Even the most plugged-in leaders get it wrong sometimes. This fact was driven home to me the other day as I listened in on a phone conference led by a regional manager named Pete who manages a group of customer service teams spread across the northern half of the United States. My purpose in joining the…
Workplace Dynamics
What Bugs Us At Work
I heard a great review on NPR the other day of a book called Annoying: The Science of What Bugs Us. The book covers the science of why things like loud cell phone conversations and fingernails on a chalkboard are universally annoying to us. As I listened, I realized that a big part of my…
Does Your Office Have Food Issues?
Where’s your office food hub? Perhaps it’s a co-worker’s jelly bean dispenser, or a candy dish filled with treats at your company reception desk. It may even be an actual table where people drop off treats they bring in from home. Most offices several “go to” areas for people seeking a little socializing and/or noshing….
Office Politics CAN Be Positive
Later this week I’ll be speaking with the Grand Rapids Area Professionals for Excellence on the topic of Office Politics. It’s sure to be a lively event, as nearly everyone I encounter with has a story about colleagues maneuvering in some Machiavellian way to gain power, recognition or some form of “currency”. We love to…
Doing Things the Hard Way
Workplace Interactions Aren’t Always as “Easy” as They Seem When was the last time you faced a tough choice when deciding how to respond to a co-worker? Chances are it wasn’t very long ago. Tricky interpersonal situations crop up all the time. As you consider your options, no doubt some choices seem easier to make…