After speaking with Colleagues, Old Friends and New Acquaintances in the last 36 hours, I was so inspire by the human connection I experienced under the business umbrella. While transactions took place, I was so present and asked curious questions about their personal life and gave feedback generously as my gift. And then I reflected and asked, can Humanity Co-Exist with Business?

I understand efficiency to get work done and that time is money; but in a fast paced society, virtual interactions and so many other demands on our life, we forget we’re all humans. Humans need connection as a matter of survival. Back in the day, the tribe or community could not survive without the collective strength of the individuals vital roles. Yet today, unless we’re in an amazing culture at work, it can be quite lonely.

Here is my gift to you this holiday season; a few tips to consider:

• Smile
• Breath
• Look people in the eye
• Don’t take notes
• Be curious and get to know someone on a deeper level
• Grab a beverage with someone and enjoy their company
• Make cookies (I do love to cook!)
• Try a new sport (like curling, wink, wink!)
• Ask a colleague how they’re feeling.
• Pay for someone’s tab or bill
• Take stock of your life and how much human connection you experience.
• Do you realize sadness or joy… you’re getting closer to what I mean.

Why am I talking to you about these things?

Because I sincerely believe being more human in business and shining a light on others, ultimately lifts our society.

When we lift each other, the community gets stronger.

When community is stronger, life is so much more enjoyable… and we have one life to live.

We spend so much time in our careers and business that we should lift the humans in our ecosystem and see them unleash their potential!

With these thoughts, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Joy, Health and a Happy New Year!

Be well-Deb

If you know me, I’m a creative and while thinking about what to write today, inspiration came to me while at my curling club. I’m slowing down in some ways and giving more time to my curling club. We’re growing the sport of Curling in the Cincinnati area and volunteering is the life blood of the organization. It’s not about work life balance, but blending. I’ve been away since 4:45 a.m. (after going beddy-bye at 8:00 pm) and I’ve already put in a half of day before arriving. My most productive time is early morning and I know taking the break to give back energizes me for the rest of the day.

So what does this have to do with business? EVERYTHING. I’m a stubborn person and thought that I had to work harder to reach my goals. Concurrently, I had coaches telling me to slow down and leave some space in my calendar for things to happen. The old me would fill up every moment of available time; hoping for more results. When that didn’t happen, I realized I had to change. A lot of leaders don’t change and that’s their demise. When we slow down to reflect, recharge, do something personal, we are much better at working on the critical few activities that drive change and results.

My advice to you: Take 1 minute right now and ask yourself are you working no the most critical few items to move the needle or are you just surviving? I’ll then ask you to take one more minute and ask yourself if you’re ready to change? If the answer is yes to both, do you have a partner to help you to work differently? I’m not saying I’m your coach; I know a lot of coaches who helped me. Let me refer you so you can stop the cycle.

If you however, know you need to change, but want to discuss a business issue; I can be your listening partner. I deeply listen to everyone I meet and shine a light on your gifts and share insights on what needs to change.

Let’s talk and maybe I can tell you a little about curling!🥌😊

If you like my writing on this topic, please comment or lets have a conversation.

Deb Coviello, The Drop in CEO

Known as The Drop In CEO™, Deb’s superpower is lowering the temperature and elevating conversations with empathy and patience. As a speaker, author, podcaster, and consultant, she teaches C-Suite leaders how to establish a “Lift, Light, Lead” environment and create calm amidst chaos or crisis. She is the author of “The CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track,” and, “The NEW CEO Playbook: Stop Chasing Results and Start Pursuing Peace of Mind.” Her long-running podcast, The Drop-In CEO, is in the top 1.5% globally among Apple podcasts.

I’m so tired of hearing about Imposter Syndrome; are you? Real or not, it focuses on negativity and the failure to realize one’s gifts; but focus on why you’re not worthy. It’s a bad narrative that so many are making money off of the perception we’re not good enough. How about flip the narrative so that we “Tear Down This Wall” and help Great Leaders realize their greatness!

Quite frankly, that is what is wrong with our society right now when we focus on what needs to fixed, vs shining a light on one’s gifts. Take a pill, attend a webinar or pay for a coach help you through the barriers of your capabilities. I say “Ney” to all of that and provide a different approach to this “Syndrome” or as I like to refer to it as “The Greatness Syndrome”.

The Greatness Syndrome (according to Deb):

You are already an amazing human with a proven track record of past successes. Own that narrative and reflect on the following to get through The Greatness Syndrome:

• I have a history of success and this is what I am going to bring forward that made me successful
• I have a few lessons along the way that I learned do not serve me, so I’ll leave those behind.
• Who do I know who will understand my gifts and help me to amplify them in new situations?
• Do I have a network of people that will lift me up and remind me that I’m amazing and will continue down that path.
• What legacy have I left in my path and who will I influence going forward as I navigate new territories.

When we focus on the positives of our life lessons and shine a light on what you have within your ecosystem, this is a much easier matter to get you through challenging times. Very often with the DIY approach outlines above, you can evolve yourself. But if you can’t see the forest for the trees, is there a trusted partner you can converse with on these bullets to guide you to your Greatness?

What do you think?

If you like my writing on this topic, please comment or lets have a conversation and see if I can with your “Greatness Syndrome”

Deb Coviello, The Drop in CEO

Known as The Drop In CEO™, Deb’s superpower is lowering the temperature and elevating conversations with empathy and patience. As a speaker, author, podcaster, and consultant, she teaches C-Suite leaders how to establish a “Lift, Light, Lead” environment and create calm amidst chaos or crisis. She is the author of “The CEO’s Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track,” and, “The NEW CEO Playbook: Stop Chasing Results and Start Pursuing Peace of Mind.” Her long-running podcast, The Drop-In CEO, is in the top 1.5% globally among Apple podcasts.