Assessment: Diversity and Communications

By Sheryl McAtee   September 29, 2020
Categories: Communication, HR Training Tags: Communication, diversity

Often, discussions about diversity quickly because discussions about structural or systemic problems or patterns over time – and thus become a sociology debate, rather than a personal assessment. In reality, despite the complexities of diversity in the workplace, what most of us really control occurs at the level of the conversation.  We show respect for…
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Five Tips for Building a Diverse Workforce

By Sheryl McAtee   September 29, 2020
Categories: HR Training Tags: diverse workforce, diversity

It is generally believed that diverse teams make better decisions, because they are more likely to bring in multiple perspectives – and therefore, better represent customers and clients.  In addition, when organizations work to improve diversity, it can also lead to broader applicant pools for new jobs – increasing the possibility that the right person…
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Reacting to Diversity Topics – Looking Inward

By Sheryl McAtee   September 29, 2020
Categories: HR Training Tags: diversity, human resources

Too often, diversity awareness becomes lists of differences. Black or White, Hispanic or Non-Hispanic, Asian or long lists of “Others.” Male, Female, Transgender. Gay, Straight, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Queer. Democrat, Republican, Independent. Christian, Jewish, Catholic, Buddhist, Muslim. Disabled, Differently Abled. Over time, more terms and categories emerge – and each individual brings combinations of diversity that…
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Preparing for Pirates: Communicating Through Conflict

By Sheryl McAtee   September 4, 2020
Categories: Communication Tags: Communication, Communication skills

Each September, “Talk Like a Pirate Day” celebrates the light-hearted side of piracy—the rolling letter “rrrr’s,” the merry drinks and the adventures of life at sea.  In real life, though, we occasionally run into the more traditional pirate–the one that is ready to board your boat and take your treasure away. Contemplating pirates offers a…
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“Ahoy, me hearties!” Communicating with Pirates

By Sheryl McAtee   September 4, 2020
Categories: Communication Tags: Communication, Communication skills

While not likely on your official work calendar, September 19th is “Talk Like a Pirate Day,” so let’s get ready to celebrate!  The holiday is whimsical and informal, celebrating a positive pop-culture vision of pirates and their unique language conventions and practices. The holiday also reminds us that to get our message heard, it is…
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How Do You Lead? Team Leadership Assessment

By Sheryl McAtee   August 25, 2020
Categories: Management, Supervision & Leadership Tags: team building, teams

Successful teams generally have a successful leader–either out front or behind the scenes–guiding the way.  If you lead a team, here’s a quick assessment to reflect on how you are doing: Strengths – What strengths do you have in leading the team? How are these strengths reflected in the team’s culture or work? Outcomes –…
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Triumphant Temporary Teams

By Sheryl McAtee   August 25, 2020
Categories: Management, Supervision & Leadership Tags: team building, teams

When talking about team-building, a lot of attention is given to long-term intact teams. These may be organizational teams, sales teams, long term project or service teams–regardless of mission, they are designed to stay together for a long time. There is also power in the temporary team–convened to address only one specific problem or project….
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Five Social Activities for Connecting Virtual Teams

By Abby Higgins   August 25, 2020
Categories: Management, Supervision & Leadership Tags: team building, teams

Every team needs a break!  Over time, people have grown comfortable with increased remote and virtual work–adjusting business practices and interactions to complete work at a distance.  It is also worth taking some time to build in some team level breaks and opportunities for social connection.  Here are five great practices we have seen work…
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Communication Tips in a COVID World

By Sheryl McAtee   August 14, 2020
Categories: Communication Tags: Communication skills, covid, covid-19

As of this writing, COVID cases have emerged across the country, and many of us are working to communicate through shifting “new normal” conditions.  Here are some quick reminder tips for planning for face-to-face communications, and for engaging in virtual interactions in these uncertain times. When planning for face-to-face communications: Assess comfort levels in advance….
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Communicating in the New Normal

By Michelle Milldyke   August 14, 2020
Categories: Communication Tags: Communication skills, covid-19, virtual

When the world locked down, those who transitioned to working from home assumed it would be work as normal, just not in the normal workplace. But a virtual workplace presents unique challenges. Gone are the chance opportunities to strike up a conversation in the breakroom, ask a quick question in the hallway, or run an…
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