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Choose Your Mindset Before Addressing Employee Behavior: An Emotional Intelligence Approach
Before having a candid conversation with a difficult employee, choose your mindset to optimize the likelihood of a positive outcome.
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What Emotionally Healthy Leaders Have in Common with Great Parents
Emotional intelligence in leadership isn’t just about managing your own emotions, it’s about creating an environment where others feel safe, seen, and valued. As we observe Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month this October, it’s worth reflecting on a powerful parallel: emotional intelligence in leadership mirrors the essential qualities of effective parenting. Think about it. The best…
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Why Acknowledging Your Efforts Matters More Than Their Responses
When was the last time you took the initiative to repair a conflict with a colleague, even when you weren’t sure how they’d respond? October is Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to reflect on the courageous conversations that define effective leadership. At a recent Interpersonal Success Circle session, one of my…
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Transform Scars into Leadership Strengths
Are there certain stories you turn to when you need inspiration? One of mine is the story of Princess Eugenie. As a child, she had surgery to correct a curvature of her spine called scoliosis, leaving a long scar down her back. Years later, on her wedding day, she chose a gown with a deep…
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7 Ways to Be a Terrible Boss (And Why You Should Do the Opposite)
A fun guide to leadership fails, and how to turn them around. Ever wonder what separates great leaders from the ones employees complain about around the water cooler? Sometimes it’s easier to spot what not to do than to figure out the right approach. So let’s have some fun with it. Here’s a list of…
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How Leaders Turn Conflict Into Growth
Leadership isn’t just about strategy, performance metrics, or vision casting. At its core, leadership is about people. And where there are people, conflict is inevitable. Even the strongest leaders find themselves caught off guard: If you’ve ever been there, you’re not alone. These challenges are part of the real-world side of leadership that no business…
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Why Empathy is the Leadership Skill that Motivates Change
Hank was angry. He couldn’t get his employees on board with the new computer system. From his perspective, he did all the “right” things. He provided reasons for the upgrade and training to enhance efficiency, but employee resistance persisted. What you resist, persists The more you push for change without understanding what’s behind it, the…
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How to Deal with Employee Resistance to Change
The company faced a new rollout. Employees learned a new computer system and it changed the daily workflow. The manager got frustrated with employees who complained about the changes and didn’t appreciate how the system boosted the company’s efficiency and long-term competitive advantage. When your employees resist change, it has a negative impact on work…
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How to Shift from Reacting to Responding in High-Stakes Moments
You’re the leader. You’re expected to model professionalism, stay level-headed, and bring out the best in your team, even in high-stakes moments. If we’re being honest…some moments test your leadership more than others. Whether it’s sarcasm in a meeting, passive-aggressive behavior, or outright defiance, it’s natural to feel the impulse to snap back. And yet,…
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How to Lead with Empathy When an Employee Is Difficult to Like
“It’s hard to stay calm when an employee is condescending.”“Some team members are just… harder to like.”“I know I should respond professionally, but the way they speak to me makes it tough not to react.” If you’ve had these thoughts, you’re not alone. Even though you’re a leader and have the responsibility to model professional…
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