Arianna Huffington says, “We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.” If you’re feeling stuck, stagnant, resentful or bored, examine your mind and heart. Uncover the places where fear of […]

Read More →

    Whether you’re the big boss, a middle manager, or an employee on the frontlines working to advance business goals, you can increase cooperation and support by being transparent about what you’re doing and why. Target the content of your WHAT and WHY story so it’s audience appropriate.  Solicit feedback from key stakeholders and […]

Read More →

    I see it often – leadership teams at odds with each other, despite in-the-meeting agreements. Consciously or unconsciously, it seems that once back in their realm, silo walls go up, willingness and ability to work in cross-functional partnership goes down. To facilitate more effective teamwork I structure opportunities for members to get to […]

Read More →

    Interviewer, or the interviewed, you know the operative belief that past behavior patterns are seen as a trustworthy predictors of future performance. It’s true; others judge us based on our history – whether experienced directly or inferred from a resume. In fact, researchers who study social systems, and the workplace is a social […]

Read More →

    To have a lasting impact as a leader, develop your people! Stop being so task-oriented, to-do-list driven, scheduled to the hilt. Your people need you! Make time to lead and grow your biggest asset. Meet one-on-one with your reports, regularly, to discuss the specifics of their role, major projects and their current performance. […]

Read More →

    We’ve all heard the expression, “In life, it’s not what happens to you that counts most, it’s how you respond.” Amy Morin, in her new book titled 13 Things Mentally Strong People Do says the mentally resilient have core beliefs that help them cope with challenges, thrive in the face of conflict and […]

Read More →

  Are you putting forth the quality of effort real success demands? Do you give your dreams and goals your best effort, every single day? Or, are you more in the habit of talking about success, while your constructive actions are insufficient and inconsistent? Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who became an Abolitionist, famed orator, […]

Read More →

Are your current business goals big, more challenging than ever? Do they feel unrealistic, impractical, unattainable? What if the goal is not the issue, but you are…you and your limiting beliefs? I call them LIES – the Labels, Illusions, Excuses and Stories…self-talk that stops you from thinking creatively and keeps you stuck in fear-based, unproductive […]

Read More →

Do you labor under the Illusion that IQ drives effectiveness?  For most roles, IQ and technical skills are important entry-level requirements.  But, once you rise to the level of managing and leading, Emotional Intelligence, or EQ, is what sets you apart. No doubt, IQ may predict whether you’re capable of handling the cognitive challenges associated […]

Read More →

    Here are the 5 practices to integrate into the way you think and behave, when you want to enhance the level of trust on your team, feel more connected to the people you work with, day-to-day, convey expectations with clarity, confidence and compassion and be seen as a competent leader: First, recognize your […]

Read More →

Ever find yourself complaining about what’s wrong in your organization; saying to yourself and anyone who’ll listen, “Can’t they see this is a problem?  Why don’t they do something about it?”  Whether you know it or not, you’re disempowering yourself.  You’re sounding and acting helpless. It’s important to remember that YOU are the organization, too. […]

Read More →

  Ever find yourself complaining about what’s wrong in your organization; saying to yourself and anyone who’ll listen, “Can’t they see this is a problem?  Why don’t they do something about it?”  Whether you know it or not, you’re disempowering yourself.  You’re sounding and acting helpless. Instead, adopt the point of view that says, “I’m […]

Read More →

  During a recent workshop, a participant confessed his lack of empathy, a core dimension of emotional intelligence.  He said, “I don’t have any and I don’t know how to even begin to think about feeling the way others do.”  Given the laughter and head nodding, he was not alone. To his surprise, I told […]

Read More →

  Designated as Black History month, February is the time when we spotlight the rich and diverse history of Americans of African descent. You, your company, and other organizations you’re involved in, can learn about and honor contributions African Americans have made to our country, and the world.  Here are several ideas to consider: · […]

Read More →

Being a middle manager has its challenges.  You have to work effectively with those above you and those below you.  And, when you’re at your best you know you serve yourself and the organizations well when you come together with your peers to share information, learn from one another and solve problems. If you’re a […]

Read More →

  I’m Teressa Moore Griffin and this is Office Talk. Whether you’re ultimately responsible for the success of a family, business project, team, division or an entire organization, you’re in Top space. When you’re the person charged with solving all the big, important problems, and you don’t involve others in significant ways, you’re limiting brainpower […]

Read More →

During a recent workshop, a participant confessed his lack of empathy – a core dimension of emotional intelligence. He said, “I don’t have any, and I don’t know how to even begin to think about feeling the way others do.”  Given the laughter and head nodding from the other participants, he was not alone. For […]

Read More →

    If you’re a current member of the workforce, whether you’re the CEO, a middle manager, administrative assistant, or the security guard, continual learning and growth are key to your success. Today, all workers and and their jobs are impacted by rapid changes in technology, as well as market forces that are often unpredictable […]

Read More →

  You can boost employee trust, loyalty and engagement through the use of one simple strategy:  put emphasis on developing your people.  Here are two ways to do just that. 1.  Regularly provide behavior-based feedback, as evidence of your interest in supporting each person’s success.  Remember the 5 to 1 ratio – offer 5 appreciative […]

Read More →

Like any classic, Bernard Bass’s book, Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations, remains relevant 30 years post-publication.  He said leaders who transform their environment, and the people around them: Demonstrate integrity and fairness. Set clear goals that require stretch. Have high expectations of self and others. Encourage others to perform well – to be and do […]

Read More →