Communicating
Give Change a Chance
Even people you know well, people you may have worked with for years, can throw you a curveball. Maybe you’re both faced with an unfamiliar situation or the general circumstances change. You might be surprised by how the other person reacts (and by your own response). This happened recently with my dog, Grace, and it…
Read MoreThe Power of Job Fit
Recently, my husband and I decided that the windows in our home really needed a washing. We have done it before, but neither of us particularly enjoyed it, nor did we do a very good job. In the past, we researched the best methods (including homemade formulas, newspapers, and lint free cloths) and spent a…
Read MoreEven strong teams are impacted when new players are introduced
When a strong team has a change in players, it is tempting to underestimate the impact of that transition. With a solid foundation in place, things could only improve. Right? But it doesn’t work that way. When even just one new person joins a team, dynamics change. Roles may shift, decision-processes may morph, and alliances…
Read MoreThe Power of Job Fit
Recently, my husband and I decided that the windows in our home really needed a washing. We have done it before, but neither of us particularly enjoyed it, nor did we do a very good job. In the past, we researched the best methods (including homemade formulas, newspapers, and lint free cloths) and spent a…
Read MoreFear can be your friend or your enemy, you choose
We all experience moments of fear. Fear can help fuel us to success, but far too often, we let it stop us from doing things we are capable of. It becomes our enemy instead of our friend. My timid dog, Grace, fears children, loud noises, and a long list of other things. She can be…
Read MoreDo you know where you’ll be going in 2017?
As 2017 looms just ahead, it’s the perfect time to undertake some planning activities. As Yogi Berra once said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Do you know where you’ll be going next year? In late January of this year, I wrote of my new year’s aspirations for 2016.…
Read MoreThe Silo Mentality is Optional
Why is it that someone feels compelled to operate in the silo mentality? Grace gave me the opportunity to ask that question the other morning when she had an unexpected reaction to a stray cat in our garden. What is the silo mentality? The silo mentality is rampant in organizations. It’s a well documented and familiar…
Read MoreJanuary is ending but 2016 has a long way to go for me to produce
January is coming to an end, which means it’s getting a bit late for me to announce my new year’s resolution. I bet that folks who have declared their goals are either well on their way or have already given up. I’m in between. It’s been a back burner activity so far, but I do…
Read MoreWhat to do when it’s all bark and no bite
Ever had an employee who raised her hackles all the time? It’s tempting to coddle that person, in an attempt to avoid the unsavory hostility, but that just leads to more headaches and no resolution. Yesterday I took our two cats to the vet for their annual visit. Grace came along to get her nails clipped,…
Read MoreFinding beauty in the beast
Yesterday when I returned home and stepped out of my car, I nearly flattened this baby snake with my feet before I realized he was there. Given his small size, measuring no more than six inches, he didn’t scare me, but he did startle me. Snakes generally terrorize me; I realize it’s not a very rationale reaction. This…
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