Category Archives: Blog Posts

The Dynamics of Non-Adversarial Negotiation

By Daniel Robin Joe had done his homework: "I propose that we put 25% of our training budget to work on giving people listening skills and that we postpone the management training course we've been considering." Joe had worked out a detailed set of arguments about why his was the right direction. As usual, his manager saw it differently: truth was, everyone knew how Continue Reading ...

When to Engage, When not to Engage

by Daniel Robin Ever notice that with some people you can sit and rationally discuss how differently you see things, and nobody gets hurt? It might even be fun! Yet, with others, particularly those closest to us, the small stuff quickly becomes big stuff. What makes the difference? When you think back on the successful disagreements you've had in your life (you know, the ones that ended without Continue Reading ...

Personal Growth On The Job

By Daniel Robin Does your workplace support your personal growth? I'm not asking if your boss lets you listen to Tony Robbins tapes or attend EST workshops on company time; I am asking if .... You're rewarded more for learning than for having the right answer You're recognized for handling a personal issue with minimal disruption, rather than being criticized for Continue Reading ...

Helping the Emergence of Co-operative Work

By Daniel Robin Whether you're a group manager or executive, member of a dedicated work team, or an entrepreneur out on your own, you've probably noticed an increased reliance on collaboration and co-operation to get things done. The days of the lone wolf or the aggressive, cut-throat bully are over. Effective managers have realized that treating people as mere factors of production isn't very Continue Reading ...

The Dance of Alignment: Do You Fit Your Workplace?

By Daniel Robin  In the early 1980’s I worked for a company that had begun to noticeably mutate. It had been growing like a weed – 400% in one year – but had yet to evolve (growing large isn’t the same as growing up). Those of us holding out for the company’s metamorphosis realized that it would take perhaps 20 or 30 years to materialize, so instead, we dematerialized; I’ve been consulting Continue Reading ...

Reflective Learning: Learning How to Learn

By Daniel Robin As she thought about the past few days, the CEO surmised, "I’m not sure if we learned anything." The CEO’s usual charisma seemed strangely subdued, tentative. What could possibly be the value of "not knowing" something ... of not being so sure?  Navigating with curiosity and interest in what could be learned Continue Reading ...

Recognition and Accountability in the New Workplace

By Daniel Robin "Don’t we have to send out surveys to test the waters before determining an advertising budget?" the new boss asks. "Nah, the Web isn’t like that. And since when are you an expert in marketing?" the marketing manager asked her boss. "That’s why you’re here, alright. To keep me in line. And if my business degree means anything, it’ll come in handy to help you measure the Continue Reading ...

The Art and Practice of Agreement

By Daniel Robin This article takes a deeper look at how having clear and complete agreements often spells out the difference between success and suffering. How in the world can we build a workplace based on well-considered agreements when ... Co-workers, employees, and customers quickly knee-jerk into "Yes" or "No" responses — before they even know what's Continue Reading ...

Building a Workplace Culture Based on Agreement

How to Get There From Here By Daniel Robin "Starting today, I promise to be on time for every meeting, no matter what. Really. This time I mean it." How healthy this sounds, they all thought. Finally ... embracing what they've been wanting for months. Perhaps it's time. Why New Year's Resolutions (Usually) Don't Work A resolution is a decision. A decision on an Continue Reading ...

Leadership Out of Control

Accessing Organizational Leverage Points by Daniel Robin "Well, ambulance I can’t tell you what to do, sovaldi sale Alex, capsule but if you’re going to reach your goals, you’d better do something to get your team’s act together." "Like what, join hands and sing Kumbaya in three-part harmony? Get serious. We’re only as good as our leadership, and you people act like you’re out to get Continue Reading ...

Reigniting Spirit in the Workplace

By Daniel Robin What you pay attention to, viagra cialis grows. If you happen to notice everything at work that isn’t working, cialis you’d (a) have a long list, decease and (b) probably have a difficult time getting out of bed in the morning. If, by contrast, you decided to look for and highlight everyone’s best intentions, you might notice your morale rising simply Continue Reading ...