Posts by Robin Pou
Is It Possible to Future-Proof Your Business? (#165)
The Confident Leader BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES A journalist recently asked my opinion on how leaders can “future-proof” their business and their team. I think my response caught them off guard, in part because I challenged the premise of the question. “Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position. But certainty is an absurd one.” —…
Read MoreSimply Say Thank You (#164)
The Confident Leader BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES “Robin, I think I need to show more gratitude for the work my team is doing, but I’m struggling with how to do it well.” said Mike, the CEO. Leaders indebted to their team secretly struggle with saying, “thank you.” “And you never say ‘thank you’!” (Peggy: the…
Read MoreFind the Levity in Your Leadership (#163)
The Confident Leader BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Every year for over a decade we’ve hosted a fall event to honor good leadership. Then Covid hit. Last year was the first year we even considered doing an in-person event. Our idea was a little out in left field. “Laughter is the shortest distance between…
Read MoreThe Paradox of Uncertainty (#162)
The Confident Leader BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Daniil Medeved, the third ranked men’s tennis player, confessed to doubting his ability to beat his next opponent, Alcaraz, in the U.S. Open semi-finals last weekend. Did his confession put him at a disadvantage with Alcaraz? “If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end…
Read MoreHow Can I Develop Better Leadership Skills? (#161)
The Confident Leader BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Early in my career, I quit my job as an attorney to start an Internet company with some partners. My excitement about being a leader in this new venture was short lived. I made a huge blunder that, even today, stands out as a leadership low. …
Read MoreAre My Best Days Behind Me? (#160)
The Confident Leader BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES The founder of a manufacturing company shared that he was at his leadership wit’s end. Everything was going in the wrong direction. He was tempted to think his best days were behind him only to be surprised with the opposite. “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.”…
Read MoreWhen the Best Path Forward is Behind You (#159)
The Confident Leader BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES “Robin, I’m so frustrated. I feel like I am going backward in my business. Growth is slowing and expenses are increasing,” said John the CEO of his organization. His frustration ran deeper than just going backward. “I’m not losing ground in business; I’m just hosting a…
Read MoreMeasuring Your Impact (#158)
The Confident Leader BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES As I walked into the sanctuary, I was overcome with sadness for my friend who had lost his wife to cancer. Little did I know that my spirits would be lifted over the course of the service by none other than her grieving husband, my friend. …
Read MoreIt Takes Too Long! (#157)
The Confident Leader BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Just home from camp, our soon-to-be-senior in high school was quickly attempting to finish her college essays and summer reading before the start of school. I heard her exclaim, “everything is taking longer than I expected.” Most leaders deal with this issue every day. “There’s never…
Read MoreWhat Else Could Be True? (#156)
The Confident Leader BOOST YOUR LEADERSHIP IN UNCERTAIN TIMES I was set to guest on a podcast. My team had vetted the host, set it up and prepared me. I had even done my own research. I was invested and ready. I logged on and waited. And waited. He was a no-show. My instinct was…
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