Spirit of Purpose · Reach Out and Break A Colleagues Pandemic Bubble 2020 has brought forth unprecedented change in the ways we work and live. The transition process — the emotional and psychological process we step through as we let go of the familiar, struggle with uncertainty about the future, and hesitantly embrace hints of the […]

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The benefits of diversity in the workplace have long been studied and found to make excellent business sense. But often we leave the execution and follow through of our company’s diversity efforts to others.  Sometimes, competing priorities means that your company may not be as fully engaged as is required to actually reap the benefits. No matter what […]

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Have you ever received feedback and wondered, “Where on earth did that come from?” It seems so not like you, hard to believe, downright wrong.  Of course, sometimes, feedback is based on misperception.  And, at other times, it may be a precious gift you don’t want to accept. Feedback that sounds foreign – unlike anything […]

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Do You Frequently CC the Boss When Emailing Co-Workers? Does the boss request that she be CC’d to stay in the loop?  Research from the University of Cambridge suggests that this damages trust. To many, copying the boss on emails is a clear signal that you suspect they’ll under deliver. It can feel like a […]

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Increase Your Chances of Success Before You Take On The Boss Speaking truth to power is important, and risky. Often, it’s hard to understand when and why speaking up might backfire. Harvard Business Review contributors Megan Reitz and John Higgins suggest asking yourself these questions before confronting someone above you. How much do you believe […]

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Feeling restless, not quite satisfied, like something is missing or there’s got to be more to work and life than this! You may be ready for a change. Here are four cues that signal it’s time for something new: You’ve stopped learning and growing. You’re not developing new skills and knowledge, yet you feel an […]

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If you’ve become the ear for an office complainer, you might want to turn the volume up for this advice from CNN’s Kathryn Vasel.  Here are four tips she offers that may help you manage this type of co-worker.   Look for a pattern. Why are they complaining?  Do they complain at the same time every day, about […]

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When you communicate with others, do you use a one-size fits all approach?  Do you write or speak from your perspective or from that of the person with whom you’re communicating? Effective communication requires attention to the ways your receiver processes information.  To better understand others, try using the DiSC system. DiSC is an acronym for the behavior […]

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What’s your approach to introducing a new initiative?  Do you plan alone or with just a select few?  Do you make the decisions and tell others?  Do you push for closure, focused primarily on getting the task done? If you answered, “Yes” to the above questions you may find that your good ideas often fail before they’re even […]

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What are your thoughts about the idea of being self-made? Recently, I saw a man wearing a t-shirt with the caption, “SELF-MADE!”  It was written in CAPS and seemed to scream at me, emphasizing the point. It got my attention, perhaps because earlier that day a client and I talked about how interdependent we really are. How, alone, […]

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Many experts believe that technology is making us increasingly isolated, particularly in the workplace. In a recent Society for Human Resource Management interview, best-selling author Dan Schawbel offers tips for maintaining the human connection.  Here are a few. Use electronic calendars to schedule meetings, but when there, be present and use the time to develop strong team […]

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I enjoy this time of year. And, it’s seems many others do, as well. It’s a season of fun-filled gatherings and sharing good wishes. Kindness, warm smiles, fun-filled gatherings and generosity are legitimized in all dimensions of life. Perhaps you and your co-workers are making plans for a luncheon at a local restaurant, a shared […]

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Wondering how you might handle heated conversations during this, the season of workplace holiday parties? Business Insider consulted Dr. Michael McNulty, master trainer and founder of the Chicago Relationhip Center. He offered this timely advice in the event that you find yourself in an unavoidable debate. Try turning the argument into a dialogue. McNulty says […]

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As the holiday party season heats up, it’s wise to plan ahead when it comes to managing conversations with co-workers and other guests. Business Insider turned to Lizzie Post, co-author of several Emily Post etiquette books, for these tips on avoiding uncomfortable conversations. If you’re hosting, set some ground rules. Before arguments can take hold, […]

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According to Merriam Webster, microaggression is defined as “a comment or action that subtly and, often unconsciously or unintentionally, expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group.” Often, the action is so subtle and habituated that the perpetrator does it without even realizing it. Microaggressions land hard on the people they’re being […]

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 In a recent TED Talk, Melinda Epler suggests that we can all become allies and supporters of co-workers who are the victims of microaggression. Epler, who helps tech companies address diversity and inclusion issues, advocates for allyship at work for people who are being marginalized through microaggression. She says that when someone interrupts another, […]

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 Working for someone you believe is a bad boss is extraordinarily difficult. Some people stay in these awful situations, others leave in search of a more satisfying work environment. But before you start floating your resume, consider Mary Abbajay’s simple advice. The author of “Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work and […]

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 Leaders: Do you find that you’re spending so much time managing your team that you have little time or attention span left to slow down and think strategically? Harvard Business Review contributor Maura Thomas has these tips just for you. Schedule regular meetings with direct reports, and designate specific times for others on the […]

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Switching back and forth between hands-on manager and visionary leader is something many are required to do, especially at the top. Different situations require different roles. Figuring out which competencies to call on at what time can be confusing.   Here are some examples of scenarios that call for putting on your leader hat. When setting […]

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Is your company’s culture shifting and evolving? If the answer is yes, and you’re in the process of hiring new people, here are the questions Fast Company recommends asking during interviews. Tell me about a time you encountered a difficult problem you didn’t know how to solve. Give me an example of a time when […]

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