Self-Study Library

Like many leaders, you've perfected the professional dance - providing research, data, and carefully worded updates while crossing your fingers that your boss(es) will connect the dots. You're hoping the evidence speaks for itself.

You know the one. It lives rent-free in your mind during your morning shower, your commute, that 3am wake-up. You've practiced it seventeen different ways. You've role-played both sides. You've even googled "how to have difficult conversations" (again), as if the perfect framework will somehow make it easier.

Here's what October's coaching sessions revealed: Nearly every leader is sitting on at least one conversation they've been avoiding.

It’s that time of year – the season of change. You may be feeling restless or even a little wearied. A wave of discontent flutters in and begins to nudge you to consider what else is out there for you as the season begins to inspire change. You contemplate your next career move.

But, why? What's really happening when you contemplate that next chapter. That angst feeling? It doesn’t have to be dissatisfaction – it’s growth. You're sensing the gap between who you're becoming and the container you're operating within.

I'm writing this from 30,000 feet on my way home from Vegas, where I just experienced something magical—watching The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere. If you haven't heard about it, imagine the entire 1939 classic wrapping around you on a 160,000 square-foot screen while wind swirls during the tornado scene and snow falls during the poppy field. It's breathtaking.

But here's what struck me most: I've loved this story since childhood (yes, I've always been Team Wicked Witch—but that's another post). And sitting there, completely immersed in Dorothy's journey, I realized we've had the roadmap to effective leadership since 1939. We just haven't been paying attention.