Blog
Rediscovering 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…
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When 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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3 Subtle Ways You May Be Undermining Your Work Culture
It doesn’t always take a major disruption to damage work culture. Sometimes, all it takes is letting things slide, over and over again. In my time as a family therapist and now as a workplace conflict expert, I’ve seen it too often: issues are ignored in the name of empathy or avoidance, and by the…
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Leadership Isn’t About Comfort – It’s About Courage
In every workplace, there are moments that test your leadership. Moments where the right decision is clear, but uncomfortable. Leadership isn’t about comfort – it’s about courage. When faced with an employee who mistreats others, a high-performer who crosses boundaries, or a peer whose conduct is damaging trust…what do you do? Do you step in?…
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When the Storm Passes, What’s Left Behind?
What Leaders Can Learn from Unresolved Conflict and Fallen Trees Recently, a powerful storm swept through Pittsburgh, PA. Roads were blocked, power lines were down, and shingles were torn off rooftops. The next morning, while walking through my neighborhood, I couldn’t help but notice the stillness, not just in the weather, but in the impact…
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Avoid power struggles with your employees like you would with a teenager
What can leaders learn from parenting a defiant teenager? How to avoid power struggles with your employees. Ever been caught in a power struggle, whether at home or in the workplace? I recently witnessed a moment between a parent and their teenager that was a masterclass in emotional regulation. The teen was refusing to get…
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3 Tips to Turn Humor into Healthy Conflict and Bring Your Team Together
Are you the one on your team who brings comic relief to difficult conversations in an attempt to bring your team together? When things get tense, do you crack a joke to lighten the mood? While humor can break the tension and provide a temporary laugh, it can also prevent teams from addressing real issues.…
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5 Ways People-Pleasing Undermines Leadership Credibility
Have you ever considered how people-pleasing undermines leadership credibility? Of course, being considerate, respectful, and approachable are admirable traits in a leader. But what if being “too nice” is promoting artificial harmony on your team? When conflict arises, do you avoid difficult conversations for the sake of keeping the peace? If so, the result can…
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How to Remove Yourself from Workplace Drama: Breaking Free from the Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer Roles
After a recent workshop that addressed how to remove yourself from workplace drama, a woman approached me with excitement and gratitude. She shared how our discussion seemed to speak directly to her experience in workplace dynamics. The workshop, based on my book How Did My Family Get In My Office?!, delves into what Karpman described…
Read More5 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…
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