Advice for transforming leadership, culture, Curiosity, and communication from Beth Wonson
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A board refresh session can help address any issues or challenges the board may be facing, such as disengagement, lack of new members, or the need for professional leadership. By bringing in an outside expert, your organization gets fresh perspectives and insights. I facilitate discussions and activities that encourage board members to reflect on their roles, responsibilities, and contributions. Together, we identify areas where the board can improve and provide guidance on how to effectively utilize the skills and expertise of its members.
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Shifting a Culture of Venting
If you recognize that venting has become a go-to strategy for stress relief, it is likely that relationships may be suffering along with your own wellness. As a leader, manager, or teammate, we each have a responsibility to notice the role of venting and do our best to shift it. Here are a few of my recommendations.
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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 will feel compelled to vent again.
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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 intentionality and practice to be present with curiosity and empathy. Why is disagreement healthy?
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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 festers. And within that festering, people experience emotional hotspots.
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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 we might take. But when gossip is used to manipulate a situation or circumstances it can have a very negative impact on lives, relationships, and workplace culture.
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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 thoughtfully, and innovate in ways that support the mission.
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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 take positive action based on what you discovered doing the practice from last week.
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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 when you choose to be empowered to use our own unique strengths, talents, and expertise.
Leveling up Leadership and Culture Through Healthy and Candid Communication
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