Giving feedback is a skill that can elevate your professional relationships and improve overall performance in the workplace. But let's face it, delivering feedback can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Too vague, and it's useless; too harsh, and it's a demotivator. Don't worry—we've got you covered. Here's how to give feedback that hits the mark every time.
Read More
onflict is a word that tends to make most people cringe, especially at work. But conflict doesn't have to be a dirty word. In fact, when understood and managed properly, it can lead to growth, innovation, and stronger relationships. Ready to transform chaos into collaboration? Let's get started.
Read More
Have you ever felt like a ticking time bomb at work, ready to explode at the slightest provocation? You're not alone. The workplace can be a pressure cooker of deadlines, personalities, and unexpected challenges. However, mastering emotional regulation in this environment can make all the difference between a productive day and a meltdown.
Read More
We've all been there—anticipating a difficult conversation that stirs up a whirlwind of emotions. Whether it's a tough discussion with a colleague, a heart-to-heart with a loved one, or a challenging talk with your boss, managing your feelings beforehand can make all the difference.
Read More
In a world that never stops buzzing with notifications, deadlines, and to-do lists, taking the time for self-reflection can feel like a luxury. Yet, it's precisely this pause that can propel you toward your big-picture goals and enhance your self-awareness. Think of self-reflection as your personal compass, guiding you through the chaos and helping you stay on track. Here are five essential tips to help you cultivate a habit of self-reflection and self-awareness.
Read More
Ah, delegation. It can be a manager's best friend or worst enemy. When done right, it can free up your time for high-level strategic thinking while empowering your team to grow. But get it wrong, and you might find yourself tangled in a web of confusion and missed deadlines. We've gathered some expert tips from our trainers to help you master the art of delegation and supervision.
Read More
Navigating the workplace can sometimes feel like trying to sail through a storm. Each wave and gust of wind represents the diverse working styles of our colleagues. As Dolly Parton wisely said, "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." Let's explore how to adapt to different workplace styles and leverage the DISC methodology to smooth your professional interactions and manage tasks effectively.
Read More
In the world of business, effective communication is the backbone of successful relationships. One key aspect of this communication is curiosity—an essential skill that drives connection and understanding. However, there's a fine line between being curious and being intrusive. How can you cultivate a mindset of curiosity without crossing that line? Here are some tips that will help you make meaningful connections while keeping things respectful.
Read More
In the fast-paced world of modern business, managing up is a crucial skill that can set you apart from the crowd. Not only does it help foster a healthy working relationship with your supervisor, but it also positions you as a trusted resource who anticipates needs and solves problems. Let's explore the concept of managing up and how you can master it to become the MVP of your workplace.
Read More
We've all been there. You feel like you've said the same thing over and over about what someone needs to do to improve their performance, and yet nothing ever seems to change. Over time, these feedback conversations become more and more frustrating for you and the other person, leading to frayed patience, stinging words, and an even bigger downward spiral in their performance—the very thing you wanted to improve in the first place! Want to break the feedback doom loop? Here are four pro tips that will help your feedback stick so you can get the best out of others and be the leader you aspire to be.
Read More
I remember when I met with my first business accountant in 2017. I sat in his formal office space, trying to explain to him the business I envisioned and seeking his input on how to think about the finances of such a business. Most people don't remember a meeting with an accountant nearly seven years later. Still, this meeting stands out because I knew in that one-hour conversation that we were fundamentally misaligned.
Read More
Sweaty palms, dry mouth, temples pulsing, fast beating heart. No, that isn't you perched on the platform preparing to zipline; that's you thinking about giving feedback to someone on your team. If dread or nervousness is your typical response when you think of having to give developmental feedback, don't worry, you aren't alone.
Read More
It's no secret, lawyers and the legal profession have been referred to as dog-eat-dog. It is understandable why - the legal system is inherently adversarial; the situations involve high stakes; and there are extreme time pressures. One might also say that many successful attorneys came up through the ranks under partners who could be described as bristly, all in the name of learning how to be resilient and tough.
Read More
If you manage people, you may never have considered whether your leadership style hinders your team's potential. But it's an important question to ask. Whether you have reflected on it or not, now is a great time to explore how flexing your leadership style - adapting outside of your comfort zone - may improve your relationships and outcomes.
Read More
Creativity is an incredibly powerful tool that has the potential to unlock solutions and new ideas in any workplace. After spending my early professional years steeped in the creative world, I came to law firms and was shocked by the fear, reluctance, and lack of credibility surrounding the creative process. All too often, traditional “linear” workplaces prioritize more logical, analytical thinking over creative approaches—leading many professional employees to feel like their creativity is not valued.
Read More
When recruiting and interviewing candidates, the goals are simple: find the best people for the job as efficiently as possible, with an accepted offer at the end of the process. Often, however, we spend so much time focusing on trying to find the best people that we forget the critical steps that will get us there. Recruiting is an expensive and time-intensive process, so here are three areas that, with a little planning and intention, can go a long way toward ensuring that your organization is making the right hiring decisions the first time.
Read More
Do you ever feel like you're walking a tightrope when it comes to communication? One wrong word can lead to confusion and misunderstandings, even with the best intentions. That's why it pays to be crystal clear when communicating with others, especially at work. Unfortunately, using vague language is all too common and can have serious consequences. Let's look at the pitfalls of undefined terms and why it pays to be specific in your language. With a little effort, you can avoid ambiguity and ensure everyone is on the same page!
Read More
As professional service providers, we know how critical client service is. It's what can make or break our career! But often, our definition of excellent client service prevents us from delivering our best work, and maybe worse, can leave us burnt out and looking for a new career.
Read More
If you’re a manager of people, you’re probably spending a lot of time thinking about giving feedback, actually giving feedback, and dealing with the aftermath of that feedback. But how much time are you spending asking for and getting feedback about yourself? How often are you getting valuable nuggets of information to use towards your own professional development? When was the last time you sought out constructive feedback from someone on your team?
Read More
We are excited to share with you another in our series of fantastic conversations with organizational development leaders we admire! Who doesn’t love a good chat?! In the latest within our Fringe Chats series, founder Rachael Bosch connects with Michael Bloom, founder of Praktio. Rachael & Michael dig into some of the insights on skill building & the legal industry.
Read More
Take a second to think about the different teams you’ve been a part of at work. Chances are some were great – you loved working with the group, you felt respected and heard by leadership, and you felt motivated to do your best work. And some of the teams you’ve been a part of have probably been…let’s just say, not so great. The question we spend a lot of time asking is, what makes the difference? And can we use that answer to ensure that every team we’re on is one of those great teams?
Read More
We are excited to share with you another in our series of fantastic conversations with organizational development leaders we admire! Who doesn't love a good chat?! In the latest within our Fringe Chats series, founder Rachael Bosch connects with Jeena Cho, author of The Anxious Lawyer. Rachael & Jeena dig into some of the complexities of the industry that lend themselves towards less than stellar well-being....
Read More
It's no secret that the workplace can be a breeding ground for stress and conflict. From office politics to personality clashes, it's easy for workplace communications to go downhill fast. This can lead to decreased productivity, missed deadlines, and even worse. But what if there was another way? What if we could all learn to communicate more civilly with one another? Studies have shown that when workplace communications are respectful and civil, businesses see improved productivity, creativity, and morale.
Read More
We are excited to share with you another in our series of fantastic conversations with organizational development leaders we admire! Who doesn't love a good chat?! In the latest within our Fringe Chats series, founder Rachael Bosch connects with Optia Consulting founder and managing partner Jessie Spressart. They chat about all things well-being and mental health, so this one is a must-see!
Read More
Ready for professional growth minus the growing pains?