Posts by Bonnie Artman Fox
Why Interpersonal Success Requires Practice, Not Perfection
What most leaders get wrong about interpersonal skill, is that they think it’s something you either have or you don’t. You’re either “a people person” or you’re not. You’re either good at difficult conversations or you avoid them. You’re either naturally empathetic or you’re more task-focused. Interpersonal success isn’t a personality trait, it’s a practice.…
Read MoreThe Split-Second Realization That Changed How This Leader Handled Conflict
Your boss is ranting about missed deadlines. Your jaw clenches, your palms sweat and there’s a knot in your stomach you remember from childhood. In a flash, you’re 12 years old again, standing in your kitchen while your mom explodes over something you forgot to do. That familiar wave of panic washes over you, the…
Read MoreWhy “You Hurt My Feelings” Doesn’t Work at Work (And What Your Family Taught You About Conflict)
It’s happened again. An abrasive leader has exploded at one of your team members and now the team member is embarrassed, disengaged, and afraid to contribute when the leader is around. You know you need to address it, but when you imagine the conversation, you hear yourself saying things like… “You hurt the team’s feelings…
Read MoreThe Surprising Connection Between Family Dynamics and Leadership Conflict
You’re in another executive team meeting. The CFO is silent, again, even though everyone knows he disagrees with the proposed strategy. The COO is getting increasingly aggressive in her pushback. And you’re managing the tension in the room the same way you always do…crack a joke to ease the tension. Most leaders don’t realize →…
Read More3 Tips to Turn Around Setbacks and Regain Your Leadership Momentum
It’s the end of January. How are you doing at staying on track with new habits for the new year? Even if you don’t set New Year’s resolutions, what area of your leadership are you working to be more effective and impactful with your team? Maybe you’re committed to giving clearer feedback. Perhaps you’re trying…
Read MoreChoose a Team Rallying Cry: How One Powerful Phrase Can Transform Your Team in 2026
What is your team’s focus for 2026? Many teams enter a new year with good intentions but without a clear sense of direction that creates a shared purpose. This turns into misalignment, conflicting priorities, and tensions that drain energy and productivity. Team members end up operating in silos rather than moving together toward a common…
Read MoreA Holiday Ritual That Changed How My Family Connects
The wrapping paper is about to fly. The kids are buzzing with anticipation. Everyone’s ready to tear into the presents. And I’m about to do the thing that makes my nephews groan… ask three questions. Several years ago, I started a holiday ritual with my extended family. After our Christmas Eve meal and before we…
Read MoreHow Self-Aware Leaders Turn Feedback Into Their Greatest Strength
“No one wants to tell me anything. They say I’m intimidating.” I’ve heard this from more leaders than I can count. And when I sit down with their teams, the employees tell me the same thing: “We don’t feel safe bringing up problems. Our ideas get dismissed. The leader gets defensive and condescending.” So I…
Read MoreIs Your Childhood Conflict Pattern Showing Up in Your Leadership?
You’re in a tense meeting. A project has derailed. Emotions are running high. How do you respond? Do you take control and demand compliance?Avoid the conversation altogether?Smooth things over with excessive reassurance?Crack a joke to lighten the mood? What most leaders don’t realize is, the way you handle conflict today was likely learned by age…
Read MoreThe Uninvited Guests at Your Holiday Table (And How to Handle Them)
You’re sitting at the Thanksgiving table. The turkey is carved. The conversation is flowing. But there’s a heaviness in the air that no one’s naming. Your brother made that comment about your job… again. Your uncle is steering every conversation toward politics. Your mother-in-law’s passive-aggressive remarks are landing with precision. The table is supposed to…
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