The room turned frigid as your team members haul personal conflict and stress to Thursday morning’s meeting. They grab a seat around an intimidating conference table. Body language and seat selection shout: “This is war.”
“Old timers” sit on the north side facing the “new blood.” Battle lines get drawn in the freezing winter-mix of sleet and snow. New blood brings outside news and ideas. …
Did you know 508 million people speak English? While English ranks second to Mandarin (1 billion+) it is the official language of more countries than any other language.
However, the American traveler’s opening question remains, “Do you speak English?”
Language is important
Everyday we use language to express how we feel, what we desire, or we seek understanding. We set expectations, solve problems, and…
For over 20 years, Toni’s career has moved forward. Respected for her technical expertise, she is an “outstanding contributor.” But the feedback on her people skills is another story. Relationships are strained. While “brilliant” she is seen as unapproachable. Her personal influence is restricted by impatience and no tolerance for incompetence.
How much stress do you think Toni experiences and adds to the workplace?
Workplace stress
…
How many high performers intend to stay with your company? Where will they be one year from now?
The collision between “the need to reinvest in development and a disgruntled workforce ready to jump ship,” is pending according to Chief Learning Officer.
Employee engagement can be obstructed by the expectation to do more with less, down sizing and reorganization challenges, benefit…
Two of your favorite restaurants want your feedback. “What would you add to our menu?”
You immediately dish the details of your grandmother’s Roast Chicken with Chestnut Stuffing. “Everyone loves it!” you gush.
One chef adds it to his menu. The other completely ignores you. Which restaurant just won your loyalty?
Is it any different with your employees?
A recent Talent Management Survey discovered two…
“I finally figured out how to improve employee morale,” David McInnis said to Roy Williams.
“Productivity skyrockets and everyone loves coming to work. It’s program that never fails. Works every time.”
I stood there looking at David.
He stood there looking at me.
Finally, I raised my shoulders and turned my palms upward.
Looking steadily into my eyes, David said, “Fire all the unhappy people.”
…
Simon has been identified as a “high potential” in the company. However, if he is to succeed he needs help. During a recent project update Simon said to Tim, his boss, “I don’t know what the **** I’m doing.”
“What did you do with that statement?” I asked Tim.
“I let it slide.”
When I asked Tim to explore why he didn’t engage Simon, at the time, he…
