Mindfulness in Practice
Many of us who are coaches, consultants, and facilitators have been taught the importance of being aware of who we are and how we impact a room. We have been told about the difference between “being” and “doing.” The notion of “use of self” has been a central tenant of our respective professions. Though we [...]
The Secret to Resolving Conflict
In a recent article entitled “Playing the Blame Game,” Ralfee Finn wrote that “…opposites can also be seen as complements, especially when we are willing to synthesize what separates and divides through understanding and reconciliation.” This is a wonderful notion and one to which I subscribe. I see many conflicts created when people frame a [...]
Who Else Wants Good Relationships With Colleagues?
What’s in a Word? Recently I was working with two colleagues, Joe and Daniel. They had been friendly and had worked well together for close to two years, but their relationship had suddenly turned sour and was affecting the entire office. Their boss called me to ask if I might help. I embarked on a [...]
Meeting Facilitation: When Less is More
One of the great lessons I have learned as a facilitator is that the less I do in the room, the better a meeting goes. Seems odd, right? But when my partner, Tom Kornbluh, and I teach our seminar “Standing in the Eye of the Storm,” we ask our participants what their greatest fear is [...]
Communication 101: Getting the Work Done Vs. People Liking You
Another title for this article could be: “I Don’t Care if They Like Me, I Have to Get the Work Done.” Really?? You have probably heard the refrain: It’s not what you said, it’s how you said it. Many a manager I have met has told me, “My job is not to have people like [...]