Category Archives: Emotions

Anger Management Self-Assessment

How often do you find yourself using these five strategies for dealing with anger? Rate each statement on the left using a scale from 1 to 10 (1 = never, 10 = every time): Score Approach Increase Decrease DIRECT: I get angry and decide to "go off" (express anger or the fact that you are angry) right on the spot. REFLECTIVE: I take time to reflect on Continue Reading ...

Does Anger Cause Blindness?

By Daniel Robin "God grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to hide the bodies of the people that piss me off." - Anon. Note:  If you relate to the above quote, but don't think it's funny, please go here immediately. The previous article discussed that what matters most in communication is what we get across to the other person. Continue Reading ...

Trust: Part 2

Where Does Trust Come From? By Daniel Robin Trust, like respect, is earned. Think of it as an investment. You observe a person's behavior over time, and gradually decide whether or not to invest your trust in them. Though everyone initially deserves a base "line of credit," it would be unwise to rely on "just anybody" in high-risk situations. You wouldn't ask someone with no computer skills 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 ...

Initiating and Sustaining Change at Work: Part 3

Organizational Pathways:  Strategies for Leading Change By Daniel Robin This is the third installation in a three-part series on dealing with workplace change. So far we've explored personal strategies (Part 1) and interpersonal strategies (Part 2) to help make transitions less stressful and more humane; this article dives into how organizations can use the change process to effectively manage Continue Reading ...

Fear: Part 3

Three Faces of Fear in the Workplace By Daniel Robin The previous article brought workplace fear into the spotlight – not so we could keep a watchful eye on it while getting paranoid, ambulance but so we can begin to turn it into mutual gain. How? Understand it’s many faces: this article pinpoints the types of fear that zap productivity and cause needless suffering, sale providing tools Continue Reading ...

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 ...

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 ...

Organizational Pathways: Part 3

Strategies for Leading Change By Daniel Robin This is the third installation in a three-part series on dealing with workplace change. So far we've explored personal strategies (Link to Part 1) and interpersonal strategies (link to Part 2) to help make transitions less stressful and more humane; this article dives into how organizations can use the change process to effectively manage and build Continue Reading ...

Giving Workplace Negativity a Sustainable Lift: Part 2

Gripe to Grip --  part 2 of 3 By Daniel Robin Most of the workplaces I’ve known are in a state of perpetual chaos and disrepair … they are immense and never-ending exercises in surfacing dramatic problems and (in some cases) actually solving them. By contrast, highly bureaucratic or rigid organizations simply do not allow problems (denial anyone?). However, allowing personal attacks, emotional Continue Reading ...