Elaine Morris

In a Zoom session of fellow coaches recently, we each checked in. We are practicing building our Positive intelligence using the latest Beta version of the PQ app in a 7-week program. We already use it with our clients, and now this latest development is exciting and expected to be easier for busy executives to use.

I had to admit to my “pod” that at first I didn’t like the slowed-down version that was less demanding. I like to be pushed, prodded, and maybe use self-imposed guilt a little, as well as a dose of suffering. Make the time. Get up earlier! Do it even when you don’t want to or don’t feel like it.

Even these weekly 45-minute pod meetings where we come together from all over the world is a challenge to attend. And it’s fascinating. Last week one of our members was Zooming in from a month-long meditation retreat in India. She was in a cafe at who knows what time of night. I’ve lost track of the time zones participating. Since most of us travel, it’s always shifting. And is a Zoom call really a good thing during a meditation retreat?

So, today when I started off sharing that I thought it was too easy, and therefore didn’t inspire me, I had to also admit that I had come more face to face with my JUDGE.

Is this normal?

In case you have been oblivious to your judge, allow me to introduce you. It’s that little and sometimes loud voice in your head that is constantly running in the background like a radio station you can’t turn off. It’s a running commentary that sounds something like this…

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Is This Normal? | Elaine Morris In case you have been oblivious to your judge, allow me to introduce you. It’s that little and sometimes loud voice in your head that is constantly running in the background like a radio station you can’t turn off. It’s a running commentary that sounds something like this…

Leadership isn't just about titles or positions—it's about the "inside stuff" that truly defines us.

In a blog and newsletter I wrote a few weeks ago, I explore what makes a leader effective from the inside out. It's not just about the strategies or the external actions, but the internal qualities that drive us.

True leadership starts with self-awareness and authenticity.

I explore key aspects such as emotional intelligence, resilience, and the importance of continuous learning. These elements are crucial for anyone looking to lead with impact and integrity. For instance, understanding our own emotions and how they influence our decisions can significantly enhance our leadership capabilities.

Moreover, I can't emphasize enough the value of resilience. Leaders often face challenges and setbacks, and it's our ability to bounce back and adapt that sets us apart.

Resilience is not just about enduring hardships but growing through them.

Continuous learning is another cornerstone of effective leadership. The world is constantly evolving, and so should we. Embracing new knowledge and experiences keeps us relevant and innovative.

Listen to the podcast here: https://pod.co/the-elaine-morris-show/the-inside-stuff-of-a-leader

Read the blog here: https://www.elainemorris.com/resource/the-inside-stuff-of-a-leader

The Inside Stuff of a Leader | Elaine Morris Leadership is often seen as an external function, characterized by decisions, actions, and outward expressions of authority. However, effective leadership stems from a profound understanding and management of one’s internal landscape. This concept, often referred to as the “inside stuff,” play...

A few weeks ago, I returned from a 7-day writing retreat with 30 women from all over the country and felt changed. Some fiction writers, poets, non-fiction writers, some published, some not. I have written blogs for the past 20 years and loved writing as an English major in college — but have not identified myself as a writer. Yet, when my long-time friend, Suzanne, invited me to go on a writing retreat, my head said NO and my heart said YES! I'm so glad I did. Expect a lot more writing from me over the coming weeks and months.

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I am writing | Elaine Morris I just returned from a 7-day writing retreat with 30 women from all over the country. Some fiction writers, poets, non-fiction writers, some published, some not.I have written blogs for the past 20 years and loved writing as an English major in college – but have not identified myself as a writer....

I'm excited to announce a new blog series that offers a personal perspective on overcoming tough challenges and thriving in both career and life.

In this series, I dive into the experiences of clients I've known for decades, learning invaluable lessons on leadership and living.

Kicking off the series is an interview with Carol Peddy, an extraordinary example of life-long learning. Carol has navigated countless corporate upheavals, mergers, lay-offs, and external crises like the S&L crisis in Dallas during the 1980s and 90s. I had the privilege of working with her back then, witnessing the turmoil firsthand – from bank signs falling off buildings to car phones being ripped out of failing business owners’ Cadillacs.

Read more here: https://www.elainemorris.com/resource/leaders-being-real-1-carol-peddy

Stay tuned for inspiring stories and insights from industry veterans who have turned challenges into opportunities.

I just returned from a 7-day writing retreat with 30 women from all over the country. Some fiction writers, poets, non-fiction writers, some published, some not.

I have written blogs for the past 20 years and loved writing as an English major in college – but have not identified myself as a writer.

Yet, when my long-time friend, Suzanne, invited me to go on a writing retreat, my head said NO and my heart said YES!

Read the rest on my newsletter here:

I am writing I just returned from a 7-day writing retreat with 30 women from all over the country. Some fiction writers, poets, non-fiction writers, some published, some...

Achieving a new milestone always brings a sense of pride and excitement. Today, I'm thrilled to share that I have officially been awarded the PQ Certification! 🎉

Positive Intelligence (PQ) is a synthesis of recent breakthroughs in neuroscience, cognitive and positive psychology, and performance science. And now, with great honor, I can refer to myself as a Certified Positive Intelligence Coach (CPQC).

This certification is not just a title—it's a recognition of the skills and knowledge I've gained to help others enhance their mental fitness. The journey to this point has been enriching, and I'm eager to put these insights into practice.

To my clients, colleagues, and the community that has supported me, thank you for your unwavering support. I'm looking forward to the exciting opportunities this certification opens up and to continue helping individuals and organizations thrive through the power of Positive Intelligence.

This is beautiful piece written by one of my favorite authors, Anne Lamott.

Opinion | All that is true about aging is illuminated on a walk We work, love and help others as best we can, gawk at nature, rest. Is that it? Pretty much.

I love Kristin Neff's audible, Self-Compassion Step by Step, an incredible self-paced tool. I went through it this past month and was surprised since it was my second time listening to it. How much it struck me in new and different ways.

Love this ✨ On 5 ways to cultivate self-compassion 🪴

Created by 🙏🏽

2 Years in to our Seabrook Island home, embracing our alligator neighbors!

The Mating Game If you start noticing soon an unusual booming or bellowing around the island, then you'll know spring mating season for alligators has begun as air temperatures warm and these impressive animals emerge from winter semi-hibernation. To attract females, males produce a low-frequency bellow that can ma...

I have personally experienced the transformative power of the positive intelligence (PQ) program. It has not only boosted my happiness and resilience but also significantly improved my clients’ professional and personal lives, making them better listeners, more adept at handling conflict, and more focused at work.

Positive intelligence plays an essential role in both personal and professional development. It’s a groundbreaking methodology that helps us recognize when our brain is at its peak performance, known as the “sage brain,” and when it falls into counterproductive patterns, or the “saboteur brain.” In our sage state, we embody qualities like encouragement, presence, and deep listening, while the saboteur state often leads to judgment, impulsiveness, and defensive behavior.

Have you heard of this program? If not, read my latest blog and listen to the podcast!

What is PQ and how does it help? · Elaine Morris Positive intelligence plays an essential role in both personal and professional development. It's a groundbreaking methodology that helps us recognize when our brain is at its peak performance, known as the “sage brain,” and when it falls into counterproductive patterns, or the “saboteur brain...

I invite you to take a course called Let's Talk Race. We took it a few years ago and we gained much knowledge and awareness. Dr. King encouraged all of us to go outside our comfort zone and get involved.

LTR Ministries Web site created using create-react-app

Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
-Martin Luther King
Celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King today!

I am not on FB regularly but this time of year I want to say thank you for my friends and family. You know who you are! More than ever, I value long term relationships and I do my best to stay in touch in a one on one way. If I haven't done a good job of staying touch, I welcome you to reach out to me. The best way for me is usually through my email address [email protected]. I want to share an end of year/beginning of New Year process that has supported me and many others well. If you find it helpful, feel free to use this free resource. I wish you the very best for this New Year and I encourage you to keep being your best self and don't get discouraged by all that is wrong in the world. If you wish, see my website, www.elainemorris.com and go to Resources page for my personal professional podcast update and scroll all the way down for my Life As Art ebook - its a pdf fill-in annual reflection and goal setting process.

Elaine Morris · Executive Coach Elaine Morris has over 30 years of experience coaching executives at the highest levels. Based in Charleston, SC, Elaine has worked with businesses from Fortune 500s to startups.

Katie Byron is masterful in helping us see the reality of our thoughts and how we can move towards more freedom and joy!

Turn it Around I'd be happier if I had more money. I need to lose weight. My partner should listen to me. Thoughts like these may run through our minds hundreds of times a day, causing stress, fear, anger, or depression. The Work of Byron Katie is a revolutionary new way to deal with the thoughts that keep you fro...

https://www.positiveintelligence.com/blog/stress-management-skills/

Improve Stress Management Skills | Positive Intelligence You can’t eliminate stress, but you can improve your stress management skills to lessen the impact of stress on your performance, relationships, and wellbeing.

If you are thinking about hiring a leadership coach or paying for someone else's coaching, it's fair to ask about what can be gained from such an investment. I hope this helps.
https://www.elainemorris.com/resources/what-do-leaders-gain-from-coaching

What Do Leaders Gain From Coaching? · Elaine Morris Today more highly successful leaders than ever are working with a coach on a regular basis, and the trend is predicted to increase over the next five years, according to a recent study by the International Coach Federation.

How you think and what you believe about yourself, plays a significant role in determining your outcomes and overall success in life. See why in my latest blog.

Change Your Mindset, Change Your Results · Elaine Morris Much study in the last 25 years in the fields of neuroscience, positive psychology, cognitive psychology and performance science leads to similar conclusions — how you think and what you believe about yourself, plays a significant role in determining your outcomes and overall success in life.

I like this definition of coaching by Jenny Rogers. I hope it inspires you today! “Coaching is the art of facilitating another person’s learning, development, well-being and performance. Coaching raises self-awareness and identifies choices. Through coaching, people are able to find their own solutions, develop their own skills, and change their own attitudes and behaviors. The whole aim of coaching is to close the gap between people’s potential and their current state.”

If you’ve been a leader for any amount of time, you’ve likely faced the dilemma of wanting to be more positive than you actually felt inside. You’re not alone.

Want to Be a More Positive Leader? · Elaine Morris If you’ve been a leader for any amount of time, you’ve likely faced the dilemma of wanting to be more positive than you actually felt inside. You’re not alone. Being upbeat and calm in the face of difficult situations is a challenge for all of us. It’s especially important for the impact you...

Organizations require constant movement and it takes leadership energy, focus, and intentionality to take a company from where it is to where they want it to be. How can you use your power more effectively?

Using Your Power · Elaine Morris In a recent leadership summit, Dr. John Townsend, best-selling author and psychologist, defined personal power as the capacity to change the environment . Organizations require constant movement and it takes leadership energy, focus, and intentionality to take a company from where it is to where th

We all have a unique relationship with goal setting. January is the time of year for goal setting junkies to rally. Then there are the rest of you — the 83% of the U.S. population who do not set goals. But, in fact, systems might be a better way to hit the goals you want to achieve.

Why Set Goals, and Why Systems Might Be Better · Elaine Morris We all have a unique relationship with goal setting. January is the time of year for goal setting junkies to rally. Then there are the rest of you — the 83% of the U.S. population who do not set goals.

Are you feeling a little down right now? All the big festivities are over, and most of us experience some kind of let down after big holidays. Here are some remedies to help.

Breaking Through the Post-holiday Doldrums · Elaine Morris Are you feeling a little down right now? All the big festivities are over. For some of you there is some sadness as family members have gone back home to cities far away.

I caught up with a friend a few weeks ago to talk about life and where we want to go. She captured a few seconds of me sharing my decision to make a big change—I am officially ending leading TLP and corporate consulting. That means I’m focusing exclusively on executive coaching in the new year!

A New Year, a New Direction · Elaine Morris

How do you typically wrap up your year? This reflection, as part of an e-book I wrote, is my gift to you. Unwrap this short reflection and give yourself a quiet time that will pay dividends later.

Book Review: Life As Art by Elaine Morris · Elaine Morris How do you typically wrap up your year? For many, it’s hurriedly during the holiday frenzy, with little thought toward celebrating the many career wins and personal accomplishments that were hard won. Why is this important? The Business Case for Celebration Celebration is an important opportunit