Being a mom has been, and continues to be, one of the greatest joys of my life. I’ve experienced many highs, suffered through some lows, doubted myself, learned much, and have been stretched to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I first started this journey almost 40 years ago.

As I reflect this mother’s day on the lessons that have taught me to be a better mother, I realize that many of the same principles apply to being a trusted and successful leader. Here are 7 leadership lessons I’ve learned from being a mom. . .

Halloween Lessons For Leaders

I usually encourage the leaders I work with to find leadership lessons from all their daily activities. With Halloween around the corner it makes sense to think about what leadership lessons can be gained from Halloween. Here are a few I came up with. See if you can find others and share them with us.

Dr. Ada Gonzalez, LeadershipAda GonzalezOctober 30, 2021leaddership, leadership development, leadership and management, HalloweenComment

How a leader inspires change

Your example and coaching are the most powerful tools for developing your people. See how at 16 years of age Dr. Ada learned how powerful a leading conversation can be.

Dr. Ada Gonzalez, Leadership, ChangeAda GonzalezSeptember 5, 2021Comment

6 Effective ways to lead with your heart

Great leaders know. . . that head and heart need to work together. Leaders are in an ideal position to bring compassion, purpose, and values back into the workplace. To use the power of the heart for inspiration and connection.

By putting people first, and by encouraging and motivating employees, there will be unlimited wells of creativity, initiative, and productivity. In this blog post Dr. Ada shares how you can lead with the heart.

Dr. Ada Gonzalez, LeadershipAda GonzalezJanuary 24, 2021heart, leaders, Leadership, leadership development, leadership and management, empathyComment

The greatest gift

Do you remember the greatest gift you ever got? Dr. Ada shares here her story and a poem.

Dr. Ada Gonzalez, LeadershipAda GonzalezDecember 24, 2020LeadershipComment

The meaning of work

What does Labor Day means to you? For many it’s only the unofficial end of summer, start of the school year and football season, or an extra day off to do stuff around the home and have an excuse for a picnic. What does it means to you as a leader or as a worker?

Dr. Ada Gonzalez, LeadershipAda GonzalezAugust 30, 2020Labor day, leaders, workers, choiceComment

Foolproof Brain Recipe for a Merry Christmas

Do you smile or shudder when you think of the celebrations around Christmas and New Year? This week’s blog challenges you to do something different this year. To use your brain’s “feel good” power to add magic to the celebrations. It’s a “brain recipe” for a Merry Christmas.

Dr. Ada Gonzalez, RelationshipsAda GonzalezDecember 15, 2019Christmas, brain, relationships, positivityComment

Why it's good to show your "soft" side

More and more current research confirms that the best leaders use all of their brains. That includes the “soft” side. They have what has been called emotional intelligence and are not afraid to be compassionate and empathetic, at the same time that they are assertive and decisive. Do you dare to show your soft side?

Leadership, Dr. Ada GonzalezAda GonzalezJuly 14, 2019leadership, leadership and management, leaders, heartComment

To lead difficult conversations, start softly

Daily, people get angry and harshly tell someone they live or work with about something they don’t like. Leaders are not immune to this. Learn a better approach.

Dr. Ada Gonzalez, Conflict, RelationshipsAda GonzalezJune 2, 2019communication, Leaderships, RelaitonshipsComment

The super power of words

The words you write or speak to others can leave a huge impact and create a lasting memory--either good or bad. It's super important to recognize the power of words and choose them wisely. You see, words can make or break a relationship. Your choice of words, and the way you express yourself, can accelerate or kill your career. Words have power!

Words are not enough! See what else you need. . .

I love words. I like reading them, shaping them into sentences and articles, pondering their meaning, playing with their rhythms, clarifying them, translating them. . . and so on. And yet, words are not enough! See what else you need.

Make an essential relationship upgrade: Learn to listen well!

Most people I meet think they know how to listen. What can be more basic than listening? Even if you think you know it all in theory, are you really doing it? Do you really listen to the people around you? Learn 5 ways to be a better listener.

Dr. Ada Gonzalez, DialogueAda GonzalezFebruary 17, 2019Listening, Relaitonships, LeadershipComment

Commit to Possibilities

Many people plan, but are already thinking all kind of reasons why their plans will not succeed. For any type of plan to succeed you need to believe it’s possible. When you believe in possibilities, not only can you achieve more, you can also inspire others to do the apparently impossible.

Dr. Ada Gonzalez, Leadership, Relationships, ChangeAda GonzalezJanuary 27, 2019Comment

6 Communication Strategies to deal with complex challenges

What makes a boss most successful? A few years back Google undertook a study to find out the answer to that question. what makes a boss most successful. They were surprised by the results. This post shares not only what they found, but specific strategies that can help people deal with complex issues.

Dr. Ada Gonzalez, Relationships, LeadershipAda GonzalezJanuary 20, 2019complexity, leadership, family, communicationComment

Three secrets for keeping your relationship positive no matter what else is going on in your life.

Many people have difficulty with relationships. Seems that there is a lot of negativity going on. Yet, if asked, I'm sure you want to have positive relationships, whether at home or at work. Learn three simple secrets that can have a big influence on your relationships.

Dr. Ada Gonzalez, RelationshipsAda GonzalezJanuary 13, 2019positivity, relationships, leadershipComment

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