automate (hint: take a hard look at recurring meetings). Write down any actions you can take to reclaim your time and attention.

4) Commit to three specific actions you'll take this week.

5) Commit to one new policy or principle that you're willing to practice until it's a habit. For example, "I don't accept meeting invitations unless there's a written agenda and a clear reason for me to attend."

6) Repeat this exercise quarterly, and share it with your team.

"Overwhelm" is an abstract concept that ultimately represents a feeling. Focus instead on the concrete choices you make and the feeling will take care of itself.

Ever been in a conversation with someone who repeats the same thing over and over again, or continues explaining LONG after you've gotten the point?

Would you like to know how to make it stop?

It often comes down to this:

You may understand the other person, but that doesn't mean they feel understood.

When we speak, we're driven in large part by a desire to feel heard. Once that need is met, the urge to keep talking naturally dissipates.

One of the most effective ways to have someone feel understood is to paraphrase what they've said in your own words. This is often called "mirroring", and it's a great way to demonstrate active listening.

Try gently interrupting with something like this: "I think I get what you're saying. Can I share what I've heard so you can let me know if I've missed anything?"

On the flipside, the next time you notice you're repeating yourself, try asking the other person to reflect back what they're hearing. This gives them the chance to check their understanding, and might spare them the same frustration.

What are your best communication tips?