Are you familiar with deepfakes? These are manipulated videos using AI technology to make a person appear to do or say something they did not, and they are more than just convincingly believable – it takes active disbelief in what your eyes are seeing to know that some deepfakes are in fact, fake. And deepfakeContinue reading “Using the “Whoa Test” in Everyday Conversations”
Category Archives: Communication
Banquet, Potluck, and Thanksgiving Models of Leadership
While the Thanksgiving holiday here in the US has a controversial history and our cultural retelling of it is inaccurate, the traditional Thanksgiving meal can help us reflect on how we lead others. This week seems an appropriate time to revisit the ideas of Banquet Leadership, Potluck Leadership, and the hybrid model we call Thanksgiving Leadership. If you’veContinue reading “Banquet, Potluck, and Thanksgiving Models of Leadership”
Keeping Questions Casual
Here in the US, it’s the spookiest time of year. No, not Halloween… Election season! I wonder if you too have been receiving emails (or texts) with calls for immediate action, and questions like “Why haven’t you [donated/called/supported]?!” The uptick in demands – from both sides of the political spectrum – is always alarming duringContinue reading “Keeping Questions Casual”
“Zinnias Make Great Listeners” – Who are Your Zinnias?
What was the last high-stakes conversation you initiated? How prepared did you feel going into it? Perhaps this was delivering performance evaluations to team members, or maybe it was applying for a new job, or something entirely different. Such conversations can be as daunting as playing a musical instrument in front of an audience, deliveringContinue reading ““Zinnias Make Great Listeners” – Who are Your Zinnias?”
Stop Solving Problems! The Value of Wondering and Asking
When you were young, did you listen to the radio and hope your favorite song would come on because it was the only way to hear it? Did you go to a Blockbuster Video with options of movies to rent because you knew your first choice might be out? During dinner table conversations, did youContinue reading “Stop Solving Problems! The Value of Wondering and Asking”
Idiosyncracy Credits: The Currency to Stand Out from the Group?
I sunburn easily. So when I forgot to bring sun protection for an all-day outdoor program I was leading in hot sun last year, I asked if anyone I was working with had an extra hat I could borrow. They did, and I had two choices – a wooly winter hat or a large strawContinue reading “Idiosyncracy Credits: The Currency to Stand Out from the Group?”
Claiming Space and Creating Space
How often are you talked over by someone in a meeting? How often do you talk over someone else? How often do you find yourself listening to someone go on and on, with no real entry point to offer your own thoughts? How often would others say the same about you? Now think about aContinue reading “Claiming Space and Creating Space”
Why You Might Choose to be Translucent (Not Transparent!)
If you’ve worked for any length of time in a large organization in a position other than the very highest level of leadership, you’ve probably experienced being informed of – if not blindsided by – decisions made by others that effect your day-to-day work. You may have left that day wondering why you were notContinue reading “Why You Might Choose to be Translucent (Not Transparent!)”
How to Move Forward with a Difficult Coworker
Many things can contribute to work being challenging, but most of us have had at least one experience where the people you work with make or break your experience. Sometimes a coworker or manager can really add to your experience and you’re grateful to be working with them – if so, great! Other times youContinue reading “How to Move Forward with a Difficult Coworker”
“I Have No Opinion About This…”
Divisiveness is part of life in the 21st century in a way that it never has been before. The rise of the internet has led to an increase in tribalism – for better and for worse. It’s easier than ever to find people who share your experiences and your interests. Forty years ago most peopleContinue reading ““I Have No Opinion About This…””
Building Bridges Leadership 