Removing Barriers to Collaboration
It’s easy when we’re trying to present something new, particularly in a training environment, to be overwhelmed by all there is to know and say on the subject. In fact, I’m often asked by trainers, “How do I cover all the information I have to share in the limited time I have?” I usually answer [...]
Have you ever felt ‘stuck’ in a conversation with three or more people that just wasn’t going anywhere? People are droning on and on about this and that, leaving you bored and wishing you could just slip away? This is an all too familiar social situation – we’ve all been there and, chances are, we’re [...]
Once we “become” something, like a facilitator, coach, teacher, consultant, trainer, counselor, therapist, minister, or a member of any number of the “helping” professions, I believe that something very good and something not so good begins to happen. As we delve into our new field, our understanding and expertise deepen, but at the same time, [...]
One of the most challenging things for us to deal with as facilitators is the “difficult” participant. I’m sure you’ve all experienced this either as a member or leader of a group. You know the kind of person I’m talking about. He’s the one who keeps interrupting the group to ramble incessantly on some seemingly [...]
Like most people, I was never able to draw very well…just stick figures and scribbles. Then in my 20′s, I picked up a brilliant book called Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. It very simply taught me to see things differently when I drew. And seemingly overnight, I was able to produce, what [...]
It’s inspiring to see the free exchange of ideas among employees; no idea is put down, and no one feels intimidated. It takes years to create and sustain this type of organizational environment. This is the burden of leadership, to help sustain the creative and innovative organizational environment. Creativity is a key part of a [...]
I was giving a seminar on coaching and communication skills when the subject of emotional expression as a professional came up. This group of women who work with parents of children with special needs, are often touched emotionally by their client’s stories. They questioned the appropriateness of expressing their feelings in the work setting. I [...]
Before we discuss the illegitimate reasons people meet, let’s start with a quick review of useful reasons to meet. To manage(one-way communication…the leader seeks action) To build and inspire action and commitment. To gain support for an idea or project. To enhance internal alignment(build team spirit…who) Team Building—to create identity, collaborative spirit, and clarify responsibilities [...]
Perhaps the shortest correspondence in history occurred in 1862 when author Victor Hugo left on vacation after submitting his manuscript Les Miserables to his publisher. After some time away and wondering how his book was doing, he sent the following letter to his publisher: “?” His publisher replied in kind with: “!” The context I [...]
We hear a lot today about the importance of innovation in our enterprises. We’re called to distinguish ourselves from the background noise of the status quo. Once the majority catch on to the current trend and begin to replicate it, change is required once again. This is the process of evolution at work in the [...]
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