Many professionals, whether in business, academics, military, government, or non-profit organizations have taken personality or personal style assessments that give them a snapshot of their general characteristics. In today’s affirming environment, some assessments focus only on our strengths, which is important because all too often we obsess about our weakness or shortcomings. Being aware of …
Although we’ve always recognized the power of stories, over the last several years, we have become aware of how storytelling with a purpose can be an important leadership tool for aligning and motivating others. While charts, graphs, statistics, and facts validate one’s credibility, thoroughness, and hard work, stories give life to the data and can …
Gift giving is essentially about establishing and maintaining relationships. We give gifts to acknowledge someone’s life (birthday), accomplishment (graduation), new beginnings (baby) and many other reasons for celebrations or sometimes even condolences. Even when we give obligatory gifts, such as a holiday present to Aunt Emily whom we rarely see but who expects a gift), …
No matter how hard you try to create a safe, egalitarian atmosphere in your workplace, you are still the boss or, at the very least, a major influencer. When people realize this fact, what they say to you becomes delivered through that lens. Surprised that you never hear bad news until it’s too late? Don’t …
Teams typically outperform individuals because they benefit from the team’s collective IQ as well as a variety of backgrounds, viewpoints, skill sets, and perspectives. Ideally, teams make everyone feel that he or she has a voice in outcomes, thereby democratizing organizations, enhancing the learning process, and inspiring commitment. However, we may have been on dysfunctional …
Five Techniques for Successful Team Communication Read More »
Beverly Langford appearing on Connie Whitman’s Architect of Change. These three elements play a huge role in how we communicate at work, in meetings , and in one-on-one conversations. These elements of our individual personas influence how others perceive us in our work environments. To listen and find out, you will be transferred to Connie’s web site. …
Beverly Langford appearing on Connie Whitman’s Architect of Change. Having trouble getting your manager’s attention and approval for your good ideas? Here are some guidelines for making sure that your message gets through. To listen and find out, you will be transferred to Connie’s web site. Once there, click on “Download Episode” to listen. Press …
WebTalkRadio – How To Speak so Your Boss will Listen Read More »
In today’s flatter, team-based organizations, you must successfully engage others in order to benefit from their expertise and advice. However, in our aggressive, largely individualistic culture, we recognize that other people may be turf protective and reluctant to share information that appears to give another person an advantage. How, then, do we encourage others to …
Largely, we live in a winner-take-all society. An NFL team can battle its way through a grueling regular season and intense playoffs and still be tagged a loser for coming up short in the Super Bowl. In the workplace, many businesses draw heavily on sports metaphors to encourage the “thrill of victory and the agony …
Internal Competition: Business Booster or Morale Buster? Read More »
