Engaging Play

How will you create bridges across the divides we are all experiencing?

I love the idea of using story telling to grow connection in a team. Stories share vulnerability and help open a window into someone’s life. For more tips about growing connection, communication, and collaboration for better team effectiveness, connect with me at [email protected]

Tuesday Tip! This weekend, I participated in a fantastic workshop called “How not to Ruin Thanksgiving”. The other title put forth by Resetting the Table’s facilitator, Rebecca Powell, was “Building Dialogue and Deliberation Across Divides”. Here’s a startling fact: A recent 5,000-person survey by Oddspedia found that one in six Americans has ended or considered ending a relationship because of political differences. Now we get to visit loved ones (and maybe a few we don’t like very much) for Thanksgiving. Yikes! One powerful takeaway from this workshop was the importance of moving: ? From Rigidity to Receptivity ? From Self-Absorption to Recognition ? From Reactivity to Centeredness The Key: Demonstrating understanding creates space for receptivity. Here’s how to try it: When someone says something that challenges your thinking, focus on fully understanding them. Make that the goal. Respond with something like: “Let me see if I get it—you’re saying this and this and this. Did I get that right?” Keep going until they feel truly seen and understood. Remember, demonstrating understanding is not agreeing. It simply opens the door for dialogue, learning, and peace. This Thanksgiving, let’s prioritize connection over conflict. What’s one way you can create more understanding at your holiday table? For help with working across differences and creating impactful connection within your team, contact me at [email protected].

Monday Musing! I like this description of Inclusive Leadership - where have you seen this played out? Has the result been something delicious?

???? Today is #WorldKindnessDay – a perfect moment to reflect on the power of kindness, especially in our workplaces. In a world that often pushes us to prioritize efficiency, deadlines, and metrics, we sometimes forget that one of the most effective tools for success is simple human kindness. At work, kindness can look like listening fully, offering a word of encouragement, or taking a moment to show appreciation. Why does this matter? Because kindness builds connection, and connection is the foundation of strong teams, resilient cultures, and thriving organizations. When we show genuine kindness, we create a space where people feel valued and supported – a space where collaboration and creativity can flourish. So today, let’s commit to bringing kindness into our work. Whether it’s a small gesture or a big effort, every act counts toward building a workplace where people feel connected, safe, and empowered to bring their best selves. Kindness is more than a value – it’s a strategic advantage. Let’s lead with it. #Connection #TeamBuilding #WorkplaceCulture #WorldKindnessDay #Leadership #EmpathyInAction

Creating a positive and productive culture with a distributed workforce. What are your thoughts?

Monday Musing! Creating a space for all voices to be heard will engage everyone and bring the best results. Not easy, but worth it. This might be a good message to hear right now - what do you think?

More about a leadership style that puts human first – and I kind of love that! For support on impacting your company’s leadership culture, connect with me at [email protected]

Tuesday Tip! The First Step to Emotional Intelligence Last week, I was teaching Emotional Intelligence in a leadership class and wanted to share the first step in raising yours. Start by simply observing your reactions. Step out of your thinking and become an observer. Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence, so pay attention to how you feel and respond in daily situations. Notice what triggers you, the thoughts that pop up, and how your body reacts. This practice helps you get a better handle on your own emotional state, so you can act thoughtfully instead of just reacting. When you’re in tune with what’s happening in your own brain, you’re in a much better position to manage yourself—and support others! In the comments below, tell us how this tip helps you be more authentic. To understand how emotional intelligence can make an impact on your leadership, connect with me at [email protected].

Most ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) are actually employee started and run and serve to create a powerful sense of connection within the workforce. What I’m also noticing is that there is a huge opportunity to make them much more strategic. For more support on impacting your company’s culture, connect with me at [email protected]