Executive Coaching Archives - Insight to Action

Successful Women Leaders Share Tips on Getting Ahead

This month my blog provides advice for women who want to get ahead in their careers, drawing from my own experience and that of clients and colleagues who have achieved notable success. While entire books have been written on this topic, here are some of the major takeaways from these conversations: Know Yourself Self-awareness is the foundation of confidence and good choices. Know your strengths and challenges. Pay attention to what inspires you. Know your personality and how you are perceived and use this information in your interactions with others. Find a Supportive Environment Find an environment that will support…

Executive Coaching

The Key Qualities of Good Leaders

Elaine Sigurdson

No Comments

In leadership development training and coaching, a frequently discussed topic is what it means to be a leader and what leadership qualities really are. Can you be a leader even if you don’t have people reporting to you? Is a leader the same as a manager? What are the essential qualities of leaders – and can they be developed? As someone who has coached leaders in many contexts for over 30 years, here are my thoughts on what it means to be a leader: Leadership Qualities Vision This is the defining characteristic. Leaders have a galvanizing vision. They see a…

Executive Coaching

Why Leaders Need Emotional Intelligence: What It Is and How to Get It!

Elaine Sigurdson

No Comments

Why Leaders Need Emotional Intelligence: What It Is and How to Get It!

Emotional intelligence is an essential skill of leaders and the cornerstone of most leadership development programs. There’s a reason for this. People do their best work when they’re in a positive emotional state. They think better, are more energetic and creative. And they get better results. Multiple studies have shown this –we are 31% more productive, sales improve by 37%, even doctors make better diagnoses. Bottom line, leaders need these skills not just to be nice; they need them to be effective. As Shawn Achor observes, “Happiness is an incredible competitive advantage.” And we all know what happens to our…

« Previous