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 meet a fair number of business leaders who say they are empathy-challenged.  Empathy is the ability to recognize and identify the emotions being experienced by another person.  It’s one of the five components of Emotional Intelligence.  Because it enables others to feel like you connect with them, it is an important skill set for […]

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The holiday office party offers a unique opportunity for employees to bond with each other and people higher up in the company in ways they can’t during the work day.   It can be more than an opportunity to “let your hair down.”  Company parties are a great time to make an impression that can impact […]

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Beyond the usual office party advice, like not embarrassing yourself by drinking too much, dressing too provocatively or hooking up with a co-worker, here’s an updated list of things to consider for the 2013 office party season. 1) Avoid embarrassing or unprofessional poses.  Yes…that’s an old one that conjures up images of butts on Xerox […]

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Dear Teressa, Any advice on how I can get more people to speak up in my meetings?  ~John V.   John, I’m glad to hear that you’re a leader who wants more voices in the conversation – more people engaged and contributing. Here are several strategies that have worked for a number of my clients.  […]

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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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Are you more tenured with many more years of experience than the person to whom you report? Is your manager the same age or younger than your children? These days, it’s not all that unusual for older people to report to those who are much younger. According to a 2012 CareerBuilder survey, “One third (34 […]

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Do you have a BIG idea – one that will transform your career, your company’s business model, streamline processes, save significant time and money, land you a brand new role or help you branch off and build your own successful enterprise?  Have you put a plan of action in place or are you stalling, plagued […]

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There is wisdom in turning a welcoming ear to complaints, in listening to negative comments – whether at home or in the workplace.  Why?  Because, like it or not, those complaints and grumblings are feedback, most probably based on a germ of truth and, certainly, they hold the seeds of a solution. Listen carefully and […]

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When it comes to pressure in the workplace or at home, which situations trigger feelings of overload, burden, overwhelm and stress?  How do you typically react?  Do you freeze up, get angry or cranky, gossip, feel frustrated, or stop working and start complaining?  Do you overreact? The next time pressure and overload land in your […]

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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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Charles, a senior-level coaching client, told me that early in his career, his mentor advised him to be smart enough to be humble, versus proving how smart he is. No matter the job level of the person he’s interacting with, Charles’ mode of operation is always to be collegial and collaborative. Here are the principles that […]

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Every day, opportunities are presented to us. They may be disguised as obstacles, problems or issues, but what they really are is a chance to demonstrate our ability to make a positive contribution to our lives or our company’s goals and objectives. The best way to take advantage of these opportunities is by making conscious […]

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The new year is about new beginnings.  Which makes the announcement of my new website TeressaMooreGriffin.com rather timely. I’ve spent decades successfully helping executives become more effective and purpose-driven in their jobs.  Over the years I’ve seen the role of leadership change from that which is exclusive to the very top echelon of a company […]

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Try this for just one day and notice the impact on you and on others.  Listen more.  Listen to understand.  Listen to learn.  Listen to empathize.  Listen to validate. Don’t worry.  You won’t become invisible, powerless or less impactful.  In fact, you will become more visible because you’ll stand out as someone who cares in a […]

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Are you among the many people for whom working long hours, multitasking and pressing to meet deadlines have become a way of life? In the short-term, these are practical solutions.  But, research tells us that this pattern, over the long-term, increases stress levels and results in lower levels of productivity.  Eventually, even though you’re plenty […]

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Mirror Neurons Make It All Possible Interested in getting better at a particular skill? Want to learn how to do something you’ve never done before? Well, you’re in luck. Here’s the inspiration to encourage you to go for it, and the science that proves you can do it. New scientific data indicate that whatever you […]

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If the uncomfortable task of coaching someone on how they dress for work falls to you, you may be struggling with what to say and how to say it in a way that maintains a good working relationship. Words can be your enemy or your friend in a conversation that strikes so close to the […]

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Taking the Sting Out of Giving Feedback About Work-Appropriate Dress The way we look is a very personal and sensitive matter. Yet, physical appearance defines our image – our brand – and influences the way others see us. It impacts our credibility and plays a significant role in opening and closing doors to opportunity. Talent […]

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Guest Blog by Kim Gaskin One of today’s most popular smart phone and Internet games can actually play out in our lives. Do you feel upset about things in your life or aggravated about someone doing something to you or taking something that belongs to you? Angry Birds slingshot themselves across a playing field into […]

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