Blog
Innovation, Diversity, and Resilience Strengthen Workplace Culture
As we celebrate the 4th of July in the United States, it’s a time to reflect on the values that make our country strong: independence, freedom, and unity. While we honor these principles, it’s worth considering how these values can be reflected in our work environment. A thriving workplace culture...
Managing Abrasive Behavior: A Blueprint for Success
Leaders often face the challenge of managing abrasive leadership, where high-performing executives with abrasive behavior create workplace tension. Finding the right balance between productivity and a harmonious environment is crucial for effective leadership, leaving you to wonder… “Do I prioritize operational excellence over interpersonal harmony?” This week, we’re focusing on...
Emotional Intelligence, Personal Agency, and Your Wisdom Stories
In the face of adversity, people often discover their emotional intelligence and personal agency as they navigate their challenges. My friends' stories exemplify this growth... Several years ago five of my friends were diagnosed with serious, life-threatening illnesses around the same time.Other friends were dealing with family problems and a...
The Power of Apology: Restoring Harmony and Making Wrongs Right
Before my current role as an Executive Coach, I was a Marriage & Family Therapist. I worked with individuals, couples, and families to repair long-standing conflicts restoring harmony in their lives. Most often, reconciling relationships was a privilege. This week, leading up to Mother’s Day, I am thinking of one...
What to Do When Replacing a Leader is Costly and When NOT Replacing a Leader is Costly
Managing abrasive leaders can be a daunting challenge, especially when replacing them proves costly, but understanding the underlying dynamics can lead to healthier workplace relationships and better outcomes. Several years ago, I was in the play The Dining Room, a dramatization of several different families as they grow, as people...
Helping Teams Through Transitions: 4 Effective Strategies
Are you in a leadership role where you find yourself helping teams through transitions? Perhaps a new initiative was recently launched and your employees are struggling to adjust. As a result, morale is down and you're concerned about the success of the new initiative. According to William Bridges, author of...
The Art of Gaining Perspective in Leadership and Seeing the Bigger Picture
Many years ago, I read a story written by an unknown author about two men who shared a hospital room. Both men were confined to their beds. Every day, the man whose bed was next to the window described to his roommate what he saw as he looked out the...
The Mindset Shift to Let Go of Negativity in the Workplace
Is it time to let go of negativity in the workplace? Just as I cleared my space by shredding outdated documents, letting go of emotional baggage—resentments, grudges, unresolved conflicts—can free up space for positivity and growth in life and leadership. During a move several years ago, I found boxes of...
Socks, Shoe Laces, and Leadership Fundamentals
With March Madness around the corner, I’m reminded of legendary coach John Wooden, who prioritized foundational leadership skills as the head coach of the UCLA Bruins. Known for his attention to detail, Wooden focused on basic skills that many overlook, like putting on socks properly—a simple but powerful lesson in...
5 Ways to Stay Calm When Addressing Abrasive Behavior
You’re a leader responsible for addressing the abrasive behavior of one of your top performers. In the midst of telling her you’ve received complaints about disrespectful treatment of employees, you remain calm. Your tone conveys that you genuinely care about helping her overcome negative perceptions about her leadership style. Moreover,...