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Defining the Conversation: Creating Space for Questions and Action
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In the last post, we talked about how questions aren’t always an attack — that curiosity can be a bridge, not a barrier.But sometimes, even healthy curiosity can feel like it’s slowing things down. You’ve probably been there: the team’s deep into a project, decisions have been made, and someone circles back with a…
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Questions Aren’t an Attack
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Do you ever feel yourself tense up when someone on your team starts to ask a question?Maybe there’s that one person who always has something to say — and you can feel your shoulders rise before they even open their mouth. You’re not alone. Questions can feel threatening, especially when we’re under pressure or…
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From Judgment to Curiosity: A Shift That Changes Everything
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Curiosity is more than just a trait—it’s a mindset that shapes how we engage with the world, innovate, and connect. When we choose curiosity over judgment, defensiveness, or assumptions, we: When we enter conversations with curiosity rather than expectation or animosity, we give ourselves a head start on connection, clarity, and problem-solving. Here are…
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From Tools to Traits: What Makes a Great Supervisor?
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We’ve talked a lot about tools for leadership. But no matter how effective your tools are, they’re only as powerful as the person using them. The best supervisors aren’t just process-driven—they’re people-centered. What truly sets great supervisors apart? It starts with: These traits build trust, psychological safety, and motivation—all crucial for engaged, high-performing teams.…
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The Link Between Burnout and Leadership
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I’ve been talking about Burnout and workplace toxicity, but the reality is that burnout doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it often reflects how organizations are led. While individual self-care is vital, systemic change begins at the top. Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the emotional climate, workload balance, and sense of purpose within their…
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Toxic Work Environments Fuel Burnout — Here’s How to Spot One
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Burnout doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It often takes root in environments where dysfunction is normalized — where pressure is high, support is low, and psychological safety is nonexistent. In other words: burnout is often a symptom of a toxic workplace. Toxic environments aren’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes they hide behind high performance,…
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Burnout Isn’t a Personal Problem. It’s an Organizational One.
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When burnout shows up, the first instinct is often to tell people to “practice more self-care.” But as Christina Maslach, one of the foremost burnout researchers, has made clear: Burnout is a sign of a broken system – not a broken person. It’s not about resilience workshops, yoga at lunch, or better time-blocking. It’s…
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Let’s Talk About Burnout
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Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s a real, measurable experience that affects performance, health, and team culture — and it often shows up quietly before it becomes overwhelming. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) – a widely used research-backed tool – identifies three core dimensions of burnout: Many leaders don’t recognize the signs until…
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Encouragement That Works: From Strengths to Stretch
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If you’re having a hard time identifying what to encourage, take a step back from specific outcomes and start with strengths. Engage your team in discovering what energizes them. Tools like DISC, MBTI, and the Enneagram can help individuals understand their wiring – and give leaders clearer insight into what to recognize and nurture.…
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The Power of Encouragement
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Strategic Encouragement: The Secret to Sustainable High Performance It’s easy to focus on performance, outcomes, and accountability—and unintentionally miss opportunities for positive reinforcement. But encouragement isn’t just about being nice. It’s a strategic leadership tool that directly impacts trust, engagement, and psychological safety. How you lead matters just as much as what you say.…