Karen’s Articles
Pay No Attention to the Pink Elephant
Pay No Attention to the Pink Elephant. At a recent retreat of senior-level managers, we started the day with a yoga session. What a positive way to open a meeting, don't you think? The instructor arrived early, set up the room, and greeted the participants as we...
I Prefer a Carrot, Thanks!
I always build group discussion into my training programs; it helps reinforce the messages and ensures we've delivered everything participants need. But I must say, there are many moments when I think to myself, "I couldn't have said it better myself." I had one of...
Tape and W-D40
Last week I taught presentations skills. Just as we were beginning the first break, someone new came in. "I couldn't sign up for this class," she said, "but I hope you'll help me anyway. I'm speaking at a conference next week. Do you have any quick suggestions for...
Fruit Loops
I still remember the first time I noticed fall. I must have been four or five years old. I was with my family driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and I, through some miracle (or, more likely, maternal intervention), was sitting by the door, nose pressed...
Make Lemonade
Julie and I went to college together. When others saw lemons, Julie made lemonade. It's not that Julie had fewer challenges than the rest of us, It's that Julie wrote the book on turning challenges into opportunities. These days, Julie and I don't talk as often as...
Rose-Colored Glasses
Last week I was training a group of managers in coaching and feedback skills. We were talking about - rather, I was talking about - how they could use these skills to manage poor performance. They weren't listening. Instead, they were saying things like: "You just...
Are You Using the Right Signs?
One warm weekend this spring, we went to the beach. My four-year-old daughter and I walked down the boardwalk. We passed a new shop glowing with fresh white paint. Vibrant red geraniums sat on windowsills framed in blue gingham curtains. Through the doorway I could...
Workmates, Teammates, Playmates
It happened again last week. An exhilarating, fulfilling, exciting day as facilitator of an effective work group. That's twice this month I've been able to help an already highly functional team hone their interdependence, communication, and appreciation. And it...
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