Increasing self-awareness is a frequently suggested idea to improve leadership/team dynamics, whether you identify as a leader, team member, individual contributor, or simply a human being making your way in the world. At ARTiculate: Real&Clear, we always recommend deepening self-awareness and emphasizing its importance. We’ve said it so often lately that we decided to share why we are deeply committed to this soapbox! The Power of Self-Awareness The greater the self-awareness, the more constructive the communication and relationship skills. And, stating the obvious, the opposite is painfu ..read more

Years ago, during a one-on-one meeting with a well-intentioned supervisor, I raised a concern in our meeting. Quickly, I was told, “Keep your pie hole shut.” While I knew they were well intentioned – even though the words were inappropriate and directive -I learned that my information wasn’t welcomed when it could rock the boat or cause friction. From that day, I chose silence over sharing, realizing that the supposed open-door policy wasn’t genuinely open. We’ve heard a lot about non-effective communication and not much about how it shows up in our cultures. Events of this week have caused me ..read more

At a recent convention, I was surrounded by solutions promising to enhance leadership and business success. These solutions, primarily assessments, micro-learnings, and formulas, are insightful and well-executed. However, I realized that ARTiculate: Real&Clear brings a unique element to this landscape: individual activation. In a world prioritizing scalability over personalization, we stand out by focusing on each person’s unique strengths. Our approach heightens individuality rather than fitting people into predefined processes. This realization became clear as I navigated the convention ..read more

The concept of curiosity and the directive of being curious are often shared without a deeper or more nuanced exploration of what that means for leaders and its impact. Without the focus on a real goal, without the depth of leaning into the relationship aspect of curiosity, leaders can genuinely miss the mark. Are you curious about what is going on with that person or situation? Or are you curious about how you are woven into that relationship with the person or situation? Are you looking at it over there as if it has no bearing on you? Or are you stepping into your part in it? The idea of bei ..read more

Observing others navigate, mitigate, and sometimes avoid risks has made me reflect on my own relationship with risk. Decisions, whether to jump in or step back, have never come easily to me. Typically, I meticulously weigh the pros and cons before making significant choices. I’ve often envied those who boldly throw caution to the wind, take chances, and find success. My internal dialogue usually follows with, “If only I could do that.” For many of us, fear becomes a powerful force, either keeping us safe or holding us back. Last year, during a visit to Ireland, I grasped the symbolism behind ..read more

How do I have those harder conversations? That is the number one request from leaders and managers. In leadership and management, engaging in challenging conversations is often cited as the pivotal skill for enhancing one’s presence, communication, and influence. This capability determines not only the leader’s success but also the success of their organization. Yet, despite many tools and strategies promising to ease this essential task, a fundamental component frequently remains overlooked—the leader’s readiness and ability to effectively utilize the tools provided. Drawing upon a familiar m ..read more

In an age where artificial intelligence continues to reshape our landscape, the demand for leaders who are emotionally attuned and empathetic has never been more pressing. It’s a call for those at the helm to not only understand their emotions but also to create a culture that does not shy away from the healthy expression of feelings. But this emotional expression demands a shift in the culture of organizations hand in hand with a shift for the coaches supporting the leadership as well. There’s a lot of talk about emotional intelligence and expression, and yet when you get down to it, there is ..read more

Modern corporate dynamics demand that we shed rigid ideas of leadership. It’s no longer about maintaining a fixed position; it’s about reading the room, understanding the team’s needs, and adjusting your role accordingly. We are all multifaceted and have more flexibility than we may tap into. Leadership can be a bit “messy” in this world of shifting roles, and it’s what’s necessary for relationship, team, and business success. The Key to Success: Adaptable Leadership Is Adapting to Shifting Demands The team analogies that many of us were raised with can undermine our corporate success. Most of ..read more

In the fast-paced world of business, the ability to deliver compelling presentations is non-negotiable. Whether you’re pitching a groundbreaking idea, onboarding new team members, or engaging with a critical audience, mastering the art of effective presentation is a must. You know this. And our very own Hilary Blair recently sat down with fellow presentation coach Trevor Lee, for a conversation filled with communication and presentation tips. Hilary shares techniques to that support the nuances of successful business communication, the keys to building trust and rapport, and the transformative ..read more

Judgment-free sounds good. And that’s precisely why it’s a dangerous phrase. A call for a judgment-free zone challenges one of our inherent human, and leadership skills, and tendencies – to assess. In fact, every choice we make requires, at its core, a judgment. While “judgment-free” might sound like a plea to refrain from critiquing others’ perspectives, it actually asks us to turn off an essential function of who we are as human beings. It asks us to suspend forming any opinions of our own. Contact Articulate: Real & Clear today. The impact of this is that we may stop seeing or connectin ..read more