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The Right Words: The Two Truths
It only takes an instant for a conversation to turn into an argument. With the right words, you can change that trajectory and wind up solving a problem as an ally, rather than fighting as adversaries.
Enough about Workload, the Problem is Thoughtload
We talk constantly about unmanageable workloads, but it’s actually the mental and emotional work that’s wearing us down. Learn how to reduce your thoughtload so you can get through your workload more efficiently and effectively.
How to Stop Email from Being a Soul-Destroying Task
Email is so inefficient and ineffective. That makes it a drain on our resilience. Here’s how to fix it.
Stop Rewarding Arsonists for Putting Out Fires
It’s all too common that we reward the heroes who save the day on our teams without stopping to think that they might only be rescuing us from problems they created. Stop rewarding arsonists for putting out the fires.
How to Avoid an Argument
Simple and effective techniques you can use to head off the next potential argument on your team.
An Exercise to Expose Team Dysfunction in One Meeting
What role are you playing in your own story of team dysfunction? Use this quick exercise to create personal accountability and get your team on the right track.
The First Steps to Create a Productive Conflict Habit
Building a productive conflict habit is critical to having a high performing team. But don’t go from 0 to 60 overnight. Use these 9 techniques to introduce low impact conflict on your team.
What teams can learn from Valentine’s Day
People are often disappointed on Valentine’s Day because they have grand visions of what would make them feel loved but the fail to share them. The same thing happens on teams: we know what we want, but we don’t communicate it and, instead, set colleagues up to disappoint us. Here’s an alternative to falling victim to the Valentine’s Day Effect.
Exercise: Fostering a Culture of Productive Conflict
Too many leaders give their team permission to give feedback, to disagree, or to challenge one another’s ideas. Permission won’t drive action. If you want more healthy conflict on your team, stop giving people permission and start helping them appreciate their obligation.
10 Tips to Prevent Misalignment from Destroying Trust
Lack of trust is a common problem on teams and can lead to severe team dysfunction. Most trust issues can be avoided if you use these 10 techniques to get your team off on the right foot.
Are you too busy to be curious?
If you want to be strategic, you need to be curious, but execution mode reduces creativity. Here’s how to get into the right mode to be strategic and innovative.
What’s Wrong with Encouraging Failure
The term “fail fast” is in fashion now thanks to design thinking. Unfortunately, most leaders aren’t clear on what types of failures they’re looking for and what types should be avoided at all costs. This article outlines the difference.