Motivation

Motivate your team with self-esteem, which makes them feel better, and self-actualization, which encourages them to try harder.

Manager with practical empathy skills

Unlock Better Performance with 5 Practical and Tactical Empathy Skills

Leaders who use practical, tactical empathy skills know that it unlocks people’s inner drive to succeed. Key Takeaways: Empathy Skills That Boost Performance Most leaders know empathy matters, but few connect empathy skills directly to performance. The truth is, when people feel respected, valued, and supported, they work harder and smarter. Empathy isn’t some soft skill or nice to have—it’s an essential performance driver. These five practical and tactical empathy skills help build trust, create psychological safety, and unlock better…

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validation in leadership

Validation in Leadership: The Most Important Way to Help People Grow at Work

Validation in leadership is an often overlooked skill that builds trust and performance. Key Takeaways Validation at work is one of the deepest human needs—and one of the most overlooked leadership skills. Nothing motivates people more than feeling seen, heard, and valued. When managers learn to validate their team members’ feelings and experiences, they unlock hidden potential for trust, learning, and motivation. Validation isn’t just “being nice.” It’s a powerful, practical tool for leading people. Used well, it can transform…

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GOOD Model of conversation banner

The GOOD Model of Conversation: How to Coach Instead of Command

If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting thinking, “Why am I doing all the thinking?” the GOOD model of conversation is for you. It’s a four-step coaching approach—Goals, Options, Obstacles, Do—that turns managers into coaches. When someone asks for advice, it’s tempting to tell them what to do. However, telling people what they should do is micromanaging and judgmental. Instead, the GOOD model offers an easy way to take a coaching approach, using questions to guide them forward. Why…

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Lisa D. Foster, Ph.D. ACC  is an independent coach. As an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation, Lisa honors and abides by the ICF Code of Ethics.  All coaching sessions and consultations are confidential.

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