Author: Beth Wonson
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Is Venting an Effective Tool?
“But Beth,” you may be thinking, “if venting is a toxic, unproductive activity, why do I feel so much better after I vent?” Here is the tricky part. For a short period of time after you vent about something, you may feel a sensation of relief. But that relief is temporary and before long, you…
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Disagreeing Better
It isn’t easy to engage with curiosity and empathy when you feel like your beliefs, values, freedoms, and future is at stake. I know this for a fact because, like you, I’m human. And as humans, our physiology is wired to drive us into protection mode when we feel threatened or at risk. So it takes…
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The Risk of Unspokens
Unspokens are your truths showing up as words, phrases, and fully formed thoughts but instead of speaking them aloud, you hold them in just keep thinking about them. Often, we hold onto them because we don’t want to upset or offend anyone, or we fear being vulnerable. However, when we withhold what we’re thinking, it…
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Have Gossip in the Workplace?
The act of gossiping is a pretty neutral activity. It is the intention behind gossip that makes it a positive or negative. For instance, sometimes it is through gossip that communities are spurred into action to help out someone in need. Through gossip we can learn about ourselves, our values, and what choices or actions…
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How Strategic Dialogue Strengthens Organizations
Many people rise to leadership based on their ability to do the work of the organization well. The downfall of many organizations can be attributed to those same people not developing skillfulness in strategic dialogue. By teaching strategic dialogue skills, you are building an organization that will navigate change effectively, deal with challenges and adversity…
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Transforming Negative Stories (Part 3 of 3)
This is the final installment in the 3-part series, “Understanding and Transforming Negative Stories”. In week one we looked at the three classic stories: victim, villain, and hero. In week two I shared specific self-coaching steps to isolate and turn around your own negative stories as you experience them. In this installment you’ll learn to…
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Identifying and Reframing Negative Stories (Part 2 of 3)
This week you will learn how to recognize and isolate those stories within yourself. By asking yourself these self-coaching questions and reflecting on your answers, you can gain a better understanding of the stories you tell yourself and how they may be affecting your ability to take action and grow.
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Stories That Prevent Growth And Development (Part 1 of 3)
I believe that if you want to be in a healthy relationship (at work or home) that is mutually enriching while building trust and a deep connection sustained over time, it is essential to recognize negative stories. Learn to catch yourself, and stop relying on them to bring you out of discomfort. Real change comes…
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Building Your Feedback Muscle
Getting comfortable giving and receiving feedback is one of the most valuable endeavors you can undertake for success – not only in business, but in everyday life. Despite the value of feedback, we fail to spend time learning and practicing this incredible tool. Despite the value of effective feedback, it remains the most underutilized tool…
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Is Founder’s Syndrome Holding You Back?
Founder’s Syndrome is a term to describe the difficulty organizations or companies face when the founder(s) strives to maintain control or a disproportionate amount of power and influence. Founder’s Syndrome can prevent an organization from growing and transforming when external factors and internal needs require it. The same characteristics that gave the founder the energy and…