Author, public speaker, and coach for managers and leaders across the tech industry.
Blog Posts
Don't soften feedback.
When I talk about balancing being directive and empowering as a leader, the distinction between being kind and being nice often comes up. read more
You can be directive without being a jerk
Last newsletter, I answered a manager’s question about helping their team break the cycle of going in circles, while still being as empowering as possible. read more
Finding the right kind of opportunities for your sponsee
My team is going in circles. Help!
“Lara, I’m a manager, and my team is kind of going in circles. We have a critical project deadline, I’m trying to keep everyone moving forward, but it’s almost like we don’t know who’s in charge of what and it’s slowing us down. One thing to note, we typically try to solve problems as a team. Do you have any tips?” read more
Don't worry, you’re not wasting your mentor’s time.
You’ve probably heard me reference the concept of a Manager Voltron before: picture a crew of people who support you as you grow, where they each bring a facet of what an imaginary ideal manager for you would be. (I coined the term in reference to the 1980s television show about heroes that join forces to create a giant super robot. Bring all the management forces you need together!) read more
Demystifying Public Speaking: Now Online For Free!
Y’all. I’m SO excited to share that I’ve just published the entirety of my book Demystifying Public Speaking online. Making it accessible for you to read, for free. :) read more
Help Your Colleagues Take Real Time Off By Answering These Six Questions
Your colleagues need real, respected time off. After a time where we weren’t able to get away at all, disconnecting deserves to be treated as protected time. read more
Why 'bring solutions not problems' doesn’t work
Many years ago, when I asked a very grumpy direct report to “start bringing solutions, not just problems,” it did not go well. read more
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