Have you ever realized that someone else’s version of your story got told before you had the chance to tell it yourself? Maybe a colleague described your role in a way that missed the mark, or a manager explained your decision without knowing the full context. Even well-intentioned summaries can shape how others see you. […]
Tell Your Story (Before Someone Else Does) Read More »
Have you ever waited just a little too long to ask for something important, a resource, a meeting, a raise, or even feedback, because you didn’t want to seem pushy? In her book Likeable Badass, Allison Fragale reminds us that asking isn’t about taking; it’s about inviting collaboration. Whether it’s asking for help, information, or
Make the First Ask Read More »
In the workplace, it’s easy to think we have to choose between being nice or being direct. But the truth is, the people who communicate most effectively usually do both. We show that we value the person and the relationship when we lead with warmth. When we follow with assertiveness, we show that we value
The Power of Warmth & Assertiveness Read More »
May the 4th recently passed, a date playfully known as “Star Wars Day” thanks to the similar sound of “May the fourth be with you” and the iconic “May the Force be with you.” As many of you know, I enjoy using pop culture to illustrate conflict resolution concepts. Star Wars offers a fantastic lens
Negotiate Smarter: A Star Wars Lesson in Understanding Interests Read More »
At the recent International Ombuds Association Conference in Miami, I attended a session by Dr. Brent Epperson and Dr. Laura Armstrong that introduced a coaching model called EASE. EASE is short for Empathize, Acknowledge, Solve, and Explore. Although the model was designed with ombuds work in mind, I kept thinking about how useful it is
Handling Hard Conversations with EASE (and a Bit of Stoic Wisdom) Read More »
The line between being “uncomfortable” and “unsafe” has become a significant topic in discussions about psychological safety, especially as our understanding of these concepts evolves. This post draws on insights from the presentation “Uncomfortable Versus Unsafe: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Emerging Perceptions of Safety” by Sarah Klaper of Northwestern University and Carol Gregory of Baldwin
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Asking for help. It’s one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn how to do. Born with a strong independent streak, I always found ways to do things myself. I learned to climb and stretch when I couldn’t reach things (I’m very short); I puzzled over things needlessly when asking for help was not
Help Wanted: Lessons in Giving, Receiving, and Growing Together Read More »
During a recent facilitated discussion, an employee shared her frustration about the lack of timely and clear feedback in her workplace. She described being surprised during her annual performance review when concerns she had never heard about were brought up. “If I had known earlier,” she said, “I could have fixed the problem.” This story
Rethinking Feedback: Modern Approaches to Building a Growth-Oriented Workplace Read More »
It is the day after election day, and while you may be experiencing a range of emotions, it’s important to prioritize your mental, your emotional well-being, and your relationships. This post offers practical tips to help you manage post-election stress and maintain relationships. Tune In to Yourself: Set Healthy Boundaries: Practice Mindful Communication: Remember, it’s
Prioritize Self-Care: Navigating the Post-Election Day Landscape Read More »
Many assume that workplace culture is built through social events, but the reality is that culture stems more from daily work practices than from happy hours or virtual meetups. If a company’s day-to-day operations lack trust, clear values, or autonomy, no amount of social gatherings will fix that. In remote work, the key is addressing affinity
Building Culture: It’s About How You Work, Not Social Events Read More »