Turning Conflict Into Collaboration

Even in healthy conflict, if what you want to express is left unsaid because you’re not comfortable saying it, it simmers and eventually boils over. The outcome can be far worse than if it had been discussed immediately. And over time, those simmering, suppressed thoughts can be misdirected and come out sideways as sarcasm, blaming, shaming, gossip, manipulation, avoidance, or other unproductive communication behaviors. And this is what turns a potentially healthy conflict into an unhealthy conflict.

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How Not to Suck at Communication

When your amygdala senses that any of those things are risk, it activates the most primitive parts of your brain to react with fight or flight. Even when the most evolved and empowering next step would be to seek understanding. If you want to not suck at difficult communication, the solution is to develop a practice that allows you to manage yourself and become adept at hacking the primitive reaction.

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6 Strategies for Creating A Culture of Communication

Giving employees an opportunity to have their voice heard, especially when the dialogue is challenging, is critically important for retention. When employees feel heard, building a culture of trust is easier.

When employees feel they have no voice, they are more likely to say nothing, then resign or miss work. Both of these consequences have significant costs in terms of dollars, time and success.

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5 Qualities of a Successful Generalist

There’s a popular theory that success requires individuals to become experts in a specific niche. The truth is that with the complexity of the challenges facing organizations and the advancement of artificial intelligence and automation, the way to stay relevant and valuable is to be a curious learner and develop knowledge in a range of topics.

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How I Turned Around my Leadership Success

When I was working in a leadership position, I grew frustrated with the drama and chaos of misunderstandings and bad communication. I experienced how traditional leadership skills were failing the mission and goals of my organization.

There had to be a better way, an easier way, to manage people and achieve our goals.

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Beth Wonson
How Does Being Adaptable Make You Invaluable?

It’s true, more than ever, that employees who resist or fear change are becoming obsolete — regardless of what position you hold. Being adaptable is having the ability to be flexible to be flexible in handling change, multiple demands, and reworking ideas or approaches — and it’s extremely valuable to businesses. 


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Beth Wonson
5 Steps for Defusing Frustration

Frustration can be paralyzing or cloud our ability to get on with our day. Instead of becoming frustrated, angry, or feeling defeated when you notice a reaction brewing in you, you can choose to, instead, be fascinated. Being fascinated takes us out of potential feelings of shame and guilt that can amplify our reaction. Learn the 5 Steps ...

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Beth Wonson
The 3 Kinds of Business

I learned a saying several years ago that prepared me for this journey. The introduction to the saying for me was Byron Katie, however I’m sure it has been attributed to many places. It goes like this:

There are three kinds of business in the world - my business, your business, and the Universe’s business. Whenever I’m anywhere other than in my business, I’m in the wrong place.

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