I’ve yet to encounter an organization whose stated value is ‘workplace harassment’. Yet, the sexual assault, abuse and harassment stories shared under the #MeToo hashtag on social media this week would almost suggest that’s the case. In a healthy workplace, values and behaviours closely align. Align behaviours and values: Walk the talk Values are words. Behaviours […]
Aligning values and behaviours makes for a healthier workplace culture
October 17, 2017 by · Leave a Comment
Conflict: Thank you [A poem]
October 9, 2017 by · Leave a Comment
[October 9, 2017 is Thanksgiving Day in Canada. My poem gives thanks to conflict’s role in my learning journey.] Hello Conflict, my trusted friend I can count on you, to put in an appearance, every day A gift, of sorts Thank you. When I work with you, respect you My differences with others turn small […]
Apply a “My 15%” Rule to Develop and Leverage Conflict Competency in Your Organization
September 27, 2017 by · 1 Comment
The U.S. Army has what it calls its’ “My 15%” rule. Believing that most people have about 15 percent control over their work situations, the Army asks everyone, no matter their rank, “What’s your 15% of the problem?” “Where do you have freedom to act?”, for mutual benefit. No matter your organization, to me: adopting a”my 15%” […]
A “Strong Middle” is Vital for a Healthy Workplace Conflict Management System
September 12, 2017 by · Leave a Comment
All too infrequently, I get down on the floor and do a few sit-ups. I’m doing it knowing the benefits of a strong middle (i.e., core). The body functions better, is healthier, with a strong middle. I know that. You know that. What’s less obvious is that a strong middle also applies to workplace conflict […]
Union-Employer Collective Agreements emphasize rights over power
September 4, 2017 by · Leave a Comment
When I was 18 years old, I had no interest in school. So, I went to work at National Steel Car, in Hamilton, Ontario. The company made railway cars. The scale of the operations was huge, overwhelming for me. At the time, I felt a boy among men. Yet, as a (Steelworkers) union member I was […]
