Chocolate or vanilla? Which ice cream would you choose? Many of us would know our answer (even if it’s “I want non-dairy” or “no ice cream for me”). But of course, sometimes choices aren’t so easy to make – and sometimes, a choice isn’t a choice after all – it’s a responsibility, a commitment, orContinue reading “When a Choice is Not a Choice…”
Category Archives: Attention
A Real-Life Takeaway from Recent Events
What’s something you’ve heard a colleague or co-worker say recently that has impressed you – or maybe even inspired you? What are some small actions you’ve seen someone take – maybe someone in customer service – that have left you feeling just a little brighter about your day? In the last couple of weeks thereContinue reading “A Real-Life Takeaway from Recent Events”
The Untapped Potential of Commuting by Public Transport
“You’ve tried unplugging everything and plugging it back in, right?” the perplexed guy sitting across the table from me on the high-speed train asked into his earbuds. “I mean, it all worked when I left the studio half an hour ago.” Lots of pauses, and putting his hands to his frustrated face. “I know –Continue reading “The Untapped Potential of Commuting by Public Transport”
Stop, Collaborate and Listen
In recognition of the July 4th holiday here in the US, Building Bridges Leadership is taking a few days off, but you may want to read our now-traditional early-July article, How Is Your Team Like a Fireworks Display?, or alternatively revisit the post below, originally posted in early July, 2020, with slight updates below. Re-readingContinue reading “Stop, Collaborate and Listen”
Leading People in a Time of Distraction
Photo credit: Mike Stewart/AP How often are you taking part in (or leading) a meeting but finding it hard to concentrate because of something happening in the wider world? How often have you noticed someone else in the meeting suddenly disappear – mentally, if not physically? With news feeling like drinking from a firehose theseContinue reading “Leading People in a Time of Distraction”
A Moment of Rudeness
There’s a moment I think about almost every day, which I’ve never told anyone. In some ways it’s a small everyday moment, and I don’t like to think about it much – but it comes to mind often as I’m interacting with other people, and I find it both confronting and helpful, personally and professionally.Continue reading “A Moment of Rudeness”
Napping… at Work? How a Short Siesta Can Boost Productivity
When you have a few free moments during the work day, what do you do? Do you get fresh air? Text a friend? Close your eyes and meditate? Stretch your muscles? In the past we’ve posted about the Pomodoro Technique, which suggests that after each 25 minute stretch of focused work, you would be wellContinue reading “Napping… at Work? How a Short Siesta Can Boost Productivity”
Five Years On: Honoring Covid “Anniversary Reactions”
Have you found yourself reflecting on “five years ago…” this week? I have been part of several conversations about this, and overheard others. Coronavirus cases first appeared around the world in late 2019. For many readers in the Western world, however, the most direct impacts began in March 2020 – with lockdowns and other sweepingContinue reading “Five Years On: Honoring Covid “Anniversary Reactions””
What is Ethical Fading?
Ethical fading is the social phenomenon in which people or organizations gradually lose sight of – or subconsciously self-deceive themselves out of seeing – their inherent moral framework, and take actions increasingly inconsistent with their values. Over the course of your career, how many times have you found yourself uncomfortable with the way your employersContinue reading “What is Ethical Fading?”
The Big Role of Small Talk
How is your day going? Are you following all the news about the fires in Los Angeles? Awful, right? How about where you are – How’s the weather? And how’s your family? You’ve probably heard (or asked) some version of these questions in the last week – either at the beginning of a meeting, orContinue reading “The Big Role of Small Talk”
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