How to Turn Conflict Into Something Positive Conflict at work is something most people rather avoid. But some experts believe conflict is actually healthy. According to HR Magazine’s Dori Meinert, conflict can actually spark innovation and creativity. She cites the work of former psychologist and author Nate Regier, who says conflict is the energy created […]

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Negative Emotions Provide Important Data Life is filled with situations that evoke strong emotions, yet we’ve been conditioned to pretend everything is okay. In most workplaces, the expectation is that we behave professionally and avoid reacting based on emotion. But Susan David, author of “Emotional Agility,” reminds us that ignoring negative emotions shuts us off […]

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Always Choose To Use Your Discretionary Power Positively People notice how you use your discretionary power. By that, I mean how you choose to provide, or not provide, high quality service. Or the attitude with which you choose to respond to a colleague’s requests. It’s human nature to base everything, from buying decisions to who […]

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What The Truly Confident Do – Part 1 Dr. Travis Bradberry, co-author of “Emotional Intelligence 2.0,” says genuinely confident people earn more and are promoted more quickly. Part of their success is their ability to inspire themselves, as well as others. Bradberry says the truly confident get their happiness from within, summoning pleasure and satisfaction […]

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  Evening Classes Improve Quality of Life Did you know that taking evening classes can improve the quality of your life — regardless of the subject matter? Researchers at Oxford University found that people who took continuing education classes reported improved mental and physical health, as well as more satisfaction with their lives. The participants […]

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My Secret Weapon Question That Instantly Diffuses Anger Whether on the highway, when the driver in front of you won’t get out of your way, or during a conversation when the other person won’t listen to your point, or when a co-worker takes up your valuable time talking about his problems, at times, we all could […]

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True Empathetic Listening One of the hardest things to do is listen – really listen – to another person. Instead of being fully present as they explain, complain or share, our minds are busy planning what we’ll say next. Even at our most altruistic, we’re contemplating what to say that will help. Parker Palmer of […]

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How Best to Speak Truth To Power At Work The phrase, “Speak Truth To Power” has become synonymous with things like whistleblowing or defending against injustice. But the phrase can also describe a scenario that is familiar to anyone who’s ever had to confront the boss or open his eyes to a new perspective. Such […]

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The Pitfalls of Inconsistent Leadership Emotionally intelligent leaders are consistent. Consistency creates a sense of emotional stability and safety. Without consistency, your team is likely to be unaligned and not optimally productive. If a leader allows his mood or emotions to drive how he interacts with his team, those who report to him won’t know […]

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First there was IQ.  Then came EQ, which stands for Emotional Intelligence.  Now Judith Glazer of “The Harvard Coaching Institute” has introduced the concept of CQ or Conversational Intelligence. CQ taps into our need for self-expression and validation.  Glazer says that in environments where people can share their aspirations, intentions and fears freely, the door […]

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CQ = Conversational Intelligence First there was IQ.  Then came EQ or Emotional Intelligence.  Now Judith Glazer of “The Harvard Coaching Institute” has introduced the concept of CQ – which stands for Conversational Intelligence. CQ taps into our need for self-expression and validation.   Glazer says that in environments where people can share their aspirations, […]

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What Motivates People If you’re a manager, you are called on regularly to motivate others. Being a successful leader relies on your ability to help others perform well.  Traditionally, we use the carrot and stick approach.  We bribe people with money or other incentives.  But, once the incentive goes away, so does the drive to […]

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Celebrating Women’s History Month: Tools and Tactics For Women At Work In her weekly blog, author and organizational development expert Dr. Anne Litwin sites study after study that conclude that women perform better than men in areas of leadership, management and decision-making. Yet women only make up 3 to 4 percent of CEO’s worldwide. For […]

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Which Black History month events are you attending? Whatever you do, go with a beginner’s mind. Even if you don’t typically participate in such programs, go with an open, nonjudgmental mindset.  You’re bound to learn something – about yourself, your colleagues or the history of people of African descent in the US. In fact, here’s […]

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Len is a visionary. That’s one of his strengths –one that he sometimes feels is more burden than asset.  Why?  Because to the members of his organization, his ever-evolving aspirations feel like, “Here we go again!  He’s on to something else!  He’s never satisfied!  Before we really get going with his last great idea, he’s […]

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At work and everywhere you go this holiday season spread good cheer. The world needs your positive energy and good feeling vibes. In fact, YOU benefit greatly, psychologically and biologically, when you’re in a positive, cheerful frame of mind. So, think good thoughts.   Wear a heart-felt smile. And, practice patience, particularly when others have lost […]

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