Podcasts about comaford

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1336: Christine Comaford of Smart Tribes Institute explores the damaging effects of conflict avoidance in professional settings. She illustrates through examples of leaders like Bob and Sharon how evading conflict can escalate workplace issues, undermine trust, and stifle communication. Comaford provides actionable advice on embracing healthy conflict to foster a more engaged, accountable, and dynamic work culture. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/are-you-killing-your-career-by-avoiding-conflict/ Quotes to ponder: "Many of us have been socialized or learned as adults that conflict is 'bad' and in order to succeed, we should appear optimistic and positive at all times." "When conflict occurs, many leaders have a tendency to participate in it versus lead through it." "Use this tool to discover how your team can move forward in conflict. Have them answer these questions in order to assess where they really want to be." Episode references: Power Your Tribe by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Your-Tribe-Resilient-Turbulent/dp/1260108775 SmartTribes by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/SmartTribes-Teams-Become-Brilliant-Together/dp/159184648X Rules for Renegades by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Renegades-Money-Career-Individuality-ebook/dp/B001B681T4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1336: Christine Comaford of Smart Tribes Institute explores the damaging effects of conflict avoidance in professional settings. She illustrates through examples of leaders like Bob and Sharon how evading conflict can escalate workplace issues, undermine trust, and stifle communication. Comaford provides actionable advice on embracing healthy conflict to foster a more engaged, accountable, and dynamic work culture. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/are-you-killing-your-career-by-avoiding-conflict/ Quotes to ponder: "Many of us have been socialized or learned as adults that conflict is 'bad' and in order to succeed, we should appear optimistic and positive at all times." "When conflict occurs, many leaders have a tendency to participate in it versus lead through it." "Use this tool to discover how your team can move forward in conflict. Have them answer these questions in order to assess where they really want to be." Episode references: Power Your Tribe by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Your-Tribe-Resilient-Turbulent/dp/1260108775 SmartTribes by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/SmartTribes-Teams-Become-Brilliant-Together/dp/159184648X Rules for Renegades by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Renegades-Money-Career-Individuality-ebook/dp/B001B681T4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1310: Christine Comaford of Smart Tribes Institute delves into the essential brain-based traits that earmark high-potential individuals for success. With insights from neuroscientist Kevin Ochsner, Comaford illuminates how focus, learning, personal insight, and social skills not only define but can also be developed in future leaders, offering a roadmap for personal and professional growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/want-to-be-promoted-cultivate-these-4-traits/ Quotes to ponder: "Focus has two parts: executive, or selective attention, what we choose to pay attention to and zoom in on mentally, and second it's essential to be able to zoom out and see relationships between things, to understand context." "Learning swiftly and retaining learning is key in today's speedy workplace." "Personal ability is two-fold. First it means the individual demonstrates knowing themselves, being clear on their motives, their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats." Episode references: Mindset by Carol Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322 Power Your Tribe by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Your-Tribe-Resilient-Turbulent/dp/1260108775 Smart Tribes by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/SmartTribes-Teams-Become-Brilliant-Together/dp/159184648X Rules for Renegades by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Renegades-Money-Career-Individuality-ebook/dp/B001B681T4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1310: Christine Comaford of Smart Tribes Institute delves into the essential brain-based traits that earmark high-potential individuals for success. With insights from neuroscientist Kevin Ochsner, Comaford illuminates how focus, learning, personal insight, and social skills not only define but can also be developed in future leaders, offering a roadmap for personal and professional growth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/want-to-be-promoted-cultivate-these-4-traits/ Quotes to ponder: "Focus has two parts: executive, or selective attention, what we choose to pay attention to and zoom in on mentally, and second it's essential to be able to zoom out and see relationships between things, to understand context." "Learning swiftly and retaining learning is key in today's speedy workplace." "Personal ability is two-fold. First it means the individual demonstrates knowing themselves, being clear on their motives, their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats." Episode references: Mindset by Carol Dweck: https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322 Power Your Tribe by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Your-Tribe-Resilient-Turbulent/dp/1260108775 Smart Tribes by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/SmartTribes-Teams-Become-Brilliant-Together/dp/159184648X Rules for Renegades by Christine Comaford: https://www.amazon.com/Rules-Renegades-Money-Career-Individuality-ebook/dp/B001B681T4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1284: In "Crush Your Top Collaboration Killers! A Brain-Based Approach," Christine Comaford of Smart Tribes Institute.com explores how neuroscience can resolve destructive workplace dynamics. By illustrating a case where company leaders learned to refocus from problems to outcomes and establish a leadership code of conduct, Comaford provides a blueprint for restoring collaboration and trust within any organization. This insightful guide not only identifies common pitfalls in team dynamics but also offers practical, brain-based strategies for fostering a more cooperative and productive work environment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/crush-your-top-collaboration-killers-a-brain-based-approach/ Quotes to ponder: "Everyone was sick of the fighting and wanted to come together, they just didn't know how." "Find out what they crave and give it to them." Episode references: Power Your Tribe: Create Resilient Teams in Turbulent Times, 1st Edition: https://www.mheducation.com/highered/product/power-your-tribe-create-resilient-teams-turbulent-times-comaford/9781260108774.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1284: In "Crush Your Top Collaboration Killers! A Brain-Based Approach," Christine Comaford of Smart Tribes Institute.com explores how neuroscience can resolve destructive workplace dynamics. By illustrating a case where company leaders learned to refocus from problems to outcomes and establish a leadership code of conduct, Comaford provides a blueprint for restoring collaboration and trust within any organization. This insightful guide not only identifies common pitfalls in team dynamics but also offers practical, brain-based strategies for fostering a more cooperative and productive work environment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/crush-your-top-collaboration-killers-a-brain-based-approach/ Quotes to ponder: "Everyone was sick of the fighting and wanted to come together, they just didn't know how." "Find out what they crave and give it to them." Episode references: Power Your Tribe: Create Resilient Teams in Turbulent Times, 1st Edition: https://www.mheducation.com/highered/product/power-your-tribe-create-resilient-teams-turbulent-times-comaford/9781260108774.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1258: Christine Comaford of Smart Tribes Institute illuminates the pressing issue of burnout among leaders and offers transformative tools and insights for managing stress and avoiding burnout. With a focus on mindful practices and self-reflection, Comaford's strategies empower individuals to embrace change, practice resilience, and maintain a healthy balance amidst the demands of leadership. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/headed-towards-burnout-heres-what-you-need-to-do/ Quotes to ponder: "There's an infinite amount of work, especially as a leader in your organization. Sometimes, you just need to put the brakes on, because there will always be more work." "No matter what happens outside of us, we always get to choose the meaning we make about it inside." "The key to avoiding burnout is to visualize the person you want to be, set your intentions, and get out of your own way." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1258: Christine Comaford of Smart Tribes Institute illuminates the pressing issue of burnout among leaders and offers transformative tools and insights for managing stress and avoiding burnout. With a focus on mindful practices and self-reflection, Comaford's strategies empower individuals to embrace change, practice resilience, and maintain a healthy balance amidst the demands of leadership. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/headed-towards-burnout-heres-what-you-need-to-do/ Quotes to ponder: "There's an infinite amount of work, especially as a leader in your organization. Sometimes, you just need to put the brakes on, because there will always be more work." "No matter what happens outside of us, we always get to choose the meaning we make about it inside." "The key to avoiding burnout is to visualize the person you want to be, set your intentions, and get out of your own way." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1228: Christine Comaford emphasizes the critical decision-making process involved in selling a business, addressing the key reasons why entrepreneurs consider selling, including the Seven D's, private equity interest, and international investment opportunities. She outlines the importance of assessing your company's market appeal, growth potential, and the personal legacy desires of the business owner. Comaford provides a strategic blueprint for enhancing a company's value through motivation, momentum, scalable business models, high-performing teams, effective sales and marketing, and influential mentorship, aiming to make the company irresistible to potential acquirers. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/cash-out-or-hold-out-is-it-time-to-sell-your-company/ Quotes to ponder: "Develop a business model that is scalable, has defensible diversity, and is supported by efficient operations to optimize profit." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1228: Christine Comaford emphasizes the critical decision-making process involved in selling a business, addressing the key reasons why entrepreneurs consider selling, including the Seven D's, private equity interest, and international investment opportunities. She outlines the importance of assessing your company's market appeal, growth potential, and the personal legacy desires of the business owner. Comaford provides a strategic blueprint for enhancing a company's value through motivation, momentum, scalable business models, high-performing teams, effective sales and marketing, and influential mentorship, aiming to make the company irresistible to potential acquirers. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/cash-out-or-hold-out-is-it-time-to-sell-your-company/ Quotes to ponder: "Develop a business model that is scalable, has defensible diversity, and is supported by efficient operations to optimize profit." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1201: Christine Comaford's article "The Art Of Showing Up: How To Own Your Leadership Role And The Authority It Brings" on Smart Tribes Institute.com discusses the concept of 'energetic weight' in leadership. It emphasizes the importance of embracing the power and authority that comes with leadership roles, encouraging leaders to stand firm in their convictions and responsibilities. Comaford provides a quiz to help leaders assess their ability to utilize their energetic weight effectively, illustrating the transformation that can occur when leaders fully embrace their roles. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/art-of-showing-up-leadership-role/ Quotes to ponder: "Standing in one's energetic weight is about standing up for what you believe is right, it's about doing the right thing, it's about treating others with respect and also drawing the line when others are not honoring who you are and what your role represents." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1201: Christine Comaford's article "The Art Of Showing Up: How To Own Your Leadership Role And The Authority It Brings" on Smart Tribes Institute.com discusses the concept of 'energetic weight' in leadership. It emphasizes the importance of embracing the power and authority that comes with leadership roles, encouraging leaders to stand firm in their convictions and responsibilities. Comaford provides a quiz to help leaders assess their ability to utilize their energetic weight effectively, illustrating the transformation that can occur when leaders fully embrace their roles. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/art-of-showing-up-leadership-role/ Quotes to ponder: "Standing in one's energetic weight is about standing up for what you believe is right, it's about doing the right thing, it's about treating others with respect and also drawing the line when others are not honoring who you are and what your role represents." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1173: Christine Comaford's "Uplevel Your Culture" delves into the crucial role of human connection in the workplace. Highlighting the often-overlooked emotional needs of employees, Comaford emphasizes the importance of safety, belonging, and mattering in fostering a productive and supportive work environment. This insightful article serves as a guide for leaders to transform their culture and enhance team performance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/uplevel-your-culture/ Quotes to ponder: "Having seen hundreds of businesses and employees throughout my career, I know that an emotionally struggling team is never operating from a Smart State." "Safety, belonging, and mattering are key in a productive workplace." "Once in Smart State, people can operate from a place of strength, rather than a place of stress and fear." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1173: Christine Comaford's "Uplevel Your Culture" delves into the crucial role of human connection in the workplace. Highlighting the often-overlooked emotional needs of employees, Comaford emphasizes the importance of safety, belonging, and mattering in fostering a productive and supportive work environment. This insightful article serves as a guide for leaders to transform their culture and enhance team performance. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/uplevel-your-culture/ Quotes to ponder: "Having seen hundreds of businesses and employees throughout my career, I know that an emotionally struggling team is never operating from a Smart State." "Safety, belonging, and mattering are key in a productive workplace." "Once in Smart State, people can operate from a place of strength, rather than a place of stress and fear." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christine Comaford talks about why salespeople are burning out faster than ever Episode 740: Salespeople Are Burning Out Faster Than Ever - Here's Why by Christina Comaford Christine Comaford is a Leadership and Culture Coach who specializes in applied neuroscience, which helps her clients achieve tremendous results in record time. She is a human behavior expert, a leadership columnist for Forbes.com, and the New York Times bestselling author of Power Your Tribe, SmartTribes and Rules for Renegades. The original post is located here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/salespeople-burning-faster-ever-heres/  Indeed is the #1 source of hires in the U.S., according to TalentNest. Go to Indeed.com/STARTUP to get started  Visit Me Online at OLDPodcast.com Interested in advertising on the show? Visit https://www.advertisecast.com/OptimalStartUpDaily Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christine Comaford talks about why salespeople are burning out faster than ever Episode 740: Salespeople Are Burning Out Faster Than Ever - Here's Why by Christina Comaford Christine Comaford is a Leadership and Culture Coach who specializes in applied neuroscience, which helps her clients achieve tremendous results in record time. She is a human behavior expert, a leadership columnist for Forbes.com, and the New York Times bestselling author of Power Your Tribe, SmartTribes and Rules for Renegades. The original post is located here: https://smarttribesinstitute.com/salespeople-burning-faster-ever-heres/  Indeed is the #1 source of hires in the U.S., according to TalentNest. Go to Indeed.com/STARTUP to get started  Visit Me Online at OLDPodcast.com Interested in advertising on the show? Visit https://www.advertisecast.com/OptimalStartUpDaily Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Encourage We've all had to deal with them. Perhaps you still are dealing with them? Difficult People. They come in all shapes and sizes. All races, all genders, and all backgrounds. They only share two things in common, but I'll come back to that in a little while. As a professional executive coach I occasionally get asked by organisation leaders if I can help them "fix" one of their more "difficult" or "problematic" team members. They see potential in this person but there's a problem in their style or approach that needs developing. Some of them are like Debbie Downer from Saturday Night Live: Always ready with a depressing take on everything being discussed. Some people only seem to be happy when they're unhappy and bringing everyone else down with them to the pit of despair. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfE93xON8jk Other jerks seem to get a kick out of creating problems for everyone else and pushing people's buttons. Needling away on their pet topic and with a keen eye for any signs of weakness in others. Then we have the bullies. Instead of pushing people's metaphorical buttons, they seem to get off on literally pushing people around, shouting the loudest, forcing others to do things they don't want to and worse. At least with the downers, the jerks and the bullies everyone knows who they are. But some of the most difficult people to lead are the timid and frightened. They can be so fearful of confrontation and conflict that they hide and disappear just when you need them. Or perhaps you have someone on your team who is so disorganised and yet desperate to succeed and never seems to make any headway? And then we have the cynics and scoffers who undermine everything with their often sarcastic wit and pointed barbs. Or perhaps your most difficult person is the gossip who spread rumours, half-truths and juicy tid-bits in hushed tones over "team lunches" turning everyone against you whilst to your face, oh they're as sweet as honey and in front of the boss... well you have to admire their front and acting skills. Yes, they come in all shapes and sizes, races, genders and from all backgrounds and they share two things in common: The first important thing they all have in common is that they are all "people". We are dealing here with human beings. And we know from neuroscience that human beings share very much more in common in what drives them and causes these behaviours. The second thing they have in common is you. If you're reading or listening to this, then you have one or more people in your life whom you find difficult, and you want to know how to lead them or simply deal with them. It's OK, you are in the right place. Before we head into the "how", we need a few moments to understand what is happening with these people. And for that we'll be turning to a little neuroscience. Develop I recently read a terrific book by Christine Comaford: ""Power Your Tribe". She also writes for Forbes and has built on Abram Maslow's hierarchy of needs showing the neurological drivers all humans share. And it's primal. Your brain knows two states that matter: Dead and not-dead. Your brain's primary job is to keep you in the "not dead" state. And you really don't care about leading difficult people when you are "dead". To keep you in the "not dead" state, your brain guides your body to satisfy your physiological needs first and foremost. You have to eat, drink, find shelter, and stay warm (or cool). If any of that is threatened by anyone or anything, your brain will guide you to protect it before "not dead" becomes "dead". Now that you are in the "not dead" state we have three more primal drivers of our behaviours: Safety, Belonging and Mattering. Only when these three are also satisfied to our brain's content do we consider "self-actualization" and doing things beyond the norm for ourselves. And we crave these three things: Safety, Belonging and Mattering. Some people may crave more of one than the others, but we all crave all three to a certain extent. Do I feel safe? Can I take risks, is it OK for me to try certain things? Will I be fired if I make a mistake (thus threatening my physiological needs)? If I try something new, is that OK? If I speak up, will I be cut down? Am I free from fear, worry and anxiety? Do I belong? Are these people my people? Are we all going in the same direction? Are we equal (or at least equitable)? Do these people care for me? Will they look out for me and watch my back? Do I care for them? Will I go the extra mile for anyone of them? Do we love each other? Do we work across boundaries freely and equitably? Do silos exist? Do some people hold information or power as a means of control? Am I part of a tribe? Do I matter? Does what I do matter in the team? In the world? In life? Do I know that I matter? Do people tell me that I matter, or what I do matters? Does my contribution count and does it count as much as others contributions? Am I recognised for what I do? Have I mastered what i need to master to achieve what I am supposed to achieve? Am I able to do this? Am I respected for my achievements? https://view.genial.ly/5d3fef15adf1b53511a81bc4 And all of these needs and questions begin unconsciously. That is, any threats to them are perceived by your brain (often through your Anterior Cingulate Cortex which is always on the lookout for anything unknown or new). Once a threat is perceived, a particular mix of electro-chemical signals are fired off and your body responds. Christine Comaford calls this your "Critter State". There was a trigger and you have responded to that trigger. You might not even know that you have responded to a trigger. Other people will know it, but you may be completely oblivious to it. https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinecomaford/2012/10/21/hijack-how-your-brain-blocks-performance/#7feae1102b7b One senior leader I was asked to coach would criticise team members publically and regularly. The slightest delay or mistake with a task would result in her berating the individual loudly and with unflattering language. Her team were terrified of making a mistake or failing to deliver on time - and even when they did everything right, they received a barrage of sarcastic comments. The team, unsurprisingly, was not performing well and her boss asked me in to "fix the problem". As it turned out, this leader considered herself to be a perfectionist and hated "sloppy work" and sure it was something evolved from her family background but more important, she felt "unrespected" and was "deeply concerned that she would not achieve her KPIs because the team was sloppy". Her self-esteem was taking a hit and she believed that if she was nicer to the team, more respectful and more supportive that they would take advantage of her and she didn't matter enough to the senior leaders to keep and support. She essentially believed that she didn't matter enough and her critter state response was to lash out at anyone and everyone who happened to raise their head above the parapet. There are times when I lose my temper. I know, shocking revelation, but there it is, I too am flawed. My voice raises towards a shout, I get agitated and I may say things that I really regret later. Most often it's when I am interrupted when I am in a flow state. For example, I could be writing this, in a flow, the words just tumbling out and my thoughts racing ahead, and my wife interrupts me to asks me for help with something. At first I ignore her request, rushing to close the sentence or thought or make enough notes so that I don't lose track of where I was heading. Knowing full well, that any second now, I will be interrupted again with the same request. Only this time it's more urgent. Though it's not urgent in real terms and what I am doing is much, much more important and can't it wait. I snap back. One more request and I snap again. My hackles rise, my blood pressure heads upward, my heart beat too. I shove my stool backwards and stomp through to the other room. Sometimes, I catch myself and breathe a moment and choose to calm my critter and deliberately welcome the interruption and lovingly address my beloved and willingly, pleasantly tender my assistance. Other times, I fail to catch myself and my beloved gets my critter glare and my critter comments. My Safety and Mattering were momentarily compromised. Of course, you are a far better human being than I am and never ever show your critter state. Your need to feel safe, to belong and to matter differ from mine. My triggers and yours are probably different, though many things we will share because we do already have some tribal connection. We all want safety, belonging and mattering. And those "difficult" people. They're just showing you something of their "critter" state. Their behaviour is the result of the hijack of their emotions caused by a trigger that they perceived and they are responding in the only way they know how to protect what is important for them: their safety, their belonging and/ or their mattering. And that threat to them is perceived which makes it real for them. Although it is almost certainly unconscious. That is, they are not consciously aware that they are responding to a trigger. One very common trigger that causes many (otherwise sweet, kind and gentle people) people to respond less than maturely (aka like a total mad angry thing) is whilst driving and someone cuts you in a traffic jam, or suddenly turns without indicating. You perceived that your safety was compromised and somehow, leaning on the horn, accelerating, and many far worse responses were deemed appropriate by your inner critter. Remember that our brains are continuously on the lookout for any perceived threats. Once perceived, the electrochemical response has been fired. Will this response hijack the brain's resources and all but shut-down the executive conscious brain? Or will you have enough resources available to pause the near automatic response and choose a better alternate response? Now that we understand that we all need our balance of Safety, Belonging and Mattering as fundamental, how do you deal with those "difficult" people? Especially when one of them is your boss! Guide If you have several "difficult people" you probably have a systemic, leadership or organisation-wide cultural issue that needs to be addressed. This is where you create a genuinely safe environment in the workplace, you'll draw everyone together with an engaging mission and command intent, have cultural rituals that demonstrate your values and have absolute transparency and accountability structures. For now, we'll focus here with the key one or two "difficult" individuals. Before you address the "difficult" person, you'll find it helpful to wear the right power attitude. Because, the truth is, there are no "difficult people", only people whom you have some difficulty dealing with their behaviour(s). I'd recommend that you wear the attitude: "People are not their behaviours" as if it were true. Take some time to listen and observe what is happening and consider which one is triggering the unwanted behaviour: Talk about "us versus them" suggests a lack of belonging. If complaining that they are not recognised, appreciated or act like victims (blaming others) - they likely crave mattering. Perhaps there is an undertone of fear when in supervisor-staff interactions - they need to feel safe. Your task then is to address the person, help them feel safe, reassure them that they belong and they matter and alter the behaviour. Empower When you want to deal with the "difficult behaviour" you'll first need to help them feel safe enough to shift from their critter state. As a coach, when I'm asked to deal with people in this situation I find it immensely helpful to find a safe environment to meet (a separate office or secure, private video-conference) and then begin with breathing. Like you, I don't actually like dealing with someone who is exhibiting unwanted behaviour. I get anxious and I want to reduce the cortisol flowing through my veins. To do that, breathe in deeply through the nose into the belly, and out through the mouth. Do this three times and cortisol levels drop. You're tricking your brain that everything is safe. Do this in front of someone, and most people will, unconsciously, mirror you. Now you can use one of these influencing phrases: "What if... " This immediately takes ego out and reduces emotions. You are curious, not forcing a position (which raises defences) and encouraging the brainstorm of ideas and thoughts to flow more easily. "I would appreciate your help." This switches roles because the dominant person uses it inviting the subordinate person to rise up to the challenge. Especially useful for team members who are capable of taking on more responsibility but their current behaviour is self-sabotaging. "Would it help if..." When they appear to be stuck in critter state and unable to move forwards, this opens to offering a solution or possible course of action that may lead to a positive outcome. See how each of these phrases reinforce safety, belonging, mattering? Everyone, especially those "difficult people", craves to feel safe to belong and to matter. Even your boss! When you identify what matters most to them and help them achieve it, they will be happier, more engaged and more successful. And remember, those "difficult people" were simply drawing your attention to something they believed was lacking for them. All your other team members need to feel safe, to belong and to matter as well. Take care of them too. And your kids, your wife, your friends, the bus driver, the street cleaner, the toilet attendant... even your boss craves to feel safe, to belong and to matter.

How do you get people talk about their emotions or even recognise what it is? How can your team be more productive? On this podcast episode we are hosting, businesswoman, serial entrepreneur, Christine Comaford, author of Smart Tribes: How Teams Become Brilliant Together. Listen in as we talk about how to leverage neuroscience to create remarkable leadership, and how to utilize some of Comaford's most powerful neuroscience-based tools, such as the Emotion Wheel, Maneuvers of Consciousness or Outcome Frame.

Feel on your feet! How to cultivate emotional agility. Christine Comaford, former white house advisor is interviewed by David Cogan Host of the Eliances Heroes show broadcast on am and fm network channels and syndicated on iHeart and Dash radio. Comaford is the author of "Power Your Tribe: Create Resilient Teams in Turbulent Times" www.smartribesinstitute.com www.eliances.com 

Feel on your feet! How to cultivate emotional agility. Christine Comaford, former white house advisor is interviewed by David Cogan Host of the Eliances Heroes show broadcast on am and fm network channels and syndicated on iHeart and Dash radio. Comaford is the author of "Power Your Tribe: Create Resilient Teams in Turbulent Times" www.smartribesinstitute.com www.eliances.com 

How well do you communicate with others? Do your subordinates and team perform as well as you would like? Have you thought about how you might improve your communication skills and raise your game? Christine Comaford, author of Smart Tribes, mentions five types of communication in her Clarity of Intentions and Energy section — Information sharing, requests, promises, sharing of oneself and debating, decision-making or point proving. Pop quiz time. Only two of these five types of communication actually drive results. Which two do you think they are? Just two. Hint: It’s not point proving. According to Comaford, only requests and promises actually drive results. It sounds very simple, but it’s powerfully clarifying. Ever been in a meeting where only information sharing occurred, a one-way broadcast that never led to anything? We all have. Without specific requests and subsequent promises or commitments, what is there to be accountable for? Keep in mind requests and promises the next time you compose an email, talk on the phone, attend a meeting, or especially, delegate to a team member. Make it a new habit. Leaders effectively communicate.

Bill Gates calls her “super high bandwidth.” Bill Clinton has thanked her for “fostering American entrepreneurship.” On Christine Comaford's own website she poses the following question: "Why have 2 American Presidents, 4 billionaires, 700 Fortune 1000 executives, and more than 300 entrepreneurs sought coaching from Christine Comaford Associates?" You'll get the answer from Comaford, whose other striking accomplishments include: bestselling author and a seven year stint as a Buddhist monk. Tahl and Christine discussed: - Networking secrets she learned from Bill Clinton - How to use neuroscience to sell better - 3 ways to fast forward your career and personal goals - 4 essential ways to boost your credibility and build rapport with power players