Gerry’s Blog
I’m passionate about your success. Here are some articles, tips and suggestions for leadership and overcoming challenges you may be facing.
Latest Blog Posts
A Better Way to Do Business—Why I Became a B Corp
I want to share some very good news. Vision Executive Coaching recently became certified as a B Corporation, or B Corp for short. B Corp certification means that Vision has undergone a rigorous assessment of our ethical, social and environmental business practices, and that we meet the highest standards. I’m extremely proud of this move for a number of reasons. First, it is a way to further stand for values that I believe are important. Second, this is [...]
How To Talk About What You Do
Recently I caught up with a former colleague, who I’ll call John. Formerly a senior leader with a Fortune 100 company, John has extraordinary skills in his field. He’s also in a career transition right now—in other words, he’s looking for a new job after being laid off. During our chat, I noticed that John was sounding apologetic for his last job, when in fact there was a really good story to tell about his [...]
How to Be a Courageous Leader
I work with many tremendously talented people who repeatedly overcome obstacles and succeed, but I also see others who remain stuck in a perpetual negative cycle they believe they’re powerless to escape. As an executive coach I’ve learned that there’s one key differentiator: courage. And it’s not just the run-of-the-mill “gladiator” archetype of courage. Rather, it’s an insightful, reflective, innovative, and often quiet type of courage. More importantly, I’ve learned that this type of courage [...]
7 Steps to Simple, Straightforward Strategic Planning
In my last article, Get Your Year Off to the Right Start, I discussed the importance of strategic planning and goal setting. However, annual strategic planning can become arduous and complex. The result is unproductive meetings, plans that are never implemented, or (worst of all) people who give up on planning entirely. Unless you’re a Fortune 100 company preparing for a complex decision, your company is better off with a simple, streamlined approach. When I facilitate [...]
Get Your New Year Off to the Right Start
Most of us are now back in the office after a well-deserved holiday break, and even though jumping back in after the year-end vacation can feel overwhelming, I believe the beginning of the year is the perfect time to take stock of the past, celebrate your accomplishments, and set some goals for the coming year. Unlike New Year’s resolutions—many of which are forgotten by February—effective New Year goal-setting is a very specific process, and can [...]
Innovation = Diversity + Inclusivity
Innovation has become the Holy Grail for companies, leaders, and individuals. And with good reason. We live in a time of extraordinary change coming at a staggering pace. Whether this change becomes an asset or a liability largely depends on the ability innovate. There are hundreds of books on innovation, all with excellent studies, models, and approaches. However, few—if any—connect diversity and inclusivity with ability to innovate. Let’s look at these often-used (and misused) terms [...]
Do You Have the Courage to Win by Losing?
How often do you lose arguments? I’m talking about argument in its literal sense (meaning a productive debate), not an overly emotional exchange. If the answer is “not often,” then you may be doing yourself a tremendous disservice. In fact, one of the best things a business leader (or an aspiring business leader) can learn is to lose arguments. And here’s the surprise: you do this by becoming a truly great arguer! In fact, excellent leaders [...]
Never Treat Your Boss Like a Boss
As a coach, I’m frequently called upon to help clients navigate challenging situations with a boss. Sometimes the problems have lingered for years and have festered into deep frustration and anger. Other times, I’ll hear from people who already have good boss relationships but want to make them great relationships. In most cases, the key is reframing the boss/subordinate relationship into a more productive mindset, and one that’s in step with today’s economy. Specifically, stop [...]
How Well Are You Managing Your Own Success?
Every day, I have the privilege of talking to many highly successful professionals. And, whether they’re senior leaders or emerging talent, entrepreneurs or big company veterans, in very stable positions or in transition, there Is one thing that far too many have in common: Despite a history of success in managing the businesses under their charge, very few have done a good job of managing their careers and personal success. To make matters worse, the [...]
