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When is Conflict Productive?

When you think of conflict, what are the words you usually associate with it? Fighting, anger, discomfort, hostility? Webster defines conflict as competitive or opposing action of incompatibles: antagonistic state or action (as of divergent ideas, interests, or persons); mental struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs, drives, wishes, or external or internal demands; the…

Power in One – 3rd in series

Mental models are the way we see the world. Our brains develop models to make sense of the environment. Our mental models are a compilation of assumptions, our understanding of data and information and a way for us to take action. Mental models literally become neural pathways in our brain that shape how we naturally…

Systems Thinking Defined

“Systems Thinking is a discipline for seeing wholes. It is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing patterns of change rather than static ‘snapshots.’ ” (Peter Senge) It can also be summarized as providing the user a unique perspective on reality. For our use of systems thinking as it applies to our…

Systems Thinking and The Power in One

Today we are going to embark on a new series called “The Power in One,” in which we will discuss the ways we can use Systems Thinking to make sense and order of our complex world of work and life. The Power in One is about simplification, balance and flow. It is about taking a…

“Be the Tree” in the Spirit of Giving

When I first read the poem The Giving Tree by Shel Siverstein, it broke my heart and I never wanted to read it again. A couple of years ago, my son picked it up at the book store and wanted to buy it. Re-reading this book and being in a different place in life, I have…

Include Employees When You Give Thanks

Thanksgiving! That wonderful time of year when we pull out the sweaters, find our stretchy pants and salivate over the amazing food we are planning to share with friends and family. It’s also a time when we reflect on all of our blessings and the people we are most thankful for. As a leader, do…

Beware the Dragons!

I love to talk with children about what they plan to be when they grow up. The reason: they don’t hold back. To children, there are no obstacles. Why can’t they be a princess or fireman or ballerina or MLB player or President? If they can dream it, they can become it. So what happens…

Planning for Success

It’s that time when our summer is over and kids are back in school. Time to buckle down and get back into the workflow with a new vibrancy. Do you realize this is also the time of year when you need to be reviewing that Strategic Plan and setting the course for 2018? Your plans,…

Feeling Stuck? Mind the Gap!

I often have clients who are in a quandary because they can’t figure out why they are unable to take themselves to the next level. They seem to have done really well getting to a certain point, but beyond that they feel stuck. This creates a gap in expectations that can limit your effectiveness and…

Plan Now for 2018!

It’s that time when our summer is concluding and kids are headed back to school. Time to buckle down and get back into the workflow with a new vibrancy. Do you realize this is also the time of year when you need to be reviewing that Strategic Plan and setting the course for 2018? Your…

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