Sometimes when we begin to refine our understanding of power, and consciously work to bring more of our own power to the fore in our lives, it creates discomfort with – or for – those close to us, including colleagues, employees, friends and even spouses and children. If others have become used to you giving your power away, when you take it back this can surprise them, and sometimes even threaten them. This can be true when you are granted external power as well, and those around you are not used to the new level of responsibility you now shoulder. As I launch into the Take Back Your Power series of blog posts I think it’s important to acknowledge this dynamic and prepare for how to handle these situations.
Coaching Advice
Vaulting Into The C-Suite, Interview with Patricia Koopersmith, COO of The Clearing
Patricia Koopersmith is the very definition of a doer and a go-getter, and a glass ceiling breaker, but to her surprise this career strength turned out to be one of her biggest hurdles as she transitioned into the executive ranks as Chief Operating Officer at The Clearing, Inc., a strategic...
Commander’s Intent – Adapting a Powerful Military Leadership Strategy for Civilian Success
My son is applying* to a military academy and as you might imagine, our household has been full of discussions about military issues and approaches to things of late. In working with clients recently, I realized that one of the military’s greatest leadership principles I was opining on with my son...
Effective Listening Skills for Working On A Technical Project And To build A Collaborative Culture
Effective listening skills are some of the most important aspects of communication. Sadly, it’s an aspect that we spend little time learning. I gave a presentation this past summer about how to be an effective virtual team member. The first issue I identified for success was effective...
Managing Up!
The term “managing up” sometimes gets a bad rap. It can seem self-serving and manipulative. At Living Vicky we help young women new to the workforce overcome negative stereotypes. For entry-level young professionals we recommend taking a proactive and genuine approach to interacting with the...
It’s A Matter Of Survival: The Four Conversations That Set Off Emotional Triggers
As we approach summer, I'm reminded of the family road trip. The kind with screaming kids, barking dogs and parents hoping they don't harm one of those screaming kids. The family road trip seems an apt analogy to end this month's theme of preserving your mental health with emotional...
Entrepreneurs: Stop Chasing the Dragon!
Why do you do what you do? Mary reminds all of us - especially entrepreneurs - how important it is to focus on the right motivations to achieve the success that matters most. - InPower Editors I enjoy using inappropriate phrases to describe appropriate things. There's a shock value that comes with...
Constructive vs Destructive Complaining
Admit it. Sometimes you just need to whine a bit. Complaining is a natural impulse to experiencing things that we don't like. Mary gives us a great gift in helping distinguish constructive complaining from destructive complaining. Use her wisdom the next time you feel like whining! - InPower...
Workplace Bias is a Fact: How not to run a meritocracy (and 3 ways to try)
It's counter-intuitive that if we don't think we are biased, we probably are! But when you realize that bias is natural and that we all have it, then it makes sense that being aware of your bias is the best way to counter-act it. We love this advice from Dana on how to think about bias and work to...
The Weakness in Strengths-based Leadership
We love the strength’s-based leadership approach. It challenges us to know what our natural gifts are and build on them. But if we’re not careful it can make us blind to our opportunities to improve. – InPower Editors I recently worked with a Vice President who was an up-and-comer in her firm’s...








