Moving Back to Center

August 29th, 2016 by Kelly Kienzle

Sometimes after we’ve been in a role for a while, we are no longer happy. We go through our work almost blindly and do not need to exert much intellectual energy to fulfill our responsibilities satisfactorily. Sometimes we can even be performing above average, but doing

Ambition Eventually Wears Out…

September 16th, 2014 by Kelly Kienzle

“Ambition eventually wears out and probably should. But you can keep your zest until the day you die.” John Gardner spoke these words to a roomful of McKinsey consultants over 20 years ago. He was speaking about personal renewal. He went on to say: “Be interested. Everyone

Which Way Do You Go: Towards What is Known or What is New?

January 29th, 2013 by Kelly Kienzle

How do you know whether to accept a new opportunity?  What are the merits of listening to the voice of experience and reason versus the dare-devil voice urging you towards a new, bolder move?  When making a decision, how much should we rely on proven strengths

The Forgiveness Vitamin

October 5th, 2012 by Kelly Kienzle

What if you were to forgive yourself once every day?  What if you allowed yourself to make at least one mistake for which you would not beat yourself up?  What if you held yourself to the same reasonable standard that you hold others? Here’s the scenario: 

Begin.

September 5th, 2012 by Kelly Kienzle

 A client recently sent me an interesting manifesto, “How to Be Legendary” about how to develop new habits and get things done.  One of its central points was that if we want to start following our dreams, then we need to begin.  The author put it

The Two Key Ingredients for Your Best Performance: Simplicity and Certainty

July 31st, 2012 by Kelly Kienzle

We are constantly called upon to give our very best performance.  We face questions such as: How will I give my very best interview?  How will I deliver my very best marketing pitch?  How will I swim my very fastest time? I would offer just two

Stand Your Sacred Ground

May 31st, 2012 by Kelly Kienzle

Can you feel the power in these words?  Isn’t this what we aspire to do each day?  Each time you resolve to “stand your sacred ground”, you are being a leader.  You are claiming your vision as something meaningful. This is what leaders do.  This is

Leading a Purposeful Life

December 30th, 2011 by Kelly Kienzle

I read a story this morning about a woman who was killed in an elevator accident.  She was going to work as she always did, likely feeling safe and unthreatened. Yet, her life took a sudden and dreadful turn.  How could she have known? What were

How Passion for Work can Kill Your Creativity

September 26th, 2011 by Kelly Kienzle

What is the difference between harmonious passion and obsessive passion for our work?