Last week Learning Through Difference, LLC and I had cause for big celebration. A major client had reached a tentative agreement in their big-deal contract negotiation. I was thrilled with the team and couldn't have been prouder of them for the outcome they reached. As we entered the last day of our negotiations together, I … Continue reading Complexities of Collaboration
Category: Workplace Conflict
Conflict…and the Ostrich
Earlier today I was trolling Facebook for inspiration. I know, I know, there are probably MANY better places than Facebook to find inspiration but there I was...you just never know right? While cat videos and recipe demonstrations don't tend to make inspire, a recent video of an emu and ostrich reacting to a "weasel ball" … Continue reading Conflict…and the Ostrich
Think of a Conflict…
"Think of a conflict that's on your mind right now. It can be anything but let me warn you, we'll probably talk about the conflict in this workshop, and this isn't group therapy. Maybe don't choose the biggest baddest thing you have on your mind..." I often start my workshops with a question like this, … Continue reading Think of a Conflict…
Millennial Madness
Yesterday during a community workshop I hosted, the challenges of working with and managing millennials came up as a specific conflict at one table. We were exploring the idea of conflict styles and whether/how our natural styles for managing conflict were working (or not working) for the variety of people in the room and their … Continue reading Millennial Madness
When Your (Relational) Pipes Leak, Who do You Call?
When you have a problem with your pipes, you call a plumber. When you have a problem with your colleagues, neighbor, spouse, etc., who do you call?
White Elephants, Capuchens, and Human Behavior
When you receive a gift, what do you expect? Given the wrapping etc. most gifts are a surprise but that doesn't mean we don't have certain expectations for them. We hope for something thoughtful, useful, or beautiful. We hope to not have to feign gratitude over something we immediately can't wait to get rid of. … Continue reading White Elephants, Capuchens, and Human Behavior
Microagressions: “Don’t be an ignorant Jerk.”
Do you ever have those moments when someone says an off handed comment that just doesn't sit right? Your first response may be to laugh along with the joke or smile, nod, and move on, but the comment sticks with you and makes you uncomfortable. These moments are also examples of microagressions, everyday comments and … Continue reading Microagressions: “Don’t be an ignorant Jerk.”