The ultimate goal of resolving differences is to reach a permanent solution. A quick fix won’t last unless it can be turned into a satisfying settlement. Given an opportunity to reflect on hastily resolved conflicts, people often admit dissatisfaction with their acceptance of a “feel good” solution. Their willingness to settle quickly is often based […]

Consider carefully what it means to “show more initiative.” Loosely defined terms like empowerment, delegation, accountability can also leave people confused and frustrated. To avoid misunderstanding use the following guidelines when discussing where to set the bar. Wait for directionExpecting people to do what they think is best is not always a good strategy when […]

The higher the level of dysfunction the more people refer to each other in disparaging terms that spawn misunderstandings and mistrust. Thoughts turn to survival rather than success until someone with gumption accepts responsibility for restoring functionally. If you’re that someone, it will be helpful to keep two things in mind: As tempting as it […]

Your mother was right about a first impression being important, but it’s not the one you want to rely upon when it comes to building a productive relationship. You really don’t get a clear sense of what another person brings to the relationship until you’ve given her or him a second and third look. At […]

Full disclosure regarding the potential downside of what lies ahead exposes everyone to the truth about the difficulties they’re about to face. More importantly, it triggers the search for new tools and new ways to make change happen. Lastly, it generates critical questions like: Once these questions are answered people will offer suggestions for how […]

Working for an incompetent boss is not without hope. What can I do, you might ask? Well, for a start you can arm yourself with a better understanding of what causes someone in a senior role to be ineffective. That way you’ll know what skills your boss is missing and which ones you’ll need to […]

While times have changed, our education system has not. We still train our prodigy to compete against each other for good grades and test-based accolades. Recognition at school becomes the basis for praise at home, thereby reinforcing the too-long-held belief that success is attained by getting ahead of your peers and staying there. When students […]