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a collection of ideas, reflections, and resources
Using the 5 languages of appreciation
We tend to communicate with others using style norms that come most naturally to us—direct vs. indirect, people-focused vs. fact-focused, etc. While not inherently good or bad, our ability to effectively communicate and truly connect with colleagues improves when...
How to solicit actionable feedback
Inviting others to help us uncover blind spots is one of the best ways to increase self-awareness and expedite growth. But it's hard. It can feel scary and humbling, and most often frustrating. Not frustrating because of the feedback provided, but because of the lack...
What gets recognized gets repeated
Though free and immensely impactful, giving thoughtful praise is one of the most untapped management resources out there. Let's change that. Giving meaningful positive feedback boosts employee engagement and performance—what gets recognized, gets repeated. On...
Better group brainstorming
How readily do your employees speak up in meetings? I mean ALL team members, not just the few who comfortably share great (and even not so great) ideas often. Unfortunately, simply asking the team to "share their thoughts" doesn't always ensure we'll hear all their...
What not to do when work gets hard
This week's Two-Minute Tip addresses a classic "what not to do" scenario. Don't worry, I offer some key "what to do instead" insights as well. Like many of the tips, this one was inspired by a recent client conversation and amplified with a personal experience. It...
A better way to give employee feedback
As a leader, providing feedback to your team is an essential part of your role. However, doing it poorly can backfire. This quick analogy illustrates a different approach to giving feedback—one that exercises the power of asking them to go first. Instead of eagerly...
The business case for reflection
If you like to move fast and question the benefits of pausing for reflection, I get you. I'm the same way. But the two research studies I share in this video have shifted my perspective, and they might just do the same to you. It's hard to believe, but slowing down...
Year-end roundup: four reflection exercises
2020 has been quite the year. Whether yours overflowed with bright spots or unexpected hardships (or both), there's no question that it was filled with new experiences. Rather than hastily rush into a new year, I encourage you to spend time reflecting on and learning...
A strategic planning process that actually works
It’s that time of year for your team’s annual strategic planning meeting. While incredibly important, many of your team members likely dread strategic planning meetings because of a few common challenges. Let’s see which ones plague your team through a quick round of...
Two must-ask questions
Stepping into a new, challenging situation—new job, role, project, relationship—can feel stressful. A common response is to create a long mental list of the things we should and shouldn't do in order to be successful. Unfortunately, attempting to monitor and follow...
5 activities to make Zoom meetings fun again
Zoom fatigue is real. Can I get an amen?! Connecting through screens is beginning to wear on us, and yet it’s often the only way to connect. Do you dread team meetings right now? If so, it’s time to inject some fun—time to creatively build team connection. Without...
Leadership advice from a kindergartener
Thanks to quarantine, this week's Two-Minute Tip is brought to you by my five-year-old as she shares some thoughts on effective leadership, based on her classroom experience with the incredible Mrs. Gormley. With a focus on how to effectively teach employees new...
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