The way we talk about our situations really does contribute to the outcome. What are your “favorite” stories and how do they help or hinder you?
Change your shoes
February 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
We can become entrenched in our attitudes and beliefs. Change viewpoints … assume you are one of your team members and watch your energy shift. If you are having difficulty with this one, find a pair of shoes that are quite different and walk around in them for a while. Symbolically this might help you shift your perspective and energy and communicate differently with your team members.
Today’s blog is based on the 4 of diamonds, a communications teamwork tip from our Teamwork Explorer.
Go on a story walk
February 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment
I was inspired to read about Hubspot’s CEO, Brian Halligan, who takes employees on off site “story walks” to build trust and organizational culture.
Gnarly roots
February 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
While out walking on the beach a month ago, I ran across this fallen tree with the most amazing gnarly roots. It reminded me of the complexity of interpersonal communications on some teams. We sometimes need a lot of patience to unravel issues and get back on the same page.
Everything is just fine …
February 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
I’m teaching a teams workshop with the University of Alberta today, and inevitably someone talks about being on a team that goes sideways. What I find fascinating is that most times people know something has been brewing but thought it would just “blow over.” Trust me, it never does. It takes courage to surface issues and may feel uncomfortable but that is a whole lot better than dealing with the broken trust that happens after things blow up.
Leading through happiness 3
February 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The third happiness practise focuses on taking the time daily to notice what others around you are doing that contribute something to your quality of life (work life included) and acknowledging them. It’s amazing how this practise helps me “get out of myself.”
The Extravert/Introvert Conundrum
February 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Today’s blog is inspired by the sometimes complex interactions between extraverts and introverts and a most hilarious clip from Big Bang Theory. Enjoy!
Feedback is like oxygen …
January 30, 2013 By 3 Comments
“So what have you learned from doing this 30 day challenge and what’s next?” asked my friend and gifted visual recorder colleague Lisa.
“Well, let me think.” Long pause.
“That you need feedback!” Dave exclaimed.
“I do not!” As that would be needy. Another long pause. “Well maybe a little …”
“Why don’t you use your 30th blog to ask people for some feedback?” Lisa quickly sketched out today’s visual. (Thank you Lisa!)
And so I am, but with some hesitancy, because of course what if the feedback is not what I want? I hear the adult educator in me coaching the oodles of learners with whom I have worked over the years urging them to put feedback in perspective and learn from it, blah, blah, blah …
And as for what’s next, I have already decided I am going for another 30 days as something seems to be happening for me (more on that tomorrow when I list more of what I have learned.)
Unlike my other attempts at blogging, I LOVE doing this. In fact, I would rather do this than any other work I need to do to make a living. Gulp …
Being curious
January 27, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Yesterday I blogged about an amazing group of people who are making great things happen in Victoria. The word that came up over and over throughout the day was curious, and I observed that this was a pretty curious group and that their curiosity led to some amazing results. The room also buzzed with excitement and energy. This doesn’t always happen when we work with groups. Sometimes we spend a lot of time trying to chip away at the brick walls in people’s minds. What’s your curiosity quotient and how does that impact the teams you work on?
Being Vulnerable – Part III
January 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Sunday and Monday I blogged about Patrick Lencioni’s 2010 book, Getting Naked, and the first two fears that block consultants from building client relationships and loyalty. The third and final is fear of feeling inferior which leads to consultants putting their own needs before the client. The remedies are to honour the client’s work, make everything about the client, do the dirty work, and take a bullet for the client.
