Have you seen productivity dip while creating a positive atmosphere? There’s a likely reason, and a solution. So much of this blog’s content is devoted to positive, encouraging, servant leadership. Every once in a while, a leader comes along who is so committed to positivity that they wonder why productivity might be down, not up. … Read more
A coping strategy when things “drive you crazy” at work or home: Take a moment to consider the potential positive side. About 20 years ago, in a college class about marriage, the professor pointed out this fact: The things that we adore about our future spouses will eventually, at times, drive us nuts. “He’s so … Read more
How are the New Year’s resolutions coming? How about any commitment to self-improvement? A helpful idea that’s quite simple (it almost seems silly to write about it) is the “sticky-note” technique. I credit this technique for a number of ideas that have become habit for many people. How does it work? Pick one element of your … Read more
There are scientists and psychologists who report that the most powerful expression in the human repertoire is the smile. When there is work to be done, and we’re “all business,” we might forget the power of the smile. Not just to transmit our happiness, but to disarm tension and settle nerves at tough times. We’ve … Read more
Here’s a phrase to purge: …that would be great. Two reasons why: 1) It’s not specific. If we know that people are more engaged when presented with frequent, specific, direct feedback, then we need to seek out chances to be specific. If something “would be great,” why? Will it make life easier? Help meet a … Read more
This post will be a part of a local effort from author and change agent Danny Heggen that is worth your attention, but I share it here as an example of how misguided passion, particularly from leaders, can lead to potential division. It’s so fun and rewarding to be a part of Des Moines these days. … Read more
The phrase “I don’t care” is often used to give permission. It may be splitting hairs to talk about this phrase, but this blog has often been picky about the words that we use. Words are important. Three points, in order from least subtle to most subtle: Use great caution when frustrated. I once witnessed … Read more
Sometimes people feel disconnected from us, because we come off as “too busy.” Good news – there are three words that can reverse this dysfunction. A piece of equipment went missing, and I wasn’t told about it. I found out accidentally a few weeks later, that this $75 piece of equipment had been lost or … Read more
An earlier post discussed the perils of the use of the word “don’t”. “Don’t” is negative, and can also be dismissive. It is direct (that’s good) and easy (that’s why it’s frequently used). There’s a nice alternative, though, that can quickly lay out both the non-desirable behavior, and the preferred: “Instead of…” Use this phrase … Read more
Hannah was a young person volunteering at a community dinner. She sure seemed like she didn’t want to be there. She was listening to her iPod and had earbuds in both ears as she served peas to the public. She was surrounded by about twenty adult volunteers.
At one point, Harold, one of the adult volunteers, finally said something. He scowled, and