Managers Problem Solve Many managers state that their conversations at work are all about problem solving. Topics range from issues with the boss, to a conflict with a peer or direct report, to a misunderstanding with a coworker. Are you the manager who tells your people to come with solutions not … [Read more...]
Problem Talk is Quicksand
I am drawn to stories of survival; and the other day when I saw a video of how to survive falling through ice, it intrigued me to keep learning. It reminded me of another video of Bear Grylls getting out of quicksand. Both mentioned letting your legs float up behind you and becoming horizontal to spread … [Read more...]
Ass/u/me
Makes an ass out of you and me. I heard this a long time ago and it stuck. Lately I have been barraged with assumptions coming from friends, clients, in the news- everywhere. In one day I experienced at least five assumptions, 100% which were wrong: Call from a neighbor- I assumed the worst and it … [Read more...]
10 reasons you don’t get along with your boss
First, the solution- Muster the courage to ask, plan your conversation and seek feedback! Lack of alignment- Maybe you are not listening when they tell you what’s important. Do you know your boss’ top priorities? Do you know what they care about most? If not, ask or figure it out pronto. Then … [Read more...]
Making Peace with Conflict: What Leaders Need to Know
I was definitely surprised by the feedback from my last blog. While I discussed coping with a boss who avoids conflict, I was bombarded with messages from people who shared this reaction: “Help! I am that boss. What should I do?” If you tend to avoid conflict, you’re clearly not alone. To more closely … [Read more...]
How to Cope with a Boss Who Avoids Conflict
When tortoises feel threatened, they retreat into their thick shells to safely wait out the potential crisis. But what happens when managers use that same strategy in the workplace? Everything seems to make them feel backed into a corner. Not just the metaphorical 18-wheeler barreling down the highway … [Read more...]
Feeling Mentally Capsized? The Flip Side of Work/Life Balance
Spoiler Alert: this is NOT one of those work/life balance articles about being consumed by our work and allowing it to invade our personal lives. Instead, I want to address the opposite side of the problem: when “personal” invades “professional.” What happens to our work performance when we are being … [Read more...]
The Dangers of Office Gossip: Pope Francis Weighs In
Pope Francis may not have specifically preached about the evils of office gossip during his recent U.S. visit, but he has often discussed the dangerous consequences of this “harmful chatter…that continually sows tensions.” In fact, he’s spoken about gossip on at least three occasions, and his message is … [Read more...]
Great Leadership and the Surprising Need for Distance
Our society just can’t seem to get enough of the latest high-tech gadgets. (Apple Watch, anyone?) On the other hand, the technology that allows us to be digitally connected 24/7 can also keep us distracted and create distance in our personal and professional relationships. Ever glance around the room in … [Read more...]
How to Build Shared Interest With Your Team
Recently a client of mine was facing a difficult situation: Over the past few years, his company had acquired several manufacturing plants in the area. As the head of the division, he needed to pull together his team of managers from the different facilities, and bring them all up to speed with the new … [Read more...]
