Category Archives: Blog Posts

Fear: Part 2

Fear is Nothing to be Afraid Of … By Daniel Robin Susan shifts uncomfortably in her chair and begins speaking in a measured tone: "I’m probably going to regret saying this, ampoule but … [gulp] … David, search I do not feel your support, I only get your critical edge, and I’m tired of living in fear that everything we do can and will be used against us. There, I’ve Continue Reading ...

Fear: Part 1

Is Fear Useful, or Just. . . Scary? By Daniel Robin How do you now deal with fear at work?  This article pinpoints the types of fear that cause needless suffering, and advocates workplaces that consistently maintain an "absence of threat." For better or for worse, we all bring our personal history to our workplace relationships.  Many of us learned "fear tactics" from our parents, who, Continue Reading ...

Leadership in Action Series: Part 16

The Link Between Ethics and Culture By Daniel Robin In a prior article, we viewed integrity as a call to push back on the cultural epidemic of obsessive speed, greed, and creed – that is, how our quest for prosperity and “market advantage” can reinforce assumptions and beliefs that justify cheating, mistreating and defeating the other guy. There’s nothing wrong with a competitive spirit Continue Reading ...

Leadership in Action Series: Part 15

Working With Integrity – The Art of Being Your Word By Daniel Robin At work, “being your word” requires vigilant attention to your own boundaries, using all your interpersonal skills, and watching out for double binds.  It also takes a decent amount of courage and a compassionate commitment to constant learning.  So cut yourself some slack.  Nobody, not even those with the utmost of integrity, Continue Reading ...

Leadership in Action Series: Part 14

The "Grit" of Integrity By Daniel Robin This article explores the vital yet often-overlooked leadership challenge of integrity. When I recently mentioned to an executive friend that I was writing about this topic, he half-smiled. "Thanks for the warning," he whispered, feigning nervousness.  Integrity has become a serious subject in Corporate America (and elsewhere).  This article highlights Continue Reading ...

Leadership in Action Series: Part 13

Dealing with Differences in a World of Diversity By Daniel Robin This article outlines a process for dealing with adversarial behavior in others. Adversary, or “enemy stance,” usually results from escalating a difference of some sort – making a progressively bigger and bigger deal out of differing views on priorities, goals, or methods. One or both parties make that difference into a problem, Continue Reading ...

Leadership in Action Series: Part 12

Control Isn't Even for the Birds By Daniel Robin This article series outlines a process for shifting away from the need to control and into guiding, organizing and structuring work so that the desired results are obtained with less effort and more reliably in the long-run.  See the prior articles in this series at ABetterWorkplace.com/leadership. Part 1:  Letting Go Into Structure Increasingly, Continue Reading ...

Leadership in Action Series: Part 11

Dealing with Aggressive Leaders -- One Dirty Look at a Time By Daniel Robin “If you aren’t going to finish the project, just tell me so I can find someone who will!”  The edge in Tony’s voice has a chilling effect on the room.  Paula indicates that the project is coming along just fine – under the circumstances – and gives Tony a look that suggests that a staff meeting is not the Continue Reading ...

Leadership in Action Series: Part 10

Four Steps to Handling Aggressive Impulses By Daniel Robin This article series outlines a process for dealing with hostile or aggressive impulses in yourself and others while staying true to the good intentions they rode in on.  See the prior two articles on this topic, the broader series Action in Leadership or our coursework at ABetterWorkplace.com/leadership. Some leaders get heavy-handed Continue Reading ...

Leadership in Action Series: Part 9

Speaking Up About Put-Downs By Daniel Robin This article series outlines several tools for dealing with patterns of aggressiveness.  Assertive leaders are clear about what they want, listen actively, make requests, set clean boundaries, and handle differences through skillful negotiation.  Of course, depending on the “personality” involved, it might be best to ask for help or get out of their Continue Reading ...

Leadership in Action Series: Part 8

Healthy Assertiveness – Pushy or Passionate? By Daniel Robin Leadership that’s born of passion – blending skill and intensity with well-orchestrated flurries of activity – can be inspiring to others as a sign of commitment and strength.  But when that leadership is tinged with hostility, becomes passive-aggressive, or relies on heavy-handedness … there’s a price.  What was a positive Continue Reading ...

Leadership in Action Series: Part 7

Do You Take Your Humor Seriously? By Daniel Robin Part 1: Measuring Mirth Business people are obsessed with measurement.  Measurement creates the illusion of control.  Control, as we all know, is a popular substitute for power.  Power, as any fool could tell you, is where all the fun is. (With power you get to do stuff nobody else can.)  Therefore, if you want to have fun, measure things. In Continue Reading ...