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The most difficult time to offer workplace compassion is when we need it the most
A lesson taught by a special cat On Wednesday morning, I walked into the restaurant to meet two colleagues for breakfast. We were planning to put the final touches on our workshop entitled “Handling Workplace Conflict: Lessons we can learn from animals.” As I approached the table and started into my seat, Melinda immediately began…
Read MoreExpecting a workplace problem to go away? Don’t fall into that trap.
There will never be a shortage of issues that crop up in your workplace. And it makes sense to focus on the big ones, doesn’t it? Nope! Don’t fall into that trap. If you delay dealing with smaller issues, you’ll find yourself with big ones. In fact, if you’re always facing big issues, it’s likely…
Read MoreFinding unlikely leaders in your workplace
Leaders have a “look.” It’s the title they hold, the command they have with others, how they work a crowd, or that they are simply at ease when making a tough decision. We know when we’re in the presence of a strong leader. But there are unlikely leaders in your organization that are providing quiet,…
Read MoreHire the right person, not the best (brightest, most talented) person
The first time I met Grace, I was advised not to look at her. That’s because direct eye contact, especially for a fearful dog, is threatening. It’s best to let the dog get comfortable with you before you get too close or direct in your communication. That is not the same advice I would offer…
Read MoreThe Compassionate Leader
Compassionate leaders aren’t wimps; they make the tough calls, too I’ve been faced with several situations in the past few weeks that required compassionate leadership. As I’ve worked through these interactions, I’ve come to appreciate that compassion takes many forms. And knowing when and how to offer the right kind is a tricky balance. The…
Read More6 Steps to Help Employees Keep Pace with their Work
Ever feel like you need to give the guy at the next desk a push to take action? The pace in which we work creates one of the most important impressions to our co-workers about our abilities — and sometimes unfairly. Employees who are always ‘on-the-go’ often seem the most productive; in comparison, those that…
Read MoreManagers need to sort through difficult times and create new beginnings
The impact we make in a minute can last a lifetime One of my favorite things about Christmas is the tree. I always put it up the weekend following Thanksgiving, just because I want to enjoy it as long as I can. I have two large boxes of carefully stowed ornaments, each one protected…
Read MoreThe Secret Lives of Your Employees
Do you know the things that matter? My uncle died a few weeks ago. It wouldn’t be accurate to say that we were close, but I always respected his intellect and his sense of humor, his love for history, and his incredible recall on anything he ever heard. He remembered everything, it seemed, and forgot…
Read MoreAre you relying on your preconceived notions to explain employee performance?
Performance issues aren’t always what they seem I think of Grace as agile. Nimble. Fast. And it’s not just me, others often comment on her speed. Those associations lead me to believe she’s healthy and physically fit. And because of Grace’s pronounced fearful disposition, I immediately attribute any unusual behavior to her mental state. And…
Read MoreConsistency is good, but not always the best management technique
Good managers know when to make exceptions Grace and I have lived under the same roof for seven years now. I can anticipate many things that she’ll do or not do. She’s a mooch for treats, anywhere, anytime. She cowers when she’s near kids, and she barks incessantly whenever someone approaches the house. (All those…
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