How to quickly disrupt damaging meeting behaviors

How to quickly disrupt damaging meeting behaviors

I believe strongly we all have two very specific rights regarding participating in meetings. The rights to: Expect that the group will stick to a meeting agenda; and Speak up when a meeting goes off-track. Why? Because time and relationships are our most precious...
When facts don’t help with accountability

When facts don’t help with accountability

From my work with countless teams over the years, I have learned this: facts don’t help anybody increase accountability. Does that seem shocking to you? I discovered that while there are an endless number of facts in the world, they are simply tidbits of information...
Refocus on goals every day

Refocus on goals every day

James Pond on unsplash You don’t need another system – you need to refocus on goals every day   I have a confession to make: as someone who loves helping teams increase their happiness and productivity, I am a sucker for office supplies and organizing systems....
Accountability Not Perfection

Accountability Not Perfection

Raka Rachgo on unsplash   I once worked with a woman who would hold up a project if she disagreed with the use (or lack) of the Oxford comma. Or any questionable grammar, no matter how small or subjective. Consequently, correspondence would be late. Tiny projects...
My very favorite 4-letter word begins with “F.”

My very favorite 4-letter word begins with “F.”

That word is “fail.” (I bet that’s not what you were thinking.) Why? It’s simple, really. When we fail, we learn. When we learn, we grow. When we grow, we have a much better chance at succeeding – as long as we keep going. Failure is a natural, normal process....
Mixed Links #2 – Making Change Possible

Mixed Links #2 – Making Change Possible

If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader. – Dolly Parton Making Change Possible Do you want to become a better leader, build stronger communications, or move your project...
Mixed Links #1

Mixed Links #1

Do you want to ask better questions, be inspired about purpose, or better align with remote teams? These resources caught our eye lately at Facilitator on Fire. Sip now or bookmark for a meal later! What we’ve found Ask better questions. Questions are the...
The lost art of apologizing

The lost art of apologizing

Apology is a lovely perfume; it can transform the clumsiest moment into a gracious gift. – Margaret Lee Runbeck It doesn’t have to be the hardest word. I was surprised by a recent news item noting Ohio’s Governor John Kasich had issued an apology to a local...
“It’s complicated” Is True

“It’s complicated” Is True

Dishwashing plus camping equals context. When I was a kid, one of my family chores was washing the dishes in the evening several times a week.  I grew up in a farming community back in the 80s, when almost nobody had a fancy electric appliance called a “dishwasher.”...