The Hardest Person to ManageLet’s focus on the hardest person to manage—ourselves.  As leaders, we juggle teams, boards, and deadlines—but self-leadership? That’s where the real work begins.  Ever noticed how clear things become when a friend asks for advice? You have...

What being #1 on Google for Retreat Facilitation Has Taught MeTo be clear, I didn’t set out to be the top ranked for “retreat facilitation” on Google. So I was pretty surprised a few years ago when thevargagroup.com organically became the top ranked site when you...

Excellence versus PerfectionismHow do you know when your commitment for doing things really well tips into something negative—for you and for others? What’s the difference between being focused on excellence and perfection?Perfectionism kills ideas, creativity, and...

Self-Compassion Makes You a Better LeaderFor most leaders pushing yourself, being competitive, and having the ambition to keep going when things seem impossible have been keys to your success.  But here’s the thing I’ve been learning about and exploring the last few...

#1 Issue All My Coaching Clients HaveA  few days ago on my morning run with my dog, I was listening to my favorite how to run a successful business podcast. The hosts were talking about their predictions for what the top four regrets leaders will have once this whole...

Reading is LeadingT he closest thing to a silver bullet for growing and developing as a leader? A commitment to reading. A reading habit is often a defining characteristic of our greatest leaders and can deepen problem solving skills, innovation, emotional...

Asked any good questions lately? Has anyone ever asked you a question that made you change the way you saw a situation, or even yourself? Beautiful questions have the power to transform. Research shows that questioning peaks at age 4-5 and steadily drops off, so that...

Losing Control There’s nothing like having two young kids to teach you that you can’t control much. And what’s true in parenting is also true in leading of any kind. Leadership isn’t about control, it’s about influence. Just like I wish I could control my kids and get...

Your Habits, Your Life Did you know that we repeat about 40% of our behavior almost daily? So if we are truly creatures of habit, doesn’t it make sense for us to pick those habits carefully? As Gretchen Rubin says, “Habits are the invisible architecture of daily life....