Articles on why you have colleagues you can’t stand abound: Sometimes, it’s because they have difficult personalities, and sometimes it’s because you hate your job and are feeling stuck — making you the Negative Nancy. We spend so much of our days, weeks, and lives at work, that it is easy to take a difficult …

You may pump in some crazy places While it’s wonderful that companies are now required by law to provide lactation rooms and breaks to nursing moms, you may not be pumping there all the time. Have you ever had to go to the bathroom on a long road trip and you’re stuck in traffic and, …

We know it’s terrifying, but nothing will squash those verbal ticks quite like listening to yourself speak. Record yourself in a natural conversation; for example, replay a conference call or have a friend interview you on tape. Listen for technical issues, such as filler words, up talk, monotone, and run-on sentences, as well as any …

1. Change is hard. So is listening. A lot of current research talks about how best to lead and manage change in people and organizations. We naturally become entrenched in habits, especially if they have been successful or rewarded in the past (which is one reason habits are so hard to change). Through a “listen-first” …

Working or living with this kind of person can be a train-wreck. I’ve coached a lot of leaders over the years and personally witnessed some truly counter-productive leadership behaviors. Some examples: Leaders that lack the self-awareness to solicit feedback and consult different perspectives before making the right decision. Leaders with plenty of bravado and charisma, …