Blog
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…
Read MoreAvoid power struggles with your employees like you would with a teenager
What leaders can learn from parenting a defiant teenager. 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 ready for a fun family outing, wearing the…
Read More3 ways to Shift Team Culture from Blame to Responsibility
How do you shift team culture from blame to responsibility when you notice a team member struggling to take ownership of their actions? Maybe when a project doesn’t go as planned, you hear a range of reactions, blame, excuses, minimizing, or deflecting, that ultimately stall progress and block accountability. As Dr. Henry Cloud wisely put…
Read MoreHow Do You Stay Level-Headed When Demands Exceed Your Inner Resources?
How do you stay level-headed when leadership often comes with high-pressure situations, difficult conversations, tough decisions, and unexpected challenges? Some leaders seem to navigate these moments with ease, staying calm even when tensions are high. But the reality is that level-headed leadership isn’t a natural trait, it’s a learned skill. The ability to remain composed…
Read More3 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.…
Read More3 Scripts to Set Boundaries & Elevate Your Leadership Credibility
I have three scripts to support you if you’re a leader looking to elevate your leadership credibility. Dear {Name}, “I’m a people pleaser. Growing up I was the one in my family who tried to make everyone happy when my parents argued. I wanted everyone to get along. I know this is affecting how I…
Read More5 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…
Read MoreBlueprint for Managing Abrasive Leaders Effectively
Is Managing Abrasive Leaders Effectively Costing You Great Employees? High-performing employees drive results, but when their behavior is abrasive, the cost to morale, engagement, and retention is undeniable. Many leaders hesitate to address the issue, after all, these individuals bring in revenue, lead projects, and deliver results. But at what cost? When employees feel disrespected,…
Read More3 Ways to Say Goodbye to Gossip: Embrace Direct Communication Today!
Say goodbye to gossip to minimize conflict and divisiveness within your team. Imagine this scenario → During a team meeting, one employee shares a new idea, as two others roll their eyes. They say nothing in the moment, but after the meeting, they criticize and dismiss their colleague’s idea behind their back. Gossip. It’s like…
Read MoreBeyond Knowledge: 7 Intangible Benefits of Being Mentored in Your Leadership Development
January is National Mentor Month so we’re going to look at 7 Intangible Benefits of Being Mentored. And it would be interesting to know how mentorship has impacted you as a leader. Mentors stretch us, believe in us, and take us beyond where we could go on our own.They are people we want to learn…
Read More