Just about the time I think I have the whole “self awareness” thing locked down, I get reminded it is an ongoing practice – a journey, not a destination. Sometimes my reminder comes in the form of a question like “Everything OK?” or worse “What’s your problem?!” (Truly, I rarely get that second one!) Sometimes…
We all know showing empathy is an important part of building effective relationships, right? We’ve also all heard empathy is not the same as sympathy. Most of us even know it is a better interpersonal communication choice than sympathy. But do we really know what empathy is, how to extend it, and perhaps more importantly…
I love it when my clients share break-through moments! I’m talking about realizations and actions that create a shift, releasing them from some of the stress they have been hanging onto unnecessarily. This week one of my most seriously talented clients shared a great one with me! For several months this client had been suffering…
This is a true story about a bright, ambitious, twenty-three-year-old who started showing up to work every day with a bad attitude. She’d sigh big, heavy sighs of exasperation, and wouldn’t speak to her coworkers – except the ones who would listen to her complain during lunch hour. If she didn’t absolutely have to, this…
Do you ever get negative and just wallow in it? I’m talking about sitting in that space where it feels like everything and everyone pretty much sucks? Even you. I’m too tired. That’s not fair. She’s an idiot. They don’t like me. It’s your fault. This is too hard. That’s all wrong. It’s too hot….
I’ve been thinking a lot about respect, trust, and value this week. I bet, in your own way, you have too. The wake of violence and tragedy leaves us with thoughts we weren’t considering the day before…Even deciding whether to write about my thoughts has been a struggle. I know I don’t have words eloquent…
It’s Memorial Day, 2016. Today many will visit gravesites and attend services to honor our service men and women who served and gave it all, as well as those still with us and even serving today. I hope our veterans and service men and women feel honored today. I hope they feel appreciated by the…
Have you ever gotten angry at home? Me too! Rage Builds from time to time – even in conflict resolution specialists. Although I rarely experience external conflict, I am human and I have my moments! Here’s a recent example from my world: I’ve been ready to get rid of the circa 2000, bigger than two…
Have you ever experienced that nagging feeling, when you know something is wrong, but you don’t know what or why? I usually feel it in my chest first, then in my stomach. Some call it intuition. It might be easy to figure out, when something specific happened and you know it isn’t resolved – at…
Over the years, I have noticed leaders – whether just stepping into their roles or seasoned veterans- tend to identify themselves as results focused or people focused. However, what I have learned, witnessed, and experienced, is that to be a great leader one must possess a balance of both results focused and people focused leadership skills….
You’ve heard the saying “you get what you give” right? Have you experienced the power of putting it into practice at work? Here’s one example of how we help clients turn around challenging workplace relationships: Recently I was coaching one of my most favorite clients – all of my clients are my favorite, of course, but this…
Having trouble creating synergy at your workplace? I hate to break this to you, but it might just be YOU. Many of us don’t take the time to consider how we communicate when conflict arises. Unfortunately, most of us have been trained to speak a language that encourages us to alienate ourselves, through our communication…