Confessions of a "Type A" Canoeist (or "Partnering for Dummies") updated August 28, 2008
After a "going around in circles" canoeing misadventure, the Stress Doc intuits the potential for analogous ineffective if not dysfunctional dynamics amongst a wide variety of communication/problem-solving contexts and role relationships. By examining how differential history, expectations, and language and reference barriers may contribute to "message sent = message received" static, key partnering strategies emerge -- shifting paradigms, mirroring pace and echoing place and communicating before and after.
Conflict Intervention Strategies for Avoiding Workplace Negativity updated August 28, 2008
How can workplace negativity be avoided during conflict resolution? Or are we being unrealistic?
Finding the Pass and Passion in the Impasse:
Keys to Unleashing Purpose, Persistence and Power updated August 28, 2008
The Stress Doc outlines three recent encounters that stimulated the design of a new speaking program. He also provides a paradigmatic preview: the emotional tasks and trials, tears and small triumphs as well as key skills and strategies for cultivating "Passion Power."
Vital and Creative Functions of Healthy Aggression:
Transforming Pain and Purpose Into Passion and Power updated August 28, 2008
The Stress Doc turns a power struggle exercise into a treatise on the value of healthy aggression for: a) survival adaptation, b) affirmation of identity and integrity, c) effective interpersonal engagement, and d) passionate and purposeful flights of exploration and imagination. Drawing on personal experience and the professional expertise of psychologist and author, Key Redfield Jamison, a case is made for the role of healthy aggression in the paradoxical and painfully productive pairing of purpose and passion, fever and reason.
When a New Employee Comes On (Too?) Strong and Team Members Complain and then Exclude:
What's a Manager to Do?
What happens when you add a new staff member who is highly competent, but her colleagues find her arrogant, someone who talks down to them? This person is more capable and knowledgeable than her peers. Is it just a matter of jealousy and things will eventually settle down? However, what if the new person complains that others are now excluding and ignoring her. And what if other department managers have also remarked about her arrogant attitudes, but when pressed for further information they claim they are only repeating complaints of the staff. As a supervisor or manager, what would you do to improve teamwork and the overall interpersonal climate?
Do You Know What It Means…To Have and Possibly Lose a City of Your Dreams?
The natural and man-made horrors surrounding New Orleans and the Gulf Coast almost defy words. Actually, it was best captured by the harrowing and heroic images that kept us transfixed to the screen. For me, this heart-wrenching season takes on added power and poignancy having lived in New Orleans from 1974-1990. Selfishly, I feel some relief both knowing and believing my friends have made it out of the city. And while the loss of family and friends is an unspeakable sadness and tragedy, no longer having a home or job is pretty damn high on the life-change trauma scale. I had a small taste of this during my sixteen-year stay. Within a three-year period the city experienced two "once in a hundred year" spring floods. And both times I had twelve inches of water in my ground floor apartment. Let me briefly share a memory.
Ask the Stress Doc™ Q & A
Q. Why do some people seem to be so decisive about what they want out of life -- they set a goal and go for it -- and stick to it -- and others, like myself, keep changing our minds, never getting anywhere, going in circles? I like so many things (career wise) I can't focus!
Identifying and Transforming Infertility/Adoption Stress
Venting, Sharing and Laughing as a Conference Community
Drawing on his experience as a RESOLVE Conference Keynote Speaker, the Stress Doc identifies key sources of infertility treatment and adoption stress. The article also illustrates interactive exercises and therapeutic concepts that were enthusiastically embraced by conference attendees.
Jumpstarting and Energizing Your Presentation and Your Audience: Part I
Thoughts of a Conference Speaker and New ASTD Member
The Stress Doc captures the first four of ten strategic concepts, tools and techniques for energizing and exciting the performance-learning experience.
Jumpstarting and Energizing Your Presentation and Your Audience: Part II
Adding two more “jumpstarting” concepts, the Stress Doc illustrates a dynamic exercise along with “D & D” strategies and methods for energizing and exciting program participants. This motivational methodology may just transform the entire learning context into a synergistic experience: individual parts begin evolving into a dynamic and cohesive community.
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