Communications and story telling

Even difficult conversations are easier and more productive when you use story telling and images.

2 people practicing empathy at work

Empathy at Work: How Good Leaders Unlock Motivation and Performance

Think about it: how hard would you work if your boss didn’t understand or care about you? That’s the power of empathy at work. Key Takeaways Just like you, everyone wants to be seen and accepted for who they are and the talents they bring. It’s a fact: empathy is a universal human need. When managers fill a team’s need for empathy, people want to do better. When people feel empathy at work, trust rises, new ideas surface, and teams…

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A mother duck leading ducklings in a line, symbolizing influence at work through guidance and respect.

Influence at Work: 4 Proven Ways to Build Trust and Respect

Everyone wants influence at work, whether it’s with their boss, their team, or colleagues across the organization. The question is: what’s the best way to earn it? Influence is a subtle art. Sometimes even when you have the best advice, pushing too hard can backfire. In this post, I’ll explain what influence really is, how it works, and why it so often goes wrong. What Influence Is Influence at work is about advocating for an idea—not issuing a command. Many…

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validation in leadership

Validation in Leadership: The Most Important Way to Help People Grow at Work

Validation in leadership is an often overlooked skill that builds trust and performance. Key Takeaways Validation at work is one of the deepest human needs—and one of the most overlooked leadership skills. Nothing motivates people more than feeling seen, heard, and valued. When managers learn to validate their team members’ feelings and experiences, they unlock hidden potential for trust, learning, and motivation. Validation isn’t just “being nice.” It’s a powerful, practical tool for leading people. Used well, it can transform…

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Lisa D. Foster, Ph.D. ACC  is an independent coach. As an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coaching Federation, Lisa honors and abides by the ICF Code of Ethics.  All coaching sessions and consultations are confidential.

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