Karen’s Articles
Multi-tasking is a Sham
“What are you doing?” my daughter asked as I fumbled around my dashboard. “I’m looking for the seat heater,” I replied. On the car I had owned for two years, I might add. She rolled her eyes (as only daughters can do) and effortlessly punched the button that had...
The Drama of Unintended Consequences
This is a story of killing with kindness. Well, there isn’t any actual murder involved, but you’ll see what I mean. About 30 years ago, when I was the director of training for a large national bank, I had the privilege of working with a kind, conscientious, and...
Fun…at work?
Recently, my husband Bill and I were traveling home from New Orleans after visiting Katie, who is experiencing a new chapter in her life as a college freshman at Tulane University. We knew that we would get to the airport very early. I had decided to use the time...
Good Cop, Bad Cop: A Lesson for Leaders
At the risk of giving the impression that I’m a terrible driver, I would like to tell you about two very different encounters I have had with traffic cops. One afternoon after flying back from a presentation, I found my car in the parking lot and then I hit the...
Your Mouth is Where the Money Is
There was a time when the answer to the question "What do you do?" was easy to answer: "I work on an assembly line." "I install windows." "I make boots." You did something tangible, and you got paid for it. There was a connection between the quantity you produced...
Blooms are not Incidental
A year ago, I needed to replace the walkway leading to my office. I called three landscapers to estimate the project. The first landscaper was affable enough, took some measurements, and left. The second assessed the area and then turned to me and said, "What mood...
Positive Outcomes
About 18 years ago, I attended a networking event (with my four-month-old daughter strapped into a snuggly), and I was lamenting to some colleagues that the lion's share of my consulting business came from one client - a great client with whom I thoroughly enjoyed...
A Thimble or a Beer Stein?
You've followed all the rules for an effective performance review with your assistant: you found a time that works for both of you; you booked a private spot; and you made sure you wouldn't be interrupted. It all seemed to be going well until he suddenly turned...
Bullying in the Workplace?
It's not me, it's you.... Four years ago, I was asked to coach Tracy. Tracy was by definition morbidly obese. She was experiencing extreme distress and anxiety because her colleagues - grown adults - teased and taunted her about her weight. When the culprits were...
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