Please let me explain… Today, I was asked, “How do we return to pre-COVID culture and practices?” My quick answer was, “We don’t, and we won’t…it is all slightly different now.” However, that doesn’t mean the magic (in reference to culture and service to clients) of the past is gone; it just means it is…
This past week, Black River had the opportunity to spend some time in Alaska working with two different clients. Angie led a multi-day board of directors retreat for one client at an off-site location. The retreat included team building, capacity building, and strategy work. It also included structured time outside work for adventure, reflection, and…
It is incredible how a leader’s mere presence can impact team dynamics. During my travels these past few months, I visited several great places. The caliber of the facilities was top-notch, matching the impeccable service. However, there was one exception. One morning, I went for breakfast and was surprised by the dismal quality of energy…
The following is an excerpt of the message I sent to my graduate Motivation class this week; I received positive feedback and a request to share it with others. So here you go! In my Contemporary Theories of Motivation course, students learn about the theoretical underpinnings of what I consider the most salient motivation research…
A few times a year I get contacted specifically for conflict resolution/mediation services because a group reports that they have no other options but to bring in an outside party to mediate a situation. The following is my typical response to the question as the difference matters, considerably. First and foremost, I am not certified…
As I wrap up my holiday blog season on the gift of feedback, I want to draw attention to a significant factor as it relates to our ability to accept feedback. However, prior to doing that, think back to a time when you received a “gift” that you did not like or even want. Regardless of the event, I think we have all been disappointed at some point in our life by receiving a gift that wasn’t truly aligned with our expectations (you might have wanted a golf club, but instead received a pair of slippers; wanted jewelry but received a kitchen appliance; received a yellow gold diamond ring, but wanted white gold (yes, I’ve learned the hard way).
There is no doubt that some types of feedback can really rattle us. It can cut to the core, even though we know it was necessary. The following is a support solution Angie and I established for our household. Whether it is warranted critical feedback, or not, our approach could be helpful to others. Feedback…
If climbing a mountain is more desirable than providing a person with difficult feedback, you are not alone. Feedback is one of the most valuable culture and behavior-supporting actions leaders, and co-workers can provide to one another. However, providing meaningful and accurate feedback is not always easy, especially in instances when we must provide difficult…
Providing clear and specific feedback is one of the most difficult tasks an employee encounters. Here we explore how to begin to minimize the stress and increase the impact of these difficult conversations.
Have you ever wondered why you might not be able to find the ideal candidates for your postings? Or, perhaps more accurately, you think you found the ideal candidate but over time they fizzle out? Setting aside the present churn we are seeing in the workplace, if you have had problems securing and maintaining candidates…