Posts by Bonnie Artman Fox
How Leaders Can Defuse Gossip Before It Spreads
We’ve all seen it happen. A comment that starts out as a genuine concern about a co-worker quickly turns into whispers, assumptions, and half-truths. Gossip may feel harmless in the moment, but over time it quietly erodes trust and chips away at your team’s culture. As a leader, your role isn’t just to keep projects…
Read MoreWhy Empathy is the Leadership Skill that Motivates Change
Hank was angry. He couldn’t get his employees on board with the new computer system. From his perspective, he did all the “right” things. He provided reasons for the upgrade and training to enhance efficiency, but employee resistance persisted. What you resist, persists The more you push for change without understanding what’s behind it, the…
Read MoreHow to Deal with Employee Resistance to Change
The company faced a new rollout. Employees learned a new computer system and it changed the daily workflow. The manager got frustrated with employees who complained about the changes and didn’t appreciate how the system boosted the company’s efficiency and long-term competitive advantage. When your employees resist change, it has a negative impact on work…
Read MoreHow to Shift from Reacting to Responding in High-Stakes Moments
You’re the leader. You’re expected to model professionalism, stay level-headed, and bring out the best in your team, even in high-stakes moments. If we’re being honest…some moments test your leadership more than others. Whether it’s sarcasm in a meeting, passive-aggressive behavior, or outright defiance, it’s natural to feel the impulse to snap back. And yet,…
Read MoreHow to Lead with Empathy When an Employee Is Difficult to Like
“It’s hard to stay calm when an employee is condescending.”“Some team members are just… harder to like.”“I know I should respond professionally, but the way they speak to me makes it tough not to react.” If you’ve had these thoughts, you’re not alone. Even though you’re a leader and have the responsibility to model professional…
Read MoreHow to Stay Calm and Set the Tone for Your Work Culture
Whether you’re leading a team meeting, navigating conflict with a colleague, or facing resistance from a stakeholder, how you respond in moments of tension sets the emotional tone for your entire work culture. Leadership presence isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about composure under pressure. And few skills are more essential for…
Read MoreTrusting Your Gut at Work: What It’s Really Telling You
Have you ever had a quiet inner nudge that something just isn’t right at work? A gut feeling you can’t explain, but you can’t ignore either? That inner voice is worth listening to. Especially when you’re working in a toxic environment, it can be hard to separate what’s actually happening from what’s been normalized. This…
Read MoreWhen a Toxic Workplace Becomes Your Turning Point: Choosing to Grow
A toxic workplace or dysfunctional environment can leave you feeling like you’re stuck between two painful options: leave… or stay and endure. But what if there’s a third option? One that puts your well-being, growth, and inner strength at the center of your decision—not just survival. This is the perspective I want to offer: Stay…and…
Read MoreRediscovering Human Connection in Leadership – Especially Now
Graduation season is a time of new beginnings and reflection. For leaders, it’s also an invitation to revisit the fundamentals of meaningful leadership, especially human connection. In an age where efficiency is prized and digital tools dominate, we often forget that real leadership starts with presence. With care. With a conversation that says, “I see…
Read MoreWhen Your Best Performer Starts Slipping: The Hidden Cost of Incivility
When your best performer starts slipping, you’re not just seeing a dip in productivity; you’re witnessing the hidden cost of incivility ripple through your team. You know the employee I’m talking about. You know the employee I’m talking about. The one who’s always gone above and beyond. Shows up early. Delivers quality work. Encourages her…
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