
CPR: taking the stress out of practicing public speakingÂ
Practicing a speech is intimidating. Not only do you have to know your stuff, but you also have to think about your structure, your gestures, and your audience. Here’s how to use...
Published December 29, 2021 in Brain Circuits • 2 min read
It’s not hard to identify when things need to change within your business, when sales drop, or morale is off kilter, or production is hitting lows. What is not so readily apparent is the underlying causes of these problems. Often, the problem starts with you. As a leader, you need to be able to reflect on yourself and see if you are causing part of the problem. Here are several scenarios to consider.
Your “person effect”
Do you ever wonder why people are responding or not responding to you as a leader? If you think it may have to do with you, you are probably right. There is something called “the person effect”, which is the unique impact, positive or negative, a person has in coming across and connecting with others. It includes the leader’s state of being, their words, and their physiology. Reading this will help you understand the effect you are having on others.
Your standards
Many executives place far too much stress on themselves and their teams as a result of what psychologists call “unrelenting standards” – the constant pressure to achieve impossibly high levels of performance. This exercise will help you recognize if you have unrelenting standards.
Your emotional intelligence
Emotions are data. We all have them, but they don’t have to control the situation. Like any piece of information, you should evaluate your emotions and how they impact your circumstances. This will enable you to not get stuck and move forward with the reality that is in front of you. Emotional intelligence is a skill you can build. Read how to do this here.
Your relationships
Navigating workplace relationships may be one of the biggest challenges a leader faces. But there are steps you can take for tackling some of the trickier situations. Here are a few examples.
July 16, 2025 • by Robert Vilkelis in Brain Circuits
Practicing a speech is intimidating. Not only do you have to know your stuff, but you also have to think about your structure, your gestures, and your audience. Here’s how to use...
July 15, 2025 • by Ben Bryant in Brain Circuits
Knowing how much vulnerability to show and when to maintain distance is a key leadership skill. Consult this checklist to gauge whether you’re keeping too much in, and check out the four...
July 10, 2025 • by Jean-François Manzoni in Brain Circuits
From absorbing stress to finding your authentic voice, nine leaders of global companies share the wisdom that has helped them excel in their roles.  ...
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According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1tn each year, predominantly from reduced productivity.  Here are six simple habits, taken from design thinker Vishakha Singh’s SHIFT...
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