Blog
The Antidote To Transforming Your Conflict Management Pattern
The last several blogs have addressed various conflict management patterns that show up in business relationships and the workplace. These are patterns learned in childhood that are learned by age six or seven to cope when things got tense. You may identify with a couple patterns and based on the circumstances use each one at…
Read MoreBeing a Leader is Like Being a Parent
During a recent coaching session with an executive, my client struggled with how to manage an employee with skilled performance but poor behavior. She said, “Leadership is a lot like parenting.” Curious, I asked how so? “Sometimes it seems like my employees test the limits to see what I’ll do just like my kids do!…
Read MoreHow to See the Humanity in Your Employees
This is the final part of a three-part series on setting the tone in your work culture. “Sometimes people are jerks. They are rude, abrasive, and selfish. They may say the right things, but the way they behave makes my guard go up and it’s hard to see anything good about them.” Do you feel…
Read MoreHow to Keep Calm and Set the Tone for Your Work Culture
As a hostage negotiator, George Kohlrieser has been held hostage four times. Even when a pair of scissors was against his throat, he chose to talk rather than call for force against his captor. In those tense moments, he chose his words carefully in order to build a connection from the hostage taker’s despair to…
Read MoreHow to Avoid Going in Circles With Reasonable Suspicion of Substance Use
We’ve all been there. In conversation with employees exhibiting unacceptable behavior. Are you ready to get off of the merry-go-round?
Read More5 Signs You Avoid Conflict By Distracting From Tough Issues …
Today’s blog is the fourth part of a multi-blog series addressing how challenges faced during upbringing can affect your conflict pattern and business relationships today. 5 Signs You Are A Distractor … 1. You have a fun sense of humor You have a way of bringing levity to difficult situations through your wit and playfulness.…
Read More5 Signs You Are An Avoider And Need to Grow Your Self Awareness
“Feelings are mentionable and manageable” – Mister Fred Rogers In his television show of 895 episodes that ran from 1968 – 2001, Mr. Rogers taught kids about a variety of life skills such as valuing themselves, self-control, curiosity, appreciation of diversity, cooperation, patience, and perseverance. Through meaningful lyrics, scripts, and puppetry, Mr. Rogers presented…
Read MoreStop This Virus from Spreading in Your Culture
Is gossip undermining your work culture? Dear Bonnie During the staff meeting two employees looked at one another and rolled their eyes while another co-worker shared a new idea. Instead of stating their opinion about the suggestion their co-worker presented, they stayed silent. After the meeting at the proverbial “water cooler”, they talked about…
Read MoreThe Mental Mindset For Difficult Conversations
As a leader, Ben knew he needed to address Bob’s abrasive behavior towards co-workers, but found every reason to avoid it. He anticipated Bob being defensive instead of taking responsibility for his behavior and the impact on the work culture. Perhaps you have a “Bob” in your work setting that you need to have an…
Read More4 Tips to create a psychologically safe work culture
What was intended to be a short, positive meeting turned sour quickly. The staff had gathered to discuss how changes in the department were going. All feedback up to this point from various staff members was positive. As the Trainer I anticipated the good vibes to continue and celebrating how the team had worked…
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