Raise your hand if you love conflict or confrontation? I frequently ask that question in groups I speak to and teams I coach, and usually one or two people will raise their hand. These are typically people who love a challenge or, in some cases, love “the fight” as they see it. Nothing wrong with it, just not how most …
So That
Sometimes, people will do things because they have to even if they don’t really want to, often to avoid a negative outcome. Teenagers will put their seat belts on, not because they want to or because they feel it will keep them safe but so they won’t get a ticket. A team member adds one more thing to their daily …
Mining the Gold in Every Complaint
I truly believe I am a naturally positive person, but, even so, as hard as I try, it’s difficult not to complain from time to time about something. I found out just how hard it is a few years ago when I read the book The No-Complaining Rule by Jon Gordon. It was a good, short read about how much …
The Core of Communication
All my clients want one thing: Results. That’s it. They want results. They want a team that performs at a high level. They want to achieve their goals. They want to enjoy their work. They want to build a respected, productive, and profitable business. They want to make a positive impact. At some level, they simply want a result. And …
Keeping It Fresh
I don’t watch a lot of television, but one show used to love was Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood. Tom and I would record it and watch it together as we ate our Sunday morning breakfast. Once, Osgood did a segment on the origins and traditions of Christmas caroling. In it, one gentlemen who led a group in Seattle called …
Setting the Course for 2026
I recently listened to an interview that Oprah did with Nate Berkus, the renowned interior designer, author, and television personality who has just published his latest book, Foundations. In it, he includes four principles of timeless home design. He suggests that when you’re thinking of designing a space, you should consider how you can: Make it personal. Embrace history. Build …
Demeaning, Demanding, and Inviting
Because I teach non-judgement, empathy, and emotional regulation in our leadership coaching, sometimes people assume I’ll be “soft” on boundaries, expectations, or standards. I’m not. Far from it. I have no problem holding a firm line on any of these. But I also hold firm to the principle of speaking to others with kindness and respect, assuming the best of …
The BIG Choice Ahead
If we want our businesses to thrive in 2026, we have a BIG choice to make now—invest in leadership and management training or risk the consequences of inaction. Employee engagement in companies and practices is on the brink. Why? Because managers’ engagement is on the decline. And when managers struggle, their team struggles. When managers thrive, so do their teams. …
Is Your Workplace Toxic or Cooperative?
The American workplace is deteriorating, and it doesn’t have to be like this. According to a recent poll done by Monster (2025 Mental Health in the Workplace survey) of over 1,100 U.S. workers, employees are increasingly reporting toxic work environments, poor well-being, and little faith that their employers are taking action to help improve the situation. In fact, 80% of …
The Happiest Employees
Last week, I shared an article about the number one trait of great leaders. This week, I’d like to focus on another article. This one, from CNBC’s “Make It” blog on October 13, is about what makes employees happy. The CEO of an executive search firm who has interviewed more than 30,000 candidates found 6 keys that create happiness at …
