Blog
5 key considerations when setting boundaries and addressing abrasive behavior
Addressing abrasive behavior in the workplace is crucial for fostering a respectful, productive environment. Tell me, have you ever overheard a conversation like this at work? “I wouldn’t go in there if I were you.” — “What do you mean?” “He’s in one of those moods.” — “The wrath of Jim mood?” “Yes.” — “Thanks…
Read More5 tips to use curiosity to improve interpersonal skills
We have two options when faced with a problem or personnel issue. We can either resolve it and figure out why it’s happening in the first place or ignore it, hoping it will go away on it’s own. The later usually leads to bigger problems down the road. The better way is to use curiosity…
Read MoreHow Interpersonal Skills Improve Interpersonal Relationships
Recently, while camping (actually – glamping) with our grandsons, we had a moment that showed how interpersonal skills improve relationships and how important they are for building good relationships. One of our grandsons was playing with the fire, poking it with a big stick and then swirling the stick with the burning tip in the…
Read More
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 particular client, Jane. Despite being…
Read More
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 Managing Transitions: Making the Most…
Read More
5 Steps to motivating abrasive leaders to change
If you are on the verge of losing valued employees because of a top-performing leader’s abrasive behavior, you’ll appreciate the following 5 steps to motivating abrasive leaders to change. Perhaps you’ve heard complaints from employees as they head for the door: TEAM MEMBER A tells you she’s leaving because of repeatedly being yelled at in…
Read More
What is a Fixer? The Costs and Benefits of Taking Charge
Have you ever found yourself stepping into a situation at work or at home, and taking on the task of solving other people’s problems? Perhaps at the expense of your time, energy, and even money, you tend to step in to save the day? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the demands of constantly trying…
Read More
Why self-control is the engine of your success
Do you have a goal you’ve been striving for but haven’t yet reached? Whether it’s finishing a project, addressing team dysfunction, or having a tough conversation, self-control is the engine of your success. It’s the driving force that keeps you focused and persistent, and tools like the If-Then Plan can help you harness that power…
Read More
How to give honest feedback to an abrasive superior
By all accounts, Jack is a successful leader. He’s an industry trailblazer that others look to for his expertise. Financially, he is doing well and his business is thriving. On the outside, Jack has many markers of success. What Jack doesn’t realize is how abrasive his behavior is to others. What is obvious to others…
Read More
How one leader learned to deal with an angry boss
Learning to deal with an angry boss can be challenging, but it’s often influenced by how we handled conflict growing up. For Lee, a senior leader featured in How Did My Family Get In My Office?!, her childhood experiences with an unpredictable and angry father shaped the skills she now uses to navigate workplace challenges with…
Read More