Positivity Archives | Page 4 of 10 | Alan Feirer: Group Dynamic

Productive Conflict: Pause & Reflect

February 20, 2019 by Alan Feirer

Because conflict involves strong emotions, it has the power to overwhelm people. That looks different for everyone. For example, overwhelmed people with the C style and S styles may shut down, whereas those with the i style and D styles may … Read More… Read More

Communication | Positivity

Productive Conflict: Acknowledge the Feelings of Others

February 6, 2019 by Alan Feirer

Sometimes, by simply acknowledging the feelings of others, you can deflate destructive conflict behaviors and guide the conversation back to being productive. This is an empathetic move. One where you put yourself in their shoes in order to experience their perceptions, … Read More… Read More

Communication | Positivity

Productive Conflict: Give Others Time and Space

January 30, 2019 by Alan Feirer

Let’s revisit the definition of conflict. Conflict is a difference of opinions involving strong emotions. The strong emotions part is what makes conflict so draining and uncomfortable. When people become too drained, they need time and space to recharge and reflect. … Read More… Read More

Positivity | Stretching and Growing

Productive Conflict: Own Your Contributions

January 9, 2019 by Alan Feirer

Have you ever heard the saying, “Nobody’s perfect?” Have you ever used that saying? How often do you use it? It’s probably one of the most popular things we say and/or think, because it’s true. But what does it mean … Read More… Read More

Communication | Positivity

Leaders Experiment

November 21, 2018 by Alan Feirer

One of my favorite leadership experiments happened when I was a band teacher. If you know my origin story, you know there was a time when I was a very negative leader. Part of the turn-around in the late 1990’s … Read More… Read More

Positivity | Servant leadership

Leaders Know People Need to Feel Heard

November 14, 2018 by Alan Feirer

Ricardo was the president of the Band Parents for a time while I was a band director. He ran pretty good meetings. His corporate background and command of deliverables worked very well, especially when another officer, Don, ran off at … Read More… Read More

Modeling Behavior | Positivity

Leaders Influence Outcomes

October 31, 2018 by Alan Feirer

I heard Tim Kight speak at the Iowa SHRM conference, and he had an elegant way of boiling down the role our choices make in determining outcomes. Event + response = outcome Essentially, if we don’t have influence over events, … Read More… Read More

Biographical | Passion | Positivity

Leaders Make a Difference Every Day

October 10, 2018 by Alan Feirer

One of my favorite speakers is Pat Lencioni. I love him as an author, but he’s an even better speaker. Something I don’t think he’s written, but that I’ve heard him say a few times, are these inspiring words, which … Read More… Read More

Communication | Positivity

Things Successful Leaders Avoid Saying (Part 13)

September 12, 2018 by Alan Feirer

Some words and phrases give off the wrong vibe, tone, or meaning. We’ve explored several of these over the course of this blog, and today we’re adding one more to the list. How do these conversations hit you? 1. “Hey … Read More… Read More

Passion | Positivity

Leaders Understand the Role of Symbolism

August 1, 2018 by Alan Feirer

We all work and breathe in four organizational frames. These frames are Political, Structural, Human Resources, and Symbolic. Political—power, conflict, coalitions Structural—organizational charts, policies, procedures Human Resources—meeting individual needs, teamwork, leadership, people problems Symbolic—culture, ritual, stories, traditions In times of … Read More… Read More

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