Events are just events. Stuff happens. That’s it. THEN we create a story to explain that event. We interpret what happened and make up reasons why it happened, and our “story” evokes an emotional response from us. Suddenly an event is labeled good, bad, ugly, and we feel sadness, optimism, fear, anger, appreciation, frustration, concern… … Read more

One of the oldest and most enduring leadership models in business today is Situational Leadership (SL), developed by Blanchard and Hersey several decades ago. The SL model works with the stages of learning through which we all progress when we take on a new task. The four stages (these are in my own words) are: Clueless … Read more

A good friend is currently tied up in knots about her workplace culture. The company owner rarely shows up to provide guidance, yet resists giving others the power to put rules and policies into place. So the workplace is chaotic, morale is falling, and my friend is debating whether she will continue to work at … Read more

Any emotion that you WANT to experience more can become more natural if you play the role, or practice it, more often. Let’s look at assertiveness. In assertiveness, you are able to stand up for yourself or your position from a place of confidence. When you practice assertiveness, you are more likely to get your own needs … Read more

The topic of Performance Appraisal (PA) discussions has come up with several clients recently. Anxiety seems to be the most common emotion associated with PAs, both on the part of the receiver and the writer/manager. A little anxiety running up to the conversation can be helpful. It will keep you alert and engaged during the … Read more

As more companies must make the difficult decision to reduce staff and send people packing, I’ve had many leaders seek advice on what to tell people when they ask questions. When people suspect a layoff is pending, they shift into constant anxiety. Too many leaders insist on “keeping mum” as the official management policy. And … Read more