Got problems? Try out a new perspective.

What if your problems were really opportunities for growth? What if, rather than being damaging sources of angst, frustration, disconnection, and fear, your “problems” were actually opportunities to expand your capacity for awesome things like wisdom, creativity, patience, and connecting? The truth is, with a new perspective all of our problems can transform into meaningful…

LEADERSHIP? Authenticity is a must.

The other day I was talking with a leader I admire about the importance of authenticity in leadership.  We were discussing a particular issue within her organization and she said “I feel like I never hear anything authentic from him. There isn’t much I can do (for him) if he doesn’t get real.” Simultaneously, I…

Conflict and opportunity go hand-in-hand

Today is  Dr. Martin Luther King day.  A day we remember and honor him for his peaceful and hope-filled approach to conflict resolution.  His quote “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” has resonated with…

365 NEW DAYS OF OPPORTUNITY

Wow, it is 2017! The new year always feels so fresh to me.  Even though nothing (except the date of course) truly changes between 11:59 p.m. on December 31 and 12:00 a.m. on January 1, it still feels significant – like 365 brand new days holding the promise of new opportunity.  Opportunities to show-up, be…

Tips for a terrific customer service save

Sometimes we mess-up. It happens. Today I want to emphasize the importance of a terrific save when mistakes occur.  I’m calling it a “customer service save” because, at Pelot & Associates, our practice focuses on the workplace. However, these tips transfer beautifully to your personal life as well. One example: Last week I took my…

How To Shift An Unproductive Communication Spiral

Ever feel like you are stuck in a frustrating and unproductive communication spiral?  One where you, and the other involved, keep saying the same things but nothing is getting resolved? At times like this, you probably feel like you’ve tried everything humanly possible to get the other person to understand you, but it simply isn’t…

Time. Squandered or Invested?

Time. Squandered or Invested?

Ever feel like you just squandered your time?  Why?  You chose to spend that time exactly as you did, so why do you feel like you wasted it? I just spent the last twenty minutes staring at the scene pictured above.  A few unpleasant thoughts crossed my mind during that twenty minutes… You know, those…

Organization and Productivity Go Hand-in-Hand

Believe it or not, organization and productivity really do go hand-in-hand.  I already know what some of you are thinking: There’s a methodology to my mess!” If I move it off the top of my desk, I’ll forget about it.” Or how about this one – It takes too long to calendar and set reminders….

Workplace Conflict. What Would You Do?

Have you ever felt stuck in the middle of workplace conflict?  I don’t mean the one stirring the pot – that’s a topic for another day.  I’m talking about being in a position where two people, in conflict, are “confiding” in you.  Giving you their side of the story and justifying their positions and behaviors,…

Truths for Consistently Being Your Best

What do we need to do to consistently show-up as our best selves?  For starters, we all know we need to eat right, exercise, and get enough rest. Being your best isn’t about becoming an Olympic athlete, although one could argue the same principles apply. It is about maintaining your health, fostering important relationships, staying…

Self Awareness. Cultivate It or Suffer The Consequences

Just about the time I think I have the whole “self awareness” thing locked down, I get reminded it is an ongoing practice – a journey, not a destination.  Sometimes my reminder comes in the form of a question like “Everything OK?” or worse “What’s your problem?!” (Truly, I rarely get that second one!) Sometimes…

Empathy. So Powerful But Often Misunderstood

We all know showing empathy is an important part of building effective relationships, right?  We’ve also all heard empathy is not the same as sympathy. Most of us even know it is a better interpersonal communication choice than sympathy.  But do we really know what empathy is, how to extend it, and perhaps more importantly…