For many leaders, the simple phrase “holding someone accountable” creates a knot in their stomach. We dread it, seeing it as the opposite of empathy. This is a common cycle I call the “Reformer’s Trap.” It’s what happens when leaders, often with the best of intentions, default to judgment at the expense of trust. (If
Tag Archives: Integrity and Wholeness
25
Apr
Apr
If you struggle to talk about your accomplishments without feeling uncomfortable, you’re in good company. For many professionals, self-promotion can feel like boasting, bragging, or stealing attention from others. But there’s a more generous way to think about it: valuable self-promotion lives at the intersection of empathy and accountability. It’s about making your contributions visible
15
Mar
Mar
Summary: Talking to HR about something that matters can feel risky—especially if you’re worried about being dismissed, misunderstood, or seen as “too emotional.” This guide helps you prepare for those conversations with clarity, strategy, and courage—so you can speak up without losing your voice. HR exists to protect the company, not necessarily you. That doesn’t
19
Feb
Feb
Compassion is more than just a feeling—it’s an active force that shapes workplace culture, builds trust, and strengthens organizations. Inspired by Awakening Compassion at Work by Monica C. Worline and Jane E. Dutton, this checklist provides actionable steps for fostering a compassionate work environment. Use it to assess and enhance how you respond to suffering,
08
Feb
Feb
Effective leadership requires emotional strength, self-differentiation, and a calm, non-anxious presence. Friedman argues that leaders often fail because they succumb to the anxiety, emotional pressures, and reactive behaviors of those around them. The book advocates for leaders to stay grounded in their principles, resist the contagion of anxiety, and embrace the courage to confront challenges directly. By maintaining emotional resilience and clarity, leaders can inspire confidence, drive meaningful change, and avoid the pitfalls of over-functioning or reactive decision-making.
21
Jan
Jan
The most successful organizations have rejected the false choice between results and kindness. They know that a culture of empathetic accountability isn’t just a “nice to have” but their single greatest competitive advantage. But finding that balance is often the hardest part of leadership. We default to one or the other: we’re either the “nice”
18
Nov
Nov
David Rock, a thought leader in the field of neuroscience and leadership, introduced the SCARF model in his seminal book Your Brain at Work. This book explores how understanding the brain’s natural tendencies can help individuals and teams improve performance, collaboration, and decision-making. The SCARF model, one of the central concepts in the book, offers
04
Oct
Oct
Working with a new boss from a different cultural background presents challenges but can open doors to personal and professional growth. By applying these strategies, you can turn cultural differences into an asset for your team’s success.
06
Jan
Jan
A client told me she knows “perfectionism is bad,” but she likes it because it makes her work better. Do you agree? Let’s explore the difference between perfectionism and excellence and how one small shift in perspective can open the door to greater success and satisfaction. Understanding Perfectionism vs. Embracing Excellence Perfectionism thrives on fear.
09
Nov
Nov
As burnout continues to take its toll in corporate life, the urgency for mental health initiatives in the workplace is undeniable. The pandemic served as a catalyst for many to question their work-life balance, leading to a broader conversation about the importance of well-being in the corporate environment. A 2023 survey by Future Forum found
