The Workplace Chameleon

Send us a textPriorities only matter if people can see and understand them. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores how priorities that feel crystal clear to a leader can remain completely invisible to everyone else — and why that invisibility comes at such a high cost. She explains the common ways priorities fade into the background, from assumptions that “everyone already knows” to noise from urgent tasks and shifting focus when leaders themselves drift. Through stories and reflections, Dr. Celina highlights the real consequences of hidden priorities, including misaligned work, scattered energy, missed deadlines, frustration, and even erosion of trust. You'll learn practical ways to make priorities visible — by saying them out loud, writing them down, repeating them often, and connecting them to the “why” behind the work — as well as how leaders must model alignment with their own calendars and actions if they want their teams to believe it. This week's challenge: take one priority that's been living in your head, share it out loud, and make it visible enough that your team can see, repeat, and act on it. Because priorities only do their job when they're clear to everyone, not just you.For more leadership tools and resources, visit www.drcelinapeerman.com.

Send us a textFlow is one of the best feelings at work — that magic zone where you're so focused and immersed that time disappears, distractions fade, and the work feels almost effortless. But too often, we treat flow like a lucky accident instead of something we can actually design. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores how leaders and teams can set up the conditions to enter flow more often, on demand. She breaks down what flow really feels like, why the modern workplace often makes it so rare, and how to invite it in by matching the right work to the right moment, setting clear goals, reducing distractions, and protecting time for deep focus. With practical strategies and examples, Dr. Celina shows how leaders can model and safeguard flow for their teams, creating an environment where high-quality work happens with less stress and more engagement. This week's challenge: protect one uninterrupted block of time and see what happens when you give your brain the conditions it needs to do its best work.For more leadership tools and resources, visit www.drcelinapeerman.com.

Send us a textDrift doesn't happen all at once — it sneaks in quietly, a degree at a time, until suddenly you're far off course. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores how leaders can spot and call out drift before it becomes a costly detour. She defines drift as the gradual, often unnoticed shift away from original goals, values, or priorities and shows how it creeps into projects, culture, and team energy through small, well-intentioned choices. You'll hear why leaders often avoid naming drift — fearing it will sound like criticism, disrupt momentum, or reveal uncertainty — and why silence only delays the problem. With practical steps for noticing signals, naming them neutrally, and inviting curiosity instead of blame, Dr. Celina reframes drift checks as course corrections, not personal failings. She also offers ways to make drift checks a normal team habit, from quick alignment questions to mid-project reviews, and highlights how leaders who model curiosity create safer, stronger teams. This week's challenge: in your next team conversation, ask one alignment question — “Are we still headed where we said we would go?” You might be surprised what surfaces, and how quickly you can realign.For more leadership tools and resources, visit www.drcelinapeerman.com.

Send us a textSaying yes feels generous, positive, and full of possibility — but every yes comes with a price tag. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores the hidden costs of commitment and why intentional leaders pause to check the tag before swiping yes. She unpacks the three main currencies you spend with every agreement — time, energy, and focus — along with the fine print most people forget: opportunity cost. You'll hear why approval-seeking, fear of missing out, and “ten-minute favors” often lead us into bargain-bin yeses that turn out to be far more expensive than expected. With practical tools like the Alignment Check, Bandwidth Check, Trade Test, and Timing Question, Dr. Celina shows how to price-check your commitments and model a healthier culture where smart no's and well-timed yeses are valued equally. This week's challenge: before your next yes, pause to read the tag, consider the trade, and decide if it's worth the investment. Because strong leaders don't buy every yes in sight — they invest in the ones that matter most.For more leadership tools and resources, visit www.drcelinapeerman.com.

Send us a textYour brain is prime property, but too often we let distractions, interruptions, and clutter take over the space meant for our best ideas. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores how to protect your “mental real estate”, your attention, focus, and cognitive energy, from being drained by constant pings, messy workspaces, endless interruptions, and even your own internal noise. She shares practical strategies for building healthy boundaries around your thinking time, from blocking focus hours to signaling when you're in “deep work” mode, and shows why protecting your mind is not just a productivity trick but a powerful leadership move. You'll also learn how to model these habits for your team, creating a culture where focus and clarity are valued, respected, and multiplied. Tune in for reflection questions, practical resets, and a challenge to put up one new “fence” around your mind this week so you can reclaim your prime mental property and use it for what matters most.For more leadership tools and resources, visit www.drcelinapeerman.com.

Send us a text“Yes” feels positive, open, and full of possibility. But every time you say it, you've swiped a card—whether you realize it or not. The bill shows up later in the form of stress, late nights, or missed opportunities.In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores why every yes costs you something—and how to make sure the trade is worth it. From hidden opportunity costs to the “ten-minute trap” that turns into hours lost, Dr. Celina shows how leaders and teams can protect what matters most by saying yes with intention.

Send us a text“Yes” feels positive, open, and full of possibility. But every time you say it, you've swiped a card—whether you realize it or not. The bill shows up later in the form of stress, late nights, or missed opportunities.In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores why every yes costs you something—and how to make sure the trade is worth it. From hidden opportunity costs to the “ten-minute trap” that turns into hours lost, Dr. Celina shows how leaders and teams can protect what matters most by saying yes with intention.

Send us a textIf multitasking really worked, we'd be caught up on email, folding laundry, and finishing a podcast all at the same time. But in reality, multitasking isn't doing two things at once—it's rapid task-switching. And every switch comes with a cost.In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman unpacks why the myth of multitasking persists and what it's really costing leaders, teams, and organizations. From the illusion of productivity to cultural pressure to “always be on,” Dr. Celina explores why so many of us fall for multitasking and why it leaves us drained, error-prone, and spinning in shallow work.

Send us a textWorkarounds can keep things moving—but stack enough of them, and you're not solving problems, you're covering them up. In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman digs into the hidden cost of “bandages on bandages” at work: the quick fixes we layer on top of each other instead of addressing the real issue.From adding staff to a broken process, to offering bonuses for turnover, or handing out coupons for service failures, Dr. Celina explores how workarounds might feel like progress but often block lasting change.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman tackles the hidden toll of decision fatigue—and what it's really costing leaders.From the “chicken pill” codeword that saved dinner debates to the daily drag of micro-decisions, this episode explores how mental overload, misalignment, and too many unclear expectations quietly wear us down. You'll learn how decision fatigue shows up, why it's not just about being busy, and what to do when even the simple stuff feels hard.Dr. Celina shares three strategies to help reduce fatigue, restore clarity, and protect your energy—so you can make better decisions not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.This episode is part of our ongoing season on focus, prioritization, and alignment—key themes from Celina's upcoming book 39 Squirrels, the third in her leadership reflection series.Dr. Celina Peerman is an organizational psychologist, speaker, and author with 30 years of experience helping leaders navigate change, develop stronger teams, and lead with more intention. Known for her humor, heart, and practical tools, she brings real-world insight to the daily work of leadership.Want the bonus worksheet to help identify where decision fatigue might be hiding in your day-to-day? Email us at hello@workplacechameleon.com and we'll send it your way.Because leadership clarity isn't about doing more—it's about making aligned choices that matter most.

Send us a textIn the rush of meetings, pings, deadlines, and distractions, how do leaders hold their ground on what truly matters?In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores what it really means to hold the line—to protect priorities, maintain focus, and lead with clarity when everything feels urgent. You'll learn why it's so hard to stay aligned (especially when you're trying to be helpful), how doubt can actually make you a stronger leader, and practical ways to say “not now” without shutting people down. This is the leadership work that builds trust, models boundaries, and creates space for what matters most.Dr. Celina Peerman is an organizational psychologist, speaker, and author with 30 years of experience helping leaders navigate change, develop stronger teams, and lead with more intention. With humor, heart, and a focus on practical tools, she brings real-world leadership insights to every conversation.Download the free companion worksheet to reflect on your own leadership priorities and help your team stay focused this week. Email us at hello@workplacechameleon.com for details.This episode is part of our ongoing season on focus, prioritization, and alignment—because the best leaders aren't doing more; they're doing what matters most.

Send us a textIn the rush of meetings, pings, deadlines, and distractions, how do leaders find what truly matters?In this episode of The Workplace Chameleon, Dr. Celina Peerman explores the difference between noise—the things that keep us busy—and signal—the clarity that guides us.You'll learn how to filter out what's urgent but unimportant, tune in to what matters most, and use powerful team practices to realign your leadership and priorities.Plus, grab the free companion worksheet to help you and your team define the signal and quiet the noise this week.Focus. Prioritization. Alignment.This episode kicks off the path forward.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to communicate with our team about why and how priorities are changing. However, it's crucial to strike a balance between sharing too much and not enough information. Dr. Celina provides useful tips for leaders to determine when to share updates and when to wait.

Imagine a console with several levers, each having a handle that can be moved to achieve a specific goal. The question is, which lever should you move, and how much should you move it? Tune in to Dr. Celina's discussion on decision-making in situations where priorities need to be shifted. Learn how to move the levers with certainty and determination.

Have you had a moment when you know something, but you just can't seem to pull it out of your memory? In this episode, we'll look at the connection between change, recall, and focus. How does focus improve our recall? This episode explores these ideas and ways to improve focus and recall during rapid change on the job.

Do any of our listeners enjoy making lists? How many of you write something on your list just to cross it off? Tune in to this episode to learn more about why it feels good to check something off your list. Dr. Celina reminds us that what we focus on matters, and that check mark means more than we may think.

What frustrates you? Dr. Celina explores the topic of frustration during times of change and how it can lead to a loss of focus. She discusses ways to prevent frustration or recover from it, so it doesn't negatively impact progress. By listening in, you can discover new ways to apply your efforts effectively to the right tasks during times of change and beyond.

In times of change, certain actions should be avoided. Dr. Celina discusses both individual and team behaviors that can help direct the necessary resources and attention toward the change by refraining from other activities that hinder progress. Please prepare a notepad or keyboard to jot down the list of "not now" items.

During times of change, it can be challenging to know which areas require your attention the most. To ensure that you and your team are focused on the most important aspects, Dr. Celina has provided a review of key areas and reflection questions that you can use. It is crucial to remember that not all tasks are equally important, and it is essential to prioritize your time and focus accordingly.

Small wins give us a boost for what comes next. What can you celebrate in the midst of change? Even small improvements can be a win, especially if you are further than where you started. Dr. Celina will give you five key tips for making celebrations count when navigating the sea of change.

Often, we describe change in steps and pace - three steps forward, one step back, four steps forward, --- but ideally, not eighteen steps backwards. What is your next best step? Dr. Celina will examine actions you can take to make that next move, no matter how big or small it is. 

No matter how much change is going on, there is always something that has not changed. When we only focus on what is changing, we often lose sight of what has not changed and that can be the anchor we need to navigate what comes next. Are you stuck and wondering what you could say next time you have to announce or support a change to reassure others? Tune in to find out on today's episode.

The adjustment to change is not a smooth linear process. Have you ever asked yourself what to do if you were on board with a change, but now find yourself in a spot where it is not looking so good? What happens when everyone else is moving forward, yet you are feeling like you are stuck? Listen in and find out what to do when you have changed your mind about a change. 

Another thing.  Oh, and another thing. And another one, too. Ever wanted to pump the brakes on a change? In this episode, Dr. Celina will focus on scheduling what you can and waiting for change that isn't priority right now. Dumping change after change does not work. What can you do to go a little easier with yourself on how much and how fast the changes are coming in. 

How do some people just roll easier with change than others? What is that about? Dr. Celina will explore this mindset and our choice in how we respond, rebound, and adjust. Renew your commitment to adjusting to change better, knowing when, and how to, so we can accomplish the goals and challenges in front of us.

Have you ever heard the expression, "Change is good...you go first." Often we can see the potential, yet we don't want to be the first one to have to experience it. Dr. Celina explores what that's about and possible strategies we can take to undo the scary first step when it comes to change. 

In recent years, a dumpster fire has been a symbol of something in life that is fueled by many things and even more so of chaos. This depicted image has even been made into Christmas ornaments. In this episode, you'll get to listen to Dr. Celina's observation of a real dumpster fire and how it might have other lessons for us to learn during times of change.

"Chicken Little," of childhood story fame; isn't the only one to claim the sky is falling...in her work, Dr. Celina hears many employees make similar fateful statements. We are here to question, why is that? In this episode, we explore the why, especially during change, our brain may go to doomsday instead of hope. 

Have you ever said, "I didn't see that one coming." It is often an expression of bewilderment or angst because of some unforeseen ripple effect due to a decision or situation. While we know change is going to happen, is there anything we can practice or do to help see what the ripple effect is? Dr. Celina kicks off this discussion in a 10-episode series about being change ready as a professional, team, and organization. Let's build some strategic thinking muscle to read our environment, to improve our foresight skills, and be even more ready to adjust and adapt when we need to.

When someone says, "that's not my job," what does it mean? Dr. Celina explores that phrase in this episode and digs deeper into what might be happening in that moment. Explore overload, role confusion, lack of motivation, and more in this episode. Hear the phrase with new insight and questions to ask next.

When you step into a leadership role, you can't do all the work you used to do while taking on new responsibilities...well, you can, but you won't do either very well. In this episode Dr. Celina examines the reasons delegation is difficult. She reminds us that when we don't delegate to allow others to learn, we hold them back. While we don't want to do that, what we can do is delegate better.

Focus and the discipline to select where you center your attention is renewable. In this episode, Dr. Celina connects focus and emotions to choices we make in where our energy goes. Every day we make choices about what we put effort towards. At work, it may be situations, people, emails, or deliverables that require you to choose to see the best of it, while setting aside negative aspects that can derail you, your focus, or your effort.

Leaders must navigate crisis situations with skill, precision, and resolve. This episode examines what great leaders do under pressure as well as what they prepare for before the emergency. Little or big issues, leaders can be ready by thinking ahead and having communication plans in place before they really need them.

Pick a movie and consider the actor who finds themselves away from shore. If they are unprepared or unseasoned for sea life, it can be a panic stricken moment when they lose sight of land. There are many times as leaders or team members where we lose our line sight and may need to regain it. Dr. Celina explores this idea and what we need to do in the moment to respond and regain that direction.

Have you ever encountered a change and thought "that's interesting"? There are a few popular comments out there like, "didn't see that one coming" or "plot twist" when something unexpected happens. Dr. Celina explores these responses to give perspective on how to address the change and offers more insight on questions we can ask when we are adjusting to a new situation or circumstance.

Have you ever heard of quiet quitting? Or have you or someone you know felt disengaged on the job? The question we are addressing today is, why do employees disconnect from their team or organization, and what can we as a leader do about it? Dr. Celina explores signs to watch for and steps to take in this episode to help address and avoid the disconnect in the workplace. 

What can you share? Transparency is important in healthy relationships, it can include sharing the why, telling the truth, being upfront, and more. Dr. Celina pushes on her own boundaries of how much is too much, and shares some recent lessons learned about her own learning in this area. Tune in to understand and find out how to be transparent with your team, coworkers, and yourself even when it's difficult.  

What is the difference between positivity as a choice and toxic positivity? Dr. Celina explores the choices we make about our mindset at work and how feelings impact that. What can a leader do to be positive but not to the point where so much of it is too much? Listen in and learn more. 

Why does defensive behavior show up in teams at work? What can be done to recognize and turn it around? Dr. Celina shares examples and strategies to overcome those moments where defenses go up, walls are built, or attack mode is in gear. Listen in to not only understand your own response but the responses of your team better. 

In your team or organization, where does connection happen in-flow? Improving communication and effectiveness can be even better when we look for improvements at points of transitions between teams, departments, or shifts. Dr. Celina offers ideas about ways to see this with new perspective and points to improve on. 

What is complexity and how does it impact us every day? System thinkers are able to work through the muck of complicated and systematically pull back layers to solve the right problems. Dr. Celina will explore key elements in moving forward in teams even when everything we do seems to impact everything else.

Failure has so much to teach us. Listen in as Dr. Celina looks at failure through a systems thinking lens to identify what leaders can do better for our teams and our own growth. Perfect people in perfect systems need not listen.

Leaders must meet people where they are at and take them somewhere, likely a vision, a goal, whatever they will pursue together. In this episode, Dr. Celina will examine how systems thinking can shape our plan and when the "unknowns" seem massive, she'll offer some options to work through next steps.

Leadership can't happen alone. While leading people, you also lead people in systems, which means we have to understand how all actions in a system impact other elements of the system. What does that mean for you? Seeing the interconnectedness is critical. Listen in to learn what skills you can build to do this better.

Change will happen. Being change ready is a choice. Dr. Celina examines what we should consider before the change happens and what mindset it will continue to take to be our best in the moments of change. Our mindset is one of the best things we can control even during unexpected or unplanned change. Listen in for new content and exciting announcements of what will come in 2023!

It's complicated can be a weighty statement that represents emotion and often a sense of being overwhelmed. It can also be viewed as multi-layered and full of opportunity. How you envision this can be key to your next steps. In this episode Dr. Celina explores the required fundamentals to build complex systems and sometimes the opportunity for improvement is simply...simplifying.

Have you ever fallen in love with an idea? Learn more in today's session why that isn't usually a good idea, how you can detect it earlier than later, and how in a recent simulation with a team falling in love with an idea meant buying Texas and a large herd of goats.

In organizational systems, everything you do has an effect on something else.  A leader has a particular impact because of their position, experience, or other types of power and influence. Dr. Celina focuses on the ripple effect leaders have when they move into a situation that, too often, disrupts or creates chaos for others.

Have you heard the term "struggle bus?" What does struggle mean to you as a professional, and a leader? What can you do about it? Dr. Celina explores steps that we can take to identify and recover from challenges, big and small, that we must tackle to become our best.

What happens when a leader is having a hard time making a decision? Others wait. Opportunity is lost. Misunderstandings creep in. This short and sweet episode explores the state of "wishy washy" decision-making and gives you some quick tips to identify and overcome the moments when fear, perfectionism, or uncertainty take hold.

What role does fear have in change? Dr. Celina explores the choice of change and what helps us or holds us back. Organizations and people must change or be changed. The question then really becomes what choice we will make when the circumstances present themselves or if we engage the opportunity so we can drive it.