I have someone in my life whose behavior is confusing, inconsistent, and honestly, kind of emotionally charged. How do you figure out what’s actually driving someone like that instead of just reacting to whatever they did five minutes ago?
How can I respond when staff bring me a “Crucial Conversation” that turns into unproductive venting about work issues—some of which are within my control, and others that are not? Is there a way to redirect those conversations so they’re more constructive?
My boss talks a lot about creating psychological safety, but honestly, I feel uncomfortable in a lot of our conversations. They feel awkward, sometimes tense, and not very safe. How do I deal with what feels like hypocrisy from my her?
Almost twenty years ago, I walked into what was then called VitalSmarts as a wide-eyed intern, fresh out of college, convinced I had somehow tricked the company into hiring me.
I struggle to use GTD consistently. When I do, it’s helpful, but then I’ll lose lists or I forget to capture and clarify. I feel like maybe it’s just not a fit for me. Any tips for making this stuff stick?
How do you respond when someone labels or insults people for voting for a specific candidate—for example, implying they’re immoral or unintelligent? This approach often shuts down discussion and discourages people from speaking up to avoid conflict.
I have a coworker that I just can’t stand. He is good at his job, but I struggle to get along with him because he’s so opinionated and narrow-minded. He has an opinion about everything and can’t fathom any other viewpoint. I’d rather go to the dentist than be in a meeting with him. What am I supposed to do? Should I have a conversation with him about it or just let it go?
The political climate feels overwhelming, and I often hear strong opinions at work that don’t align with mine. I value Crucial Conversations and know the skills can help, but I also feel vulnerable and unsure whether discussion of politics belongs in the workplace. Is it okay to stay silent without damaging relationships or credibility? How do I find the right balance between authenticity and self-protection?
I am working on my skill set of leading others. This is new to me, so I’m trying to learn how to give effective feedback on their work. I worry that I won’t be helpful, or worse, they’ll get defensive and I will lose future opportunities to give feedback. Any suggestions?
When my coworker follows up on my projects, I usually answer fine. But sometimes I get the sense that he’s checking up on me and checking my work, and I lose patience and lash out at him. How can I deal with this situation?
