August 2024

“This meeting could have been an email.” Sound familiar?

With many tenured employees delaying their retirements, our workplaces have up to four generations working concurrently for the first time in history! This can cause some friction at times between generations, as we all prefer to communicate in different ways. Let’s review a few ways to improve cross-generational communication and work proactively to avoid miscommunications and friction.

• Understand Generational Preferences: Recognize that different generations have distinct communication styles.
• Encourage Open Dialogue: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their communication preferences and concerns.
• Use Multiple Communication Channels: Integrate various communication methods to cater to diverse preferences.
• Avoid Stereotypes: Treat each individual as unique rather than making any assumptions based on their generational cohort.
• Set Clear Expectations: Establish clear communication guidelines and expectations for the team.
(i.e. response times, preferred communication channels, and meeting protocols)
• Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that all voices are heard during meetings and discussions, regardless of age or seniority to foster a sense of belonging and respect.
• Be Flexible and Adaptable: Be willing to adjust your communication style to meet the needs of different team members to enhance understanding and collaboration.
• Encourage Mentorship: Pair employees from different generations in mentorship programs to facilitate knowledge sharing and improve mutual understanding.
• Foster a Culture of Respect: Emphasize the importance of respecting each other’s viewpoints and experiences.

Would you like to learn more about this topic? Reach out to use to find out how we can lead a session for you and your team.

Working with clients, or customers, can be difficult at times. Saying the right thing, maintaining the relationship, making them feel heard…it can be a lot to manage. Let’s review some ways to manage those difficult clients when they come around.

• Stay Calm and Professional: Maintain a calm demeanor and professional tone, even if the client is upset.
• Listen Actively: Acknowledge their concerns and repeat back what they’ve said.
• Empathize: Show empathy by understanding their frustration and validating their feelings.
• Set Clear Boundaries: Clearly communicate what is and isn’t possible within the given constraints.
• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude, even in challenging situations, to help de-escalate tension.
• Offer Solutions: Focus on finding a solution rather than dwelling on the problem.
• Follow Up: After resolving an issue, follow up with the client to ensure they are satisfied with the outcome.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all interactions and agreements to avoid misunderstandings.
• When all else fails: Escalate it.

Would you like to learn more about this topic? Reach out to use to find out how we can lead a session for you and your team.

Working as a team in modern times can be trying. Your team may be on-site, remote, or a hybrid of both. Staying aligned is key, so let’s dive into ways to stay on track!

Team Building Strategies
• Promote a Respectful Environment: Ensure every team member feels valued and respected by fostering an inclusive culture.
• Open Communication Channels: Implement systems for transparent communication, such as anonymous feedback tools and regular all-hands meetings.
• Articulate a Clear Vision: Hold regular meetings to update your team on the company’s goals and progress.
• Define Team Roles: Clearly define roles and responsibilities to avoid overlap and confusion.
• Trust in Your Team: Avoid micromanaging and trust your team to perform their tasks effectively.

Enhancing Team Dynamics
• Encourage Collaboration: Foster a culture of collaboration by promoting teamwork and collective problem-solving.
• Provide Constructive Feedback: Regularly offer feedback that helps team members grow and improve.
• Resolve Conflicts Quickly: Address conflicts as soon as they arise to prevent them from escalating.
• Foster Mutual Respect: Encourage team members to respect each other’s ideas and contributions.

Aligning Team Interactions & Communications
• Use Technology: Leverage collaboration tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Asana to keep everyone connected.
• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins and meetings to ensure everyone is aligned and informed.
• Cross-Functional Projects: Create projects that require collaboration between different offices to build stronger inter-office relationships.
• Standardize Processes: Implement standardized processes across all offices to ensure consistency.
• Encourage Transparency: Promote a culture of transparency where information is freely shared across teams.

Would you like to learn more about this topic? Reach out to use to find out how we can lead a session for you and your team.

These days we are all doing more with less, which can lead to stress! Let’s take a moment to reflect on a few quick and effective ways to push back against stress:

1. Take deep breaths
2. Listen to music
3. Get up and stretch
4. Go for a walk
5. Eat a nutritious snack
6. Hydrate!

Make sure you are taking a moment to take care of yourself, as “You can’t pour from an empty cup”.

Would you like to learn more about this topic? Reach out to use to find out how we can lead a session for you and your team.

“Burnout” is a word we most likely hear often in our current times of doing more with less. Now, more than ever, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of burnout.

PHYSICAL:
• Increased tiredness.
• Frequent headaches.
• Body aches.

EMOTIONAL:
• Feelings of failure.
• Lack of fulfillment.
• Lack of self-approval.
• Decreased motivation.
• Decreased positivity.

BEHAVIORAL:
• Lack of desire to socialize.
• Increased procrastination.
• Decreased punctuality.
• Decreased responsibility.

When reflecting on the symptoms listed above- don’t just evaluate yourself, evaluate those around you. When you or someone you know starts feeling and/or showing symptoms of burnout, here are a few simple ways to combat burnout and try to stay ahead of it:
• Reach out to those close to you for support.
• Practice self-care.
• Use your paid time off.
• Develop hobbies.
• Find purpose. Give back.

Remember: “Garbage in = Garbage out”. Although this saying is normally used to refer to data, it is also true when it comes to our work and our relationships.

Would you like to learn more about this topic? Reach out to use to find out how we can lead a session for you and your team.