Trust: Part 1

What's Trust Got To Do With It? By Daniel Robin Practically everything! Have you ever heard someone say "I just can't trust that person!" or "Hey, why don't you just trust me?" Trust is an odd thing: on the one hand, it's probably the single most important ingredient in successful relationships. On the other hand, partly because trust is in our heads -- a state of mind, an interpretation, a subjective Continue Reading ...

Not Just the Facts, Ma’am

By Daniel Robin "Hey, the boss is all upset," reports Todd, looking a bit worried. Curious to know what Todd observed, Nancy asks "How do you know the boss is all upset?" "Well," Todd explains, "I just saw her jumping up and down and pounding her fists on the desk. I’d say that means we’re in trouble." "Relax ...," says Nancy in reassuring tones, Continue Reading ...

Please Hallucinate the Way I Do

By Daniel Robin A study of expert communicators has provided a powerful set of distinctions to help us notice and adjust for our human tendency to interpret, distort or delete, generalize, and make assumptions. This article looks at the ways that we tweak information. We all tend to fill in the gaps from our own experience. This is also known as hallucinating. (Usually Continue Reading ...

The Meaning of your Communication is Its Effect

By Daniel Robin In communicating with other people, what matters more: what we intend to convey, or the actual response we get? Who is responsible for your communication? The meaning of our communication is not what we think it means. It is based on the response we get from the other person. It is pointless to insist on a meaning that is lost on the listener, especially when the response you get Continue Reading ...

Rapport: The Link to Gaining Cooperation

Or, "Stuff They Never Taught You in Driver’s Training" By Daniel Robin A friend of mine once said that driving in heavily populated parts of California is like being on heavy sedatives while simultaneously having an adrenaline rush. For many of us, the traffic patterns in industrialized regions are a lot like how we get things done in corporate bureaucracies: "hurry up and wait." The metaphor Continue Reading ...

Collaborative Workplace Advantage

By Daniel Robin In our workshops, we emphasize the skills of participatory management and collaborative leadership.  With collaborative approaches - in contrast with one-way, autocratic or dictatorial - leaders at all levels use an inclusive style that balances assertiveness (focus on goal or task achievement) with gaining cooperation and commitment (flexibility and consideration in relating to Continue Reading ...

Initiating and Sustaining Change at Work: Part 1

Personal Tools for Leading Transitions By Daniel Robin "You just don't seem motivated to do your job," the executive tells the team, "and this will have to change soon, or else --" "Or else what?," the department manager inquires, shrugging her shoulders. "Or else ... uhhh ... it will change later?" No person or thing can force anyone to change. Your office might get moved, but the decision to Continue Reading ...

Initiating and Sustaining Change at Work: Part 2

Interpersonal Strategies for Leading Transitions By Daniel Robin Part 1 in this series focused on how change affects us personally, and what can be done to make the most of it. This article highlights interpersonal strategies for handling all forms of transitions -- from minuscule to life-bending.  Part 3 delves into organizational strategies for leading change. Change Ain't What It Used to Continue Reading ...

Difficult Behaviors at Work: Part 3

I Hate It When You Do That! (Do what?) By Daniel Robin Dealing with difficult people (or, more precisely, consultant-speak "behavior") begins with identifying and naming that which is so exasperating – you know, the types of behavior that drive you nuts, that trigger a strong reaction in you. Think, for a moment, about the people around you, and notice any behaviors that push your buttons. Continue Reading ...

Difficult Behaviors at Work: Part 2

Whose 'Stuff' Is It? By Daniel Robin When the boss bites. When the team cracks. When that jerk in the next cubicle …. These are few of my least favorite things. What are yours? What if indirectness, bad boundaries, and pushiness all manifest in one coworker, what can be done? In some ways, exasperating and annoying behaviors like being hyper-critical or defensive are harder to handle than Continue Reading ...

Difficult Behaviors at Work: Part 1

The Difficulty with Difficult People (Who, no rx me?) By Daniel Robin Each of us has a "difficult" person hiding inside. Some have it well hidden and only let it out on rare occasions – unleashing it at the driver of another car, viagra or during competitive sports, capsule or as a familiar loop with a family member. Still others, despite best efforts at self-control, are just one step away from Continue Reading ...

Workplace Power Dynamics: Part 4

Practical Power By Daniel Robin The previous article made a distinction between giving power away (never to be seen again) and sharing what power you have. Sharing power inevitably keeps the situation in your sphere of influence - it also provides a lot more fun and satisfaction. This article we'll get into practical applications of shared power and focus on situations where you'd want to resolve Continue Reading ...