We have all experienced situations where we are with a friend, and they run into an old friend and start to reminisce about their past. You witness the shared emotions, cadence, language, and pace, while most likely feeling left out. When in a conversational flow state like this, the rhythm, language, and pace can leave [...]
When we think of a straight shooter we tend to think of persons who can be depended on to communicate the truth. While this is accurate, straight shooters come in many varieties. There are persons who use straight shooting to support members of their teams and others use it to destroy. Some are consistently straight [...]
In work cultures where control is highly valued, sometimes the control regime starts when the business was initially established, but more often it happens when the organization enters into growth mode and the previously loose structure needs to be tightened in order for the business to leave survival mode and grow. The intent behind implementing [...]
In an era where the authenticity of news and facts are coming under constant scrutiny it is important to also take a look at political correctness. Political correctness is supposed to be a system of behaviour that requires persons to express themselves or act in a way that is inclusive and respectful toward persons who [...]
To sustain desired behaviors, it is important to model them. Modelling happens when a person consistently demonstrates behaviors that point to a particular value system. Whether the modeled behavior is intentional or not, it gives permission to others to demonstrate actions that reflect a similar value system. In other words, modelling provides observers with the [...]
Communication can be a two-person exchange. You meet someone, get to know him or her, then take the steps you need to keep the relationship alive. With other introductions, you are delinquent allowing the would-be relationship to die a natural, disconnected death. The same is true in teams, when a new person joins a team, [...]
No two cultures are the same, even if they have similar qualities these characteristics manifest in different ways. I have encountered collaborative work environments where persons can be ready and willing to work together, I have also come across innovative teams that are focused on creating, planning and implementing. On the unproductive side of the [...]
Emotions operate like a virus, traveling from person to person, creating a collage of feelings. When emotions are allowed to flow unabated, they can cause a virus that connects with the team that can be productive or unconstructive. Your tone of voice amounts to how you say what you have to say. When you are [...]
Sometimes when the word boundary is used it can be perceived as a four-letter word. This is because for some, setting boundaries means putting up a wall, blocking people out, disabling their attempts to influence. These people are intrinsically motivated so standing up for their needs supersedes the needs of everyone else. On the other [...]
The Wells Fargo scandal is an interesting case study that presents the question, did the employees cause it, or was it the culture? On one hand, the CEO indicated the scandal happened because of employees. On the other hand, it appears that employees responsible for sales were under duress because of extreme demands. CNN interviewed [...]
