What is Unintentional Intolerance?

Posted on November 18, 2021October 11, 2021 by Jan Hovrud

What is Unintentional Intolerance?

Today’s workplace has a broad range of religious and political beliefs, genders, cultures, generations, races and lifestyles. These powerful aspects of others and ourselves provide daily communication and connection challenges.

Without thinking we could easily appear intolerant and insulting. Our actions can be “lost in translation” without self-awareness and sensitivity.

In the article, “Can You Speak the Language of Business with other Cultures?”, by Elisabete Miranda, the author outlines ways to support diversity and educationally grow in understanding others.

Suggested actions include:

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10 Tips for the Boss’s A-List

Posted on November 11, 2021October 11, 2021 by Jan Hovrud

10 Tips for the Boss’s A-List

What actions and behaviors differentiate you as a promotable employee?

Margaret Steen, author of “10 Habits Bosses Love”, outlines some of the best ways to get noticed.

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Fire Up Your Creativity

Posted on November 4, 2021October 11, 2021 by Jan Hovrud

Fire Up Your Creativity

Ever notice how ideas come to you at the least likely times and places? Like when you are running, in the shower or right before you go to bed? Yet when you are in a time crunch you have to try to get ideas to come to you.

In a workplace study done by the Harvard Business Review, it was found that participants were least creative when on a tight schedule — and especially if deadlines were imminent. However, since creativity stems from the subconscious you have the ability to nudge your thinking in the right direction.

Try these tips:

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It’s All About Me

Posted on October 21, 2021September 28, 2021 by Jan Hovrud

It’s All About Me

Leaders walk a fine line of humility. We have all known a leader who was self-centered, arrogant, egotistical or the like.

This excessive confidence can manifest itself in mistakes, solo decision-making, failure to see consequences, dysfunctional teams, and superficial relationships.

Leaders constantly must balance the confidence they need to succeed with the danger of an overbearing ego.

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The Quiet Side of Networking

Posted on October 14, 2021September 28, 2021 by Jan Hovrud

The Quiet Side of Networking

Networking situations cause people to stress out over what should be said. But networking doesn’t mean doing all of the talking.

The world abounds with free and interesting information if you just take the time to be seriously curious and listen. Writer Fran Lebowitz says, “The opposite of talking isn’t listening. The opposite of talking is waiting.”

Unfortunately, many people act that way in conversations—impatiently waiting instead of listening. The goal of listening during networking is to get your partner to elaborate. This enables you to learn more and work to build a relationship.

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Type and Conflict

Posted on October 7, 2021September 28, 2021 by Jan Hovrud

Type and Conflict

Conflict describes many different types of interactions. These challenges occur every day in our personal and professional lives. Since you can’t escape them, learning how to handle conflict is critical.

Recent research by Damian Killen and Danica Murphy have revealed that the last two preferences (Thinking or Feeling; Judging or Perceiving) of the Myers-Briggs Psychological Type Theory have significant bearing on people’s focus and response to conflict.

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Reality Testing – Developing Your Mental Picture

Posted on September 30, 2021September 28, 2021 by Jan Hovrud

Reality Testing – Developing Your Mental Picture

The first time you put in those new prescription contact lenses or donned glasses, the world was a much clearer, brighter place. The truth is that we get used to seeing things in a certain way and perhaps don’t notice that things could be seen in a better perspective.

Reality Testing, one of the fifteen competencies on the EQ-I (Emotional Quotient Instrument), defines our ability to accurately size up situations. It is the capability to see things objectively—the way they are, rather than the way we wish or fear them to be. The emphasis is on pragmatism, objectivity, being well grounded and realistic.

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Be a Networking Pro

Posted on September 23, 2021August 12, 2021 by Jan Hovrud

Be a Networking Pro

Spring and summer bring a tidal wave of opportunities for conferences, workshops and meetings.

Networking isn’t just showing up and handing out your business cards. Effective networkers know that being good at this skill is an art.

With all of the demands on our professional and personal lives, it is easy to assign a lower priority to networking. When in fact, networking is essential for development, advancement and personal fulfillment.

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Conflict and Type

Posted on September 16, 2021August 12, 2021 by Jan Hovrud

Conflict and Type

When conflicts become reoccurring or frequent, type is a useful tool for building a clearer communication picture.

Not surprising when people are in conflict they most naturally fall back on their strongest preferences.

The table below provides information on how you may self-reflect on your responses to conflict or to identify the preferences of others are using in a conflict.

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