Blog

When the Storm Passes, What’s Left Behind?

By Bonnie Artman Fox / May 8, 2025
Posted in: | |

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 More

Avoid power struggles with your employees like you would with a teenager

By Bonnie Artman Fox / April 17, 2025
Posted in: | | |

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…

Read More

How Do You Stay Level-Headed When Demands Exceed Your Inner Resources?

By Bonnie Artman Fox / March 20, 2025
Posted in: | | |

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 More

3 Tips to Turn Humor into Healthy Conflict and Bring Your Team Together

By Bonnie Artman Fox / March 6, 2025
Posted in: | | |

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 More

5 Ways People-Pleasing Undermines Leadership Credibility

By Bonnie Artman Fox / February 13, 2025
Posted in: | | |

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 More

How to Remove Yourself from Workplace Drama: Breaking Free from the Victim, Persecutor, and Rescuer Roles

By Bonnie Artman Fox / January 9, 2025
Posted in: | |

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 More

5 key considerations when setting boundaries and addressing abrasive behavior

By Bonnie Artman Fox / August 15, 2024
Posted in: | | |

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 More

How to Walk Your Talk to Be Both a Smart and Healthy Leader

By Bonnie Artman Fox / August 8, 2024
Posted in: | | |

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 More

5 tips to use curiosity to improve interpersonal skills

By Bonnie Artman Fox / August 1, 2024
Posted in: | | | |

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 More

The Impact of Abrasive Behavior on Employee Well-being

By Bonnie Artman Fox / July 18, 2024
Posted in: | | |

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 More