Crying can be an indicator of pain, a call for attention, comfort or support, an expression of intense emotion. Crying can also be a way of relieving pressure, letting go of held emotions. Traditionally, crying in the workplace has been taboo, largely due to the long-held belief that tears make you appear weak, vulnerable, emotional, […]

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  John, a coaching client, lives in a pressure-filled world. Recently, he said, “My days are so hectic. Sometimes, I feel like shouting, ‘Leave me alone. I can’t do another thing. I’m tired.’” Today, many of us feel pulled and pressured. While we wish things would change, without active intervention, it’s highly unlikely. For a […]

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The next time you have a difference of opinion with someone, before beginning an argument or concluding they’re wrong or crazy, practice the skill of Inquiry.  Inquiry is a respectful way of probing in order to better understand another’s reasoning and can help you avoid drawing faulty conclusions based on false assumptions about what’s going […]

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You’ve probably heard the news about an interim report issued by Acting Inspector General Richard Griffin on the systemic problems in the Veteran’s Affairs agency.   The report intensified scrutiny and resulted in expansion of the number of VA facilities to be reviewed.  If you’re a leader, consider allowing this situation to stimulate a deeper, broader […]

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You’ve probably heard the news about an interim report issued by Acting Inspector General Richard Griffin on the systemic problems in the Veteran’s Affairs agency.  The report intensified scrutiny and resulted in expansion of the number of VA facilities to be reviewed. As a leader, consider allowing this situation to stimulate a deeper, broader look […]

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  Dear Teressa, My boss is an excellent manager and a very inspirational leader. However, I have a colleague, who I think is a good person, but who seems to very much resent this boss. This colleague is also very good friends with my boss’s boss. The colleague is now making life very difficult and […]

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Dear Teressa, My boss is an excellent manager and a very inspirational leader.  However, I have a colleague, who I think is a good person, but who seems to very much resent this boss. This colleague is also very good friends with my boss’s boss. The colleague is now making life very difficult and taking […]

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Experts say the reason people throw temper tantrums into adulthood is because they work.  This frightening behavior gets the tantrum thrower exactly what they want – even if it is at the cost of co-workers or workplace civility. The first step to taking the sting out of another’s workplace tantrum – whether it’s your employee, […]

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Experts say the reason people throw temper tantrums into adulthood is because they work.  This frightening behavior gets the tantrum thrower exactly what they want – even if it is at the cost of co-workers or workplace civility.    The first step to taking the sting out of another’s workplace tantrum – whether it’s your […]

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I’m a manager in a large company with 15 direct reports.  Sometimes, I have trouble figuring out how to handle certain performance problems.  How do I figure out what to do?    ~D.G. Dear D.G., Here are a few “how to” pointers for your consideration.  As you weigh various options, remember to make use of […]

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To get clear about the best way to effectively address a specific performance or behavior problem, the first step is asking yourself which course of action the problem calls for? Is feedback sufficient?  You simply describe the person’s behavior and its impact. Is coaching more appropriate?  You work to strengthen performance through teaching, training and […]

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To get clear about the best way to effectively address a specific performance or behavior problem, the first step is asking yourself which course of action the problem calls for? Is feedback sufficient?  You simply describe the person’s behavior and its impact. Is coaching more appropriate?  You work to strengthen performance through teaching, training and […]

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What do you do when you care about a person?  You find ways to support their happiness and success, particularly when they’re motivated and moving in that direction. What’s a good way to get behind someone you care about and help them increase their effectiveness and propel themselves forward?  Give them one of these forms […]

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You’re about to engage in a difficult, yet crucial conversation – one where emotional tensions are high, you’re intent on proving a point, being right and prevailing.  Often times, there’s little warning.  You may suddenly find yourself in the middle of a response before you’ve properly assessed the situation. When difficult conversations don’t happen, problems […]

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You’re about to engage in a difficult, yet crucial conversation – one where emotional tensions are high, you’re intent on proving a point, being right and prevailing.  Often times, there’s little warning.  You may suddenly find yourself in the middle of a response before you’ve properly assessed the situation. When difficult conversations don’t happen, problems […]

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