lead with character - it's better.
Problems at work often focus on elemental descriptions: I’m completely buried; I’m blown-away; this project is on fire; we’re totally under water. That may be a sign that we enjoy communing with nature, but probably not. When I start hearing these phrases, it’s a signal that people need to stop, even for a minute, and […]
Earth, Wind & Fire Read More »
Follow Through Up to this point you have communicated clearly, set expectations and confirmed commitment. Now you’re ready for the last part: following through. This is the step that most people forget until something goes wrong. Everyone needs help on following through. How often have you meant to do something in a certain way or
Good Conversations – Part 4 Read More »
Getting Commitment: – If you don’t ask for it, you won’t get it You have now made your expectations clear. You have communicated clearly and everyone has the same information. Now you’re back in the day-to-day and you are wondering why people have not changed their behavior. Here’s my question to you: did they agree
Good Conversations – Part 3 Read More »
Setting Expectations One of the most common workplace complaints I hear is about employees who do not meet basic expectations. They are late, they behave in ways that are awkward or inconvenient for clients, they don’t keep things as clean as they should in their workspace… the list goes on and on. Here is my
Good Conversations – Part 2 Read More »
What’s bugging you? Is there a situation at work or elsewhere that is stuck in your mind? You know, the loop of an idea that gets wedged into your noggin and played on repeat. It’s likely something to figure-out or confront or resolve or explore, but, somehow, you haven’t talked about it. Sometimes not talking
Starting Good Conversations – Part 1 Read More »
Generation Y gets a lot of bad press for being a generation that wants to know WHY they have to do things at work. Their questions are seen as annoyances: why do they have to wear uniforms? Why do they have to follow certain procedures? Why does an outdated policy remain in place? Why do
Of course they want to know why. So do you. Read More »
I am an optimist. I would rather trust the potential I see in people and situations than be cautious of it. But, because my penchant for rose-colored glasses has bitten me in the backside more than once, I choose to call on my naturally curious brain to apply some skepticism when I feel most like
The Negative Side of Positivity Read More »
Many companies use the phrase, “people are our greatest asset.” It is a fine sentiment. Despite the common use of that statement, senior management is often suspicious of their greatest asset. That suspicion can turn into fear and drag a company to a slow and unimaginative demise. Why would top managers be afraid of the
Hey, Look! Free Brains! Read More »
Why do I work to improve workplace communication? Why do I see intricate and immediate value in the infinite complexity of workplace communication? Why doesn’t the sea of variability that is working with other humans deter me from trying to help them succeed in making their workplaces better? The answer to all of these is
Cars, Art & the World of Work Read More »
