Blog
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…
Read MoreHow to Walk Your Talk to Be Both a Smart and Healthy Leader
Walk your talk is one of my core values. It is a privilege to work with executive leaders, helping them lead themselves effectively so they can, in turn, lead their teams and organizations with excellence. I hold this responsibility in high regard. That’s why having an inner circle of like-minded colleagues who also value “Walking…
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 MoreThe Impact of Abrasive Behavior on Employee Well-being
Addressing the impact of abrasive behavior of top-performing talent often takes a backseat. As an executive leader, the complexity of balancing outstanding results with a harmonious work environment can leave you wondering “Do I prioritize operational excellence over interpersonal harmony?” 4 Facts About Abrasive Behavior Leaders Should Know 1. Decreased Ability to Be Productive “Why…
Read MoreInnovation, 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 isn’t just about hitting goals…
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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 a critical aspect of leadership:…
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Does the look on your face create psychological safety with your employees?
Most leaders don’t learn how to create psychological safety until it’s too late. The skillset necessary to strategize your business plan, create systems, and monitor metrics is not the same skillset necessary to retain employees to run your day-to-day operations. That’s why having interpersonal skills that create psychological safety with your employees is so important.…
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