For some managers, it can be difficult to let go of having control of projects. They want to oversee every step of it to make sure everything goes according to plan. This impulse is based on two biases that a team of researchers discovered in trying to understand why some managers are reluctant to delegate. These include:

The principle of compounding is one of the most powerful forces in the world. Albert Einstein once referred to compounding as “…the eighth wonder of the world.”

No matter how busy we are, it’s imperative that we continue to learn and grow. There are a lot of great books out there, and reading is one of the best ways to level up your career and your life.

Ensuring you continue your own growth is made all the easier when you learn how to read books more efficiently and effectively. Here’s how I go about it, covering all three mediums — audiobooks, e-books and physical books — that I incorporate depending on my level of interest in a title.

I love working with people on their growth edge — that realm one step outside your comfort zone. The more time you spend there, the more comfortable you become. This newfound comfort is an indicator that you’re moving in the right direction.

If you don’t do something perfectly at your growth edge, good.

Leaders are “up in front” of people a lot — team meetings, company meetings, conferences, interviews. And many of them put unnecessary pressure on themselves in these circumstances. They focus all their attention on how to do well.

Sounds like the logical approach, right? It’s not.

The main thing I find is that people are looking for a specific (and fictional) type of confidence. They want to feel confident before something transpires — before that big presentation, before that big meeting, before that big interview.

But confidence isn’t an ingredient you add to a recipe — it’s the…

One of my favorite TV shows of all time is Mad Men, which follows a New York City marketing agency in the 1960s. It has great characters, plot twists, and the costumes are a lot of fun. An aspect that’s highlighted throughout the show is women in the workplace in the 60s.

One of the most fascinating sections is about the purpose of certain parts of the brain.

The amygdala is the most primitive part of the brain — it governs aggression, joy, sadness, and fear. The limbic, or mid-brain, is responsible for storing emotions, memories and helps with bodily functions. The neocortex activates our higher-level thinking – this is the uniquely human part of the brain and allows us to have complex thought, language, art, science, etc…

However, the danger comes from invoking and applying a dose of primitive emotion to a non-life-threatening event. If you’re responding with mortal rage when you’re not cc-ed on an email, you’re using the wrong tool for that situation.

The business landscape is ever-changing. In the eternal quest for success, the role of a Chief of Staff (COS) provides adaptability that executive leadership teams need. Yet, this role is often misunderstood—and even worse, underutilized. 

Understanding the unique skills and responsibilities possessed by Chiefs of Staff is paramount. Evaluating whether and how this role can supercharge your executive leadership team can send your business over the next level.