As a leader, how intuitive are you to what your followers are saying — and what they are not saying? Do you clear your mind of extraneous clutter before addressing issues? Do you dwell on what you will say and … Continue reading
Triggering the emotions of others
Many people ‘wander’ through life not cognizant of the effect they have on others. Others simply do not care – they are who they are and they will not change their people-interaction-skills or techniques for anyone. They believe it is … Continue reading
Putting your head in the sand
We’ve all seen it happen …. someone is overly-emotional and expressing it in the most inappropriate manner: laughing too loudly or jumping up and down ‘for joy’ and on the other end of the spectrum crying, shuffling with head down … Continue reading
Talking Emails
Electronic communication is our way of life and unfortunately oftentimes our primary method of communication. The same words can be read and interpreted several different ways, especially when all words are uniform (no bold, italics or emoticons). For instance, how … Continue reading
Sarcasm or Intentionally Forcing Happiness?
Remember this scene from “The Sound of Music” … It’s Maria’s [Julie Andrews] first evening dinner with the Captain and the children. Earlier that day the children placed a frog in her dress pocket. Instead of chastising them, she took … Continue reading
Defensive fuel to flame fires
Think of the last conversation you had that escalated to a more intense level than you would have liked. Your ‘Amy/Andy’ felt threatened. When a threat is sensed, defenses rise. As a result, conversations become power struggles. You may toss … Continue reading
Inside your brain: Techniques for reducing conflict with coworkers
When cooperation with coworkers is at a low level, conflict increases, productivity decreases, tempers are shortened, deadlines are missed and safety is compromised. These high stress levels fuel conflict and disharmony, which directly affects productivity and damages your safety culture. … Continue reading
A no-named family member
I received a letter from my health care provider that began with this salutation: “To My Most Valued Patient:” My first reaction was WHAT???!!!!! If I was so valuable, why couldn’t you at least address it to me – my … Continue reading
Just your ego peeking through?
Has this ever happened to you? Your conversation begins normally. Next thing you know words are flying and you are in the middle of a heated argument. How did you get here? What went so terribly wrong? When we get … Continue reading
Stressful Busywork is NOT Productive
I had a stark realization today – that when I get stressed, my ‘flight’ reaction is to immediately change direction and begin running the other way. Even though I cannot literally do that, my mind chooses that path to take … Continue reading
