New habits can be tough to introduce to the workplace. People like predictability. When you show up differently – even if the change is for the better – it is still different, and you may feel pressure from others to go back to how you were “before.” Still, change starts with you. Choose a specific situation, conversation, … Read more
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
If you want to experience more positive moments in your life, start by checking your beliefs about what it means to live a happy life. You have the right to pursue Happiness, not have it delivered. You are free to define happiness in your own way, without others imposing their definition on you. At the … Read more
Exercise: Raise your hand if you’ve recently engaged in any of the following activities: Called someone a moron, a jerk, or an idiot? Screamed at someone for being stupid? Looked at someone and said, “I can’t stand the sight of you!”? Pushed someone down then kicked them over and over and over? What’s that, you … Read more
A friend of ours, Dr. Mary, is a General Practitioner who has patients of all ages and life stages in her medical practice. Mary recently shared stories about some elderly patients who inspire her, like the 99-year old who still drives to appointments or the 80-something great-grandma who just completed a marathon. These are people who, … Read more