January 31st, 2018 by Kelly Kienzle
I have long been a believer that any conflict or frustration between colleagues is due to a difference in personality or temperament. I believed that conflict came about because people could not communicate or understand each other well enough to see the other person’s perspective. A…
October 31st, 2015 by Kelly Kienzle
Buddhists believe that false refuge is where we go when we feel terrible and hope to feel better. We think we will find refuge there, but then we don’t actually feel better afterwards. In fact, we may even feel worse. Blowing up an afternoon by eating…
September 16th, 2014 by Kelly Kienzle
“Ambition eventually wears out and probably should. But you can keep your zest until the day you die.” John Gardner spoke these words to a roomful of McKinsey consultants over 20 years ago. He was speaking about personal renewal. He went on to say: “Be interested. Everyone…
June 23rd, 2014 by Kelly Kienzle
How many workshops on listening and speaking have you attended in your career? How many books and articles have you read on how to be more effective in your communication skills? If the number is something greater than the number of vacation days you’ve had in…
November 8th, 2013 by Kelly Kienzle
Don’t you wish that you could feel just a little calmer? What is that elusive “thing” that would help you feel more engaged and at peace? How do you put just a little more joy in your work life? Try “Thank You Fridays.” “Thank you Fridays”…
August 1st, 2013 by Kelly Kienzle
We tend to judge ourselves based on our intentions and we judge others based on their behaviors. Similarly, others judge themselves based on their intentions and they judge us based on our behaviors. Here’s how that plays out at work: A colleague did not get…
July 3rd, 2013 by Kelly Kienzle
“If everything depends on context, how can you still have principles?” This is a question asked of Sonia Sotomayor, as described in her autobiography, “My Beloved World”. This question is asked of her in high school, when she is accused of arguing from multiple viewpoints, always…
April 30th, 2013 by Kelly Kienzle
Green with envy. We often think of envy as a prickly thing that can only hurt us. So, let me explain how someone recently used envy in a helpful way. Consider what sort of person you always wish you were. What characteristics of your friends or…
January 29th, 2013 by Kelly Kienzle
How do you know whether to accept a new opportunity? What are the merits of listening to the voice of experience and reason versus the dare-devil voice urging you towards a new, bolder move? When making a decision, how much should we rely on proven strengths…
