Coaching News

In the dance of life, the stories we tell ourselves wield significant influence. They sculpt the essence of our reality, shaping our encounters and guiding our decisions profoundly. At the heart of this phenomenon is the self-fulfilling prophecy—a psychological principle highlighting how our self-perceptions and beliefs can ultimately determine our outcomes.

Born into a humble family, two brothers built a successful business in Argentina only to see it collapse due to an economic downturn and personal strife. True success extends beyond monetary wealth, emphasizing the critical importance of nurturing robust relationships and mental health in all aspects of life, both personal and professional.

Our mental models and perspectives are like the roadmaps that help us to navigate the world. They help us to make sense of our surroundings and experiences. But what happens when those maps are outdated or incomplete without us realizing this? Imagine using that inadequate map when hiking a vast forest. The path behind you is worn and familiar, while ahead lies an expanse of uncharted territory. In this article, we will share the story of Alex, a high-potential executive escaping the limits of his mental models and perspectives. His professional journey was filled with uncertainty yet illuminated by the promise of discovery and transformation. Maybe his story will resonate with some of your own experiences.

Our mental models and perspectives are like the roadmaps that help us to navigate the world. They help us to make sense of our surroundings and experiences. But what happens when those maps are outdated or incomplete without us realizing this? Imagine using that inadequate map when hiking a vast forest. The path behind you is worn and familiar, while ahead lies an expanse of uncharted territory. In the forthcoming articles, we will share stories of individuals escaping the limits of their mental models and perspectives. The journey of each of these individuals was filled with uncertainty yet illuminated by the promise of discovery and transformation. Maybe their stories will resonate with some of your own experiences.

Our mental models and perspectives are like the roadmaps that help us to navigate the world. They help us to make sense of our surroundings and experiences. But what happens when those maps are outdated or incomplete without us realizing this? Imagine using that inadequate map when hiking a vast forest. The path behind you is worn and familiar, while ahead lies an expanse of uncharted territory. In this article, we share Sofia's story, a young woman escaping the limits of her mental models and perspectives. Her journey was filled with uncertainty yet illuminated by the promise of discovery and transformation. Maybe her story will resonate with some of your own experiences.

We firmly believe that psychological safety is essential for creating sustained high performance in a work and sports environment. In previous articles, we discussed the psychological safety in the workplace. In this article, we will tackle aspects of psychological safety in the world of sports.

In our last four blog posts, we have covered the importance and implications (the "why" and "what") of psychological safety in the workplace. This article will now shift its focus towards exploring methods (the "how") to establish a psychologically safe environment at work.

Ever found yourself in a work environment where you hesitated to ask a question or suggest an idea? Such instances are frequent in various workplace structures where people prefer to bite their tongues rather than raise concerns. Often, staff members restrain themselves from speaking out despite feeling that their input could be valuable for the future of the organization or even life-saving. This situation goes beyond hesitation; it mirrors an organizational culture lacking psychological safety support.

In a recent panel discussion on workplace productivity, a vigorous debate emerged regarding the impact of psychological safety versus pressure in achieving high productivity. This article aims to clarify several misconceptions, one being that psychological safety and pressure cannot walk hand in hand and would not be conducive to optimizing productivity.

This article looks at the influence of fear on psychological safety in the workplace. The focus is on examining how fear has been used historically and as a motivator while shedding light on its impact on employee morale, innovation, and overall well-being. The article explores how fear hinders learning and problem-solving abilities. It also provides indicators to recognize environments dominated by fear. To illustrate the effects of a culture rooted in fear, a case study from a medical device company is presented, highlighting its impact on teamwork and overall success. Ultimately, the article underscores the significance of safety in cultivating a productive workplace environment.

In a recent discussion in The Hague, a financial executive and I explored leadership and emotional intelligence. While he viewed emotional intelligence as secondary to pragmatic efficiency, we agreed on the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Psychological safety is crucial, acting not as a driving force but as a necessary condition for progress. It is vital for unlocking potential and performance. In our upcoming blog series, we explore the concept of psychological safety.

In the fast-paced world of business, where competition is fierce and change is a constant, relying solely on traditional skills and academic knowledge may not be enough to distinguish oneself as a true leader. Based on my work, with than 200 Executive MBA students at the Booth School of Business, I have come to understand that genuine leadership goes beyond these conventional measures. It involves tapping into what I refer to as an individual's "Superpowers" – those talents and unique abilities that lie at the heart of their wisdom.

In the dynamic world of organizational development, team coaching has emerged as a rising star for building high-performing teams. Just like a skilled pilot navigating through turbulent weather using Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), a team coach relies on a diverse toolkit and sharp awareness to guide a team through complex group dynamics. By keenly observing, analyzing, and intervening when necessary, the team coach plays a vital role in helping the team grow, fearlessly confronting group challenges and unlocking the team’s collective potential.

The advantage of team coaching is that teams learn how to manage conflicts that naturally arise within teams effectively. It focuses on understanding group dynamics and fostering interactions among team members. A team coach guides the team towards appreciating perspectives and collaboratively finding solutions by creating a safe environment. Ultimately, this contributes to establishing a more productive and positive work atmosphere.

Pressure is a transformative force in sports, acknowledged by athletes for its profound impact on performance during critical competition moments. Recognizing and managing this pressure is imperative, as neglecting it intensifies its effects and hinders peak performance. This blog seeks to explore the nature of pressure, its origins, and strategies for athletes to optimize their performance under its influence, aiming for success and excellence.

Athletes often receive a lot of attention for their abilities after thrilling events such as the US Open. However, there is more to their success than meets the eye. Take Novak Djokovic, for example. Apart from his skills, Djokovic’s ability to effortlessly transition between intense focus and relaxation is truly captivating. It provides us with a glimpse into the world of endurance and resilience. In this article, we will explore the concept of "switching.” The seamless shifting between heightened concentration and a relaxed state. And how crucial it is in maintaining peak performance. We'll delve into strategies that athletes use, including mindfulness and visualization, to effectively train their minds to stay at the top of their game.

In a world where there are no guidelines for navigating life, we often find comfort in stories that resonate with our experiences. The unforgettable performance of Nightbirde on "America's Got Talent" in 2021 serves as such a story. Despite her fight against cancer, she went beyond singing a song; she delivered a message: "You don't have to wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy." This blog explores the significance behind her words and connects them to the transformative power of coaching. By delving into the complexities of choice, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness, we are reminded that true happiness is less dependent on circumstances and more influenced by our inner decisions and perspectives.

Family-owned companies play an important role in most economies. As new generations become more involved in the growing family business, frequently, a shift occurs from a family focused on running a single business to a family with a broader business orientation. This natural evolution inevitably causes changes in the dynamics and the complex interplay of emotions between a family and its business. This article explores the transition from being a "family business" to becoming a "business family."

The Paska Group based in Mexico is a family-owned business conglomerate with a rich history spanning over five decades. The group has successfully navigated the challenges of maintaining family values while growing and diversifying the business. However, in recent years, the family and the business faced a growing conflict that threatened to tear them apart.

Mistakes, often seen as setbacks, can be powerful tools for growth and self-improvement. From neuroscience insights showing our brain's evolutionary design to learn from errors to leadership strategies that value resilience, it's essential to shift our societal perspective on failure. By fostering a supportive environment and nurturing a growth mindset, we can turn challenges into invaluable learning experiences.

Learning occurs in stages. It takes patience and time to acquire new skills. Gaining proficiency takes practice. The Learning Matrix, also called the Four Stages of Competence, is a four-stage model that can help to understand the different steps involved in learning and where an individual is in his learning journey.

In the realm of sports, there is a growing recognition of the significance of well-being and preparedness. However, despite this increasing awareness, many athletes hesitate to discuss their collaboration with mental performance coaches. A belief exists that seeking guidance from coaches may be perceived as a display of weakness or vulnerability. That couldn't be further from reality!

In a recent LinkedIn post, I discussed the concept of "creating more time." One unique method I've tried is cutting back on sleep when needed. Think about starting your day at 3 a.m. and completing tasks before the world wakes up! While this works for me, it might not be for everyone. The key lies not only to start early but also to recognize when to rest. Check out this blog to learn more about balancing productivity with proper rest.

Every family possesses its stories – stories of affection, disagreements, aspirations fulfilled, and aspirations shattered. However, what transpires when the burden of an inheritance jeopardizes the foundation that keeps a family united? This genuine account is not about wealth, conflicting entrepreneurial perspectives, or passionate arguments. It is about finding mutual ground and acknowledging that the true richness of a family lies in the connections and the cherished moments they share.

We are currently witnessing a transformation in how teamwork operates. Gone are the days when team meetings were confined to a conference room and lasted for an hour. Traditional office meeting rooms have been replaced by interconnected Wi-Fi networks. In the world of software development, a new type of meeting has created a substantial impact. Known as stand-up meetings or scrum meetings.

Due to unresolved family conflicts, three sisters who owned a company sent their husbands to represent them at board meetings. This turned the meetings into personal battlegrounds, impacting the company's decision-making and causing internal divisions. The situation underscores the need for clear communication, role definition, and separation of personal issues from business in family-run enterprises.

The world of high-performance sports is full of stories of unwavering determination, disciplined routines, and awe-inspiring athleticism. It's a domain where every fiber of one's being, every ounce of sweat, and every hour of practice comes together to create moments of triumph However, those involved in this arena often ponder, "Is training the foundation for exceptional performance?"

This blog addresses a subject that sooner or later affects the vast majority of those fortunate enough to inherit a going family concern and wealth.

Organizations frequently solicit leadership and team coaches to help improve three aspects of high-performance leadership. This article focuses on the first of these three: Productivity. Two following blogs delve deeper into the other two dimensions: Team Environment and Individual Development.

Managing group climate is no longer a decision according to the leader's preferences. Nowadays, many organizations in different fields measure the satisfaction of their members with team assessments. In a previous blog, we explored the primary dimension of high-performance leadership: productivity. This blog will address the second dimension: group climate or cohesion.

Responding to an article I posted on leadership, a former University of Chicago colleague posed a potent question: Is traditional leadership outdated, and should it be superseded by a method reflecting recent societal shifts, like stewardship? This article aims to shed light on the roles of social stewardship and servant leadership in modern leadership and differentiate between leadership traits and style.

During recent meetings with students and members of Global Leadership and Career Development of the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, we spoke about leadership and mental performance coaching activities. When I explained that, following my work assignment with the university, I would join a national sports selection in preparation for an international tournament, our conversation pivoted to identifying similarities in the approach of successful leaders of high-performing sports and corporate teams.

Effective team communication is a critical component of high-performance leadership. This article will delve into the essential aspects of team communication, including the importance of interpersonal conflict management and utilizing two practical tools: the criticism sandwich and confrontation.

Conflict is an inescapable reality in any situation involving human interaction. However, not all conflicts should be inherently negative. While it may trigger stress or anxiety, it can stimulate new ideas, growth, and better team dynamics.

A true story about the devastating consequences of unresolved conflicts, simmering tensions, and emotions that can tear apart families and close relationships.

An exceptional sports team leader knows victory involves more than individual skill; it requires teamwork, strategy, communication, and shared vision. Similarly, corporate leaders must acknowledge that success depends on combined efforts, goal alignment, effective collaboration, and the drive to excel.

In the world of sports, a player's value is often measured by their skill, performance, and physical abilities. Yet, an essential factor plays a significant role in determining a player's worth—attitude.

Individuals respond to adversity in different ways. Emotional reactions can range from denial, disappointment, anger, and blame to fear. Regardless of the response, the true challenge lies in countering adversity with resilience, transforming negative experiences into positive ones.

Coaching, mentoring, teaching, counseling, and consulting all share some key characteristics and skills. All these five approaches can enhance performance in a developmental process based on a working relationship. Nonetheless, they are each quite different, and it's essential to be aware of the differences.

Companies prosper when they tap into a power that everyone has — the ability to reach outside of ourselves and connect with other people. Unfortunately, modern capitalism has systematically sought to suppress our need to connect with other people. Managers and economists alike encourage businesspeople to look at the data, not the people. When we show up for work, they ask us to check our humanity at the door.

Daniel Goleman, renowned for his work on emotional intelligence, highlights the importance of versatile leadership. His research indicates that leaders who get the best results don't rely on just one leadership style; they adapt their approach to various business situations.

As a coach, I often find myself working with clients dealing with setbacks and challenges in their lives. It can be easy to fall into a mindset of despair, hopelessness, and even destruction. But as Bruny's story reminds us, we always have a choice in how we react to adversity.

Belonging is an innate human need deeply woven into the fabric of our existence. When our need for inclusion within a team or cohort is fulfilled, our energy and focus are channeled toward the shared mission. Acknowledging and addressing the fundamental human need of belonging presents a valuable opportunity for any organization or team to foster connection and cultivate a high-performing work environment.

"Never change horses while crossing a river!" For those unfamiliar with equestrian pursuits, the proverb cautions against switching horses midstream as they stand on unstable ground while traversing the river. Attempting to change horses under such conditions can lead to disastrous consequences.

Survivorship Bias refers to drawing conclusions based on a limited set of successful examples while ignoring or overlooking the failures, as their stories are often not shared or acknowledged.

The fine art of listening involves more than just hearing what someone is saying; it involves actively engaging with them and truly understanding their perspective. This blog will explore the importance of listening, the benefits of being a good listener, and some strategies for improving your listening skills.

Family enterprises, spanning generations and ranging from small businesses to large conglomerates, have long been at the heart of the global economy and are often the foundation of a family's legacy. Their success and continuity depend on their ability to create value, remain relevant in an ever-changing world, and successfully deal with generational changes.

Mental performance coaching, also known as sports psychology or peak performance coaching, has become increasingly popular in recent years, with athletes, business professionals, and performers seeking out these services to improve their mental toughness and achieve their goals. The question is, does it work?

Ford Motor Company, an American multinational automaker, was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Over the years, the family-owned business has faced various challenges, but one of the most significant ones has been the issue of succession planning.

Mental performance coaching involves helping individuals to enhance their cognitive, mental, emotional, and behavioral skills for improved performance in a specific area or domain, such as sports, academics, business, and personal life. It involves using evidence-based techniques from sports psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and positive psychology to help individuals improve their focus, motivation, confidence, resilience, and overall mental state.

In a perfection-obsessed world, we forget that imperfections are desirable. They make us unique and add personality to our lives. Embracing imperfections builds resilience and fosters connections with others. Let's explore this concept.

Mental performance coaching has become essential to soccer in recent years. It involves using various techniques and strategies to help players optimize their cognitive skills and overcome any psychological barriers limiting their performance on the field.

At the age of thirty-five, I became one of the youngest managing directors at UBS Bank in Switzerland. I compared my career to that of a professional athlete and looked for external help when I felt that I was not on top of my game.

In a complex and ever-changing world, business and organizational leaders' need for sound decisions are more critical than ever before. In internal control processes, the four-eyes principle is often used with the understanding that two pairs of eyes see more than one pair. In my opinion, the same holds true in decision making. 

Visionary business leaders who want to align their company's mission with the stakeholders' interests, i.e., shareholders, employees, clients, suppliers, community, and/or environment, often encounter fierce resistance from within their organization. The change itself does not so much fuel the resistance as the people's fear of loss.

Once you have gained your university diploma, your next immediate concern is finding an interesting professional challenge or, in some cases, to start your own business. Because the world has become so "flat" and competitive, once you have found your dream job, you must settle in quickly and create ongoing career progress as of day one. 

The Semmelweis effect is the reflex-like tendency to reject new evidence or new knowledge because it contradicts established beliefs, norms or paradigms. In “The Game of Life”, Timothy Leary defined the reflex as follows: "Mob behavior found among primates and larval hominids on undeveloped planets, in which a discovery of important scientific fact is severely punished."

Successful entrepreneurs, executives, and sports stars all have in common that they possess solid mental skills. Like any other skills, these can be trained, developed, and reinforced. 

Teams exist to produce results. They are the engines that drive successful organizations. This article discusses what makes teams high performing and sustainable and the conditions necessary for teams to get the job done.

Now that the Covid-19 pandemic is ebbing away, many organizations wonder how far they will allow teams to continue working remotely. Those who may dismiss the move towards telecommuting experienced during Covid as a passing trend and want to cancel remote work programs to get everyone back in the office should check the numbers.

Citibank Private Bank in New York hired me to become its "family and corporate governance champion" for Latin America at the beginning of the new millennium. It was an elegant way of saying that it was my job to support family business owners in their goal of building dynasties to keep their families unified over generations and help their family-owned businesses to perpetuate.

Although understated by the media, attitude exists as a foundational mental construct in elite athletic performance. Sporting achievements remain impossible if the attitude is anything less than positive.

The world's most extensive leadership study, "DDI-KPMG's Global Leadership Forecast 2023," shows that only 12% of organizational leaders have effective interpersonal skills. In this article, we analyze the cause and consequences of these low numbers.

Conscious capitalism can be described as a “way of thinking about capitalism and business that better reflects where we are in the human journey, the state of our world today, and the innate potential of business to make a positive impact on the world.”

Curiosity is one of the most powerful tools to help us grow, develop relationships with others, adapt to change, and create innovative solutions. While the literature suggests that we are born with some natural level of curiosity, our life experiences and, paradoxically, our education can make us less curious. The good news perspective is that curiosity is a mental muscle that can be trained like any other muscle.

This month I started a one-year study to become a certified Conscious Capitalism consultant. I have unconsciously embraced this philosophy for a long time but never could put a word to it.

On a daily visit to Starbucks to get my fix of Venti Chai Latte, I observed a disturbing behavior with other customers. As they were waiting at the counter to get their cuppa, most of them had their eyes stuck to their mobile phones. Only a few looked up and said "thank you" when being served by the friendly barista. They acted as if he did not exist, and their phone was more important. 

Whether asking for a raise or negotiating for a salary with a potential employer, talking about money remains difficult for many people. Often this is because they don't realize their worth. The big "ask" is all about timing, confidence, and self-awareness. “Think Big,…….! No, Much Bigger!!”, I often advise my clients, “Think in abundance, beyond limits”. In this blog, I am sharing with you my ten commandments of the art of negotiating for a higher salary.

One of the recurring goals in coaching sessions is to live a happier life. My clients sometimes doubt if happiness exists or if it is a utopia, impossible to attain. The truth is that it exists and is measured all over the world. 

The different parts of the brain are interconnected and communicate through a neural network. Neurons communicate with other neurons through a connection called synapsis. Modern science has proven that "rewiring" neural networks and enhancing neuroplasticity is possible. By helping clients reflect and become more self-aware, we can change internal brain processes and create different neural pathways. 

Have you ever wondered why so many business books have been written about how to negotiate for 'yes' and so few books about how to get to a 'no'? By learning how to say 'no', we can reclaim control over our lives.