Inspiring Workplaces 
The Way Work Ought to Be!

#1,054 - Jan.15, 2025

In an article in Forbes, leadership consultant Katie Anderson makes the valid observation that too often we assume our colleagues are disengaged and overlook the opportunity to actively engage with them to build a better workplace and grow our business. Assuming employees don't care, she writes, creates a negative cycle that hampers growth and engagement.  

Anderson offers three simple ways to turn negative assumptions into more helpful, constructive questions that will provoke a better conversation: 

Instead of assuming an employee is disengaged, ask, “What’s on your mind about this project?”

Instead of telling someone how to solve a problem, ask, “How would you approach this problem?”

Instead of suggesting your ideas, ask, “What’s one idea you have about this?" 

In other late-breaking news, today is official Thank Your Mentor Day! So, take the time to appreciate someone who has made a difference in your life. (It's also Hat Day and Bagel Day, so you could always give them a hat. Or a bagel. Or a bagel wearing a tiny hat - I mean, how adorable would that be?)   

And in still MORE late-breaking news, thank you to everyone who answered last week's survey question this question: What is one thing would you change in your workplace this year that would have the biggest impact on everyone's happiness and productivity. Hop over here to view a summary of the responses.