Joyce Weiss, Author at Joyce Weiss

October 16, 2013 By Joyce Weiss 2 Comments

You Have to Read This Book on New Ideas to Motivate Others

If you want to reduce conflict in the workplace and fully engage yourself or your team then read on! Daniel Pink is the author of DRIVE: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.

The next few blog posts will describe important aspects of autonomy that you can adapt for yourself or your team. Some of the information is not new YET Daniel Pink shares interesting strategies to explore what motivates you and others.

Autonomy is always an issue that my clients want me to cover in their training. They always ask me, how can I motivate my team or fire up the troops?

This post and the ones that follow will help start your own journey on this topic.

Click here for my short video on The Importance of Being Accountable.

Daniel Pink tells us that Motivation 1 is about survival only.

Motivation 2 is about a drive to seek reward and avoid punishment such as bonuses or incentive plans.

I will describe Daniel Pink’s ideas about Motivation 3 in the next blog post. I will give you a hint…it is all about autonomy.

Motivation 2 sounds like…”If you do this…you will get this.” For example, “If you improve productivity we will give you a bonus.” People expect these kinds of rewards all the time and it takes away their autonomy. People don’t have control of their lives with this kind of motivation. They eventually do the task for the reward.

The carrots and sticks approach creates the following behavior:

Diminishes performance
Crushes creativity
Fosters short term thinking

At times the carrots and sticks approach will work. For example, promise an office party if the team does some mundane task on a weekend. “If you come to the office on the weekend to stuff envelopes, we will have a gourmet dinner delivered to our office this week.” There is no hidden agenda in this statement. The team knows that for this one mundane project, they will get rewarded.

Carrots and Sticks (Motivation 2) works when:

You offer a rational for why the task is necessary
Acknowledge that the task is boring
Allow people to complete the task their own way

Please share the good or bad news on how you use this kind of approach.
What has worked and what has back fired when you use the “if you do this…you will get this” approach?

Look for strategies on the new way of motivating others in the next few blogs. I will share case scenarios that I have seen with my own clients on how they have turned non engaged teams into self motivated employees.

Was this helpful?

Please send me any comments that you may have for this blog post.
Place your comments in the comment box at the end of this post.

Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts.
Feel free to share this post. Just make sure and give credit to:
Joyce Weiss Training & Development LLC > www.JoyceWeiss.com
Please let others know about these blog posts on reducing conflict at the workplace and home.

There may be someone in your life who is experiencing some stress… who could benefit from the inspiration and knowledge on improving their working condition or home life.

Until next time,

This is Joyce Weiss, Conflict Resolution Consultant

I help others have tough conversations so they get a better night’s sleep.

Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!

PS Click here to check out my short video on the importance of autonomy

October 1, 2013 By Joyce Weiss 1 Comment

Leadership Secrets Learned from Breaking Bad

I am a BIG fan of the TV series “Breaking Bad.”
It is intriguing to see how much positive hype is taking place right after
the powerful ending.
Many of the actors are giving such accolades to the entire writing team,
directors, producers and staff.
They worked together for over 5 seasons and they still think of everyone
as a family.

So are you wondering…

“How in the world is the cast still feeling such a connection with each other?”

I heard the following statements in interviews from the show’s writers and actors.
They fit perfectly with the themes that I share with you weekly on dealing with conflict
in the workplace and improving communication.

Strong teams need to communicate openly in order to create an engaging environment.

Strong teams need to know:

1. “Tell me what you expect from me.”

2. “Give me an opportunity to perform.”

3. “Let me know how I’m getting along.”

4. “Give me guidance where I need it.”

5. “Recognize me for my contributions.”

Each actor and writer mentioned that they were able to ask these questions to directors and
producers. They helped create such a cohesive group of people.
Are these sentences being spoken in your workplace?

Was this helpful?
Please send me any comments that you may have for this blog post.
What do you do to engage your team?
Place your comments in the comment box at the end of this post.

Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts.
Feel free to share this post. Just make sure and give credit to:
Joyce Weiss Training & Development LLC > www.JoyceWeiss.com

Please let others know about these blog posts on reducing conflict at the workplace and home.
There may be someone in your life who is experiencing some stress…who could benefit
from the inspiration and knowledge on improving their working condition or home life.

Until next time,
This is Joyce Weiss, Conflict Resolution Consultant

I help others have tough conversations so they get a better night’s sleep.

Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!

PS Click here to listen to Joyce’s podcast on Creating Team Synergy

PPS Click here to discover how you can have tough conversations and get a better night’s sleep
by mastering your communication skills.
Joyce will support you for 2 months during her Master E-Course Communicate with Impact.

September 24, 2013 By Joyce Weiss 2 Comments

My Mother’s “Bike Story”: Seize Every Opportunity!

Joyce’s Lessons Learned from Her Parents

Our parents and grandparents influenced us in so many ways.
Some of you may have wonderful memories of your youth.
Others may not want to relive those memories.
The question that I ask in my Take the Ride of your Life Workshop is…
How do you live your life because of OR in spite of the lessons learned in your childhood?

My mother Sara and father Joe left a very positive legacy with our family.
I look for opportunities during stress due to the lessons that I learned from my parents.
Any one who knows me, realizes that they better not complain for a long time
without my strong responses on letting go of the small things and changing
what you can in your life! 🙂

I hope that you enjoy another story taken from my book, Take the Ride of Your Life!

Sara’s Bike Story

Sara learned a wonderful lesson the positive way. Her first bike
experience didn’t take place until after she was married my father, Joe.
It made a strong impression. “During the Depression,” she recalls, “none of us
had any money. People made do then. It was a simpler time. I never
had my own bike or a chance to ride one.

“One day, we went to River Rouge for a picnic and saw that there
were bicycles to rent. My husband taught me how to ride. He was so
gentle! I trusted him completely. Before I knew it, I was off and riding.

In a way, this event sums up what I believe: When I want to do something,
I do it, right then and there. I don’t wait or plan for the perfect
time. I seize the opportunity when it’s there.

“Now I’m in my eighties and am an independent widow. I don’t
want to trouble anyone else if I can help it. When the faucet broke, I
went to the hardware store, bought a new one, and replaced the old
one. It gave me a lot of satisfaction.

Although I haven’t been bike riding in a while, I exercise every day.
When I go places with my daughters, I can keep up with them.
I still drive a car, so I still ‘pedal’— even if it’s with one foot.”

My parents did not complain very often, and had no patience with
those who did. Upbeat, non-judgmental, and full of enthusiasm, Sara and Joe
were always ready to learn new things, because every day offered them new
opportunities, despite obstacles.

Joyce’s Questions for You

Sara didn’t learn how to ride a bike until she was married to my father, Joe.
She didn’t have the opportunity until then and when she saw it, she didn’t wait.

1. What are you waiting for?

2. What do you need to do to live a fulfilled life?

3. What lessons did you learn from your parents or grandparents?

Please answer in the comment section towards the end of this blog post.

Click here for an article on “Warning: Use These 6 Tips to Gain Control at Your Own Risk

Staying Connected with Joyce

Was this helpful?

Please send me any comments that you may have for this blog post.
Place your comments in the comment box at the end of this post.

Please let others know about these blog posts on reducing conflict in the workplace
and home. There may be someone in your life who is experiencing stress…
who could benefit from the inspiration and knowledge on improving their working condition or home life.

Until next time,

This is Joyce Weiss, Conflict Resolution Consultant

I help others have tough conversations so they get a better night’s sleep.

Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!

PS Click here for an article on “Warning: Use These 6 Tips to Gain Control at Your Own Risk

PPS Click here to sign up for Joyce’s FREE e-zine and video series on
“Dealing with Conflict in the Workplace.”

PPPS Click here to order your autographed copy of Take the Ride of Your Life!

September 17, 2013 By Joyce Weiss Leave a Comment

5 Ridiculously Simple Ways to Improve Your Team

You know those communications…the ones where you just can’t
pay attention or roll your eyes.

Have you ever been on a losing team? What would you have changed
if you were the leader?

Don’t set your team up for failure.
Whether you’re the team leader or a team member,
don’t let the following 5 scenarios happen in your office.

On a Losing Team, People:

1. Do not know what is expected.

2. Do not know how he/she is doing.

3. Cannot do the required skills.

4. Lack organizational support.

5. Have poor relationships.

What Can YOU Do When You See Your Team’s Success Dwindle?

1. Ask questions and be clear about what is expected from your company, colleagues, and your boss.

2. Find out how you are doing a few times/year and NOT just during evaluations.

3. Know what the required skills are for you and others and get training immediately.

4. Look for another job if there is no support from the top.

5. You don’t have to like your colleagues. Let go of old issues if they are getting in the way.
Do your best to change a negative situation into something a bit more manageable in order to
move forward.

Remember…YOU Get What YOU Tolerate!

Click here for an article on How to Increase Respect in the Workplace.

Thoughts from Joyce

I know that these 5 ideas sound easy. They are not always simple to follow.
Please write questions about your own conflict or communication situations at work.
You are not alone. There is usually a second right answer once you brainstorm with an ally!

Was this helpful?

Let us hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Feel free to share these tips with your team – just be sure to give Joyce credit when you share.

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For more information, videos, articles and podcasts, visit Joyce’s website.

Click here for an article on
How to Increase Respect in the Workplace and Reduce Stress

Until next time…This is Joyce Weiss

Remember…YOU Get What You Tolerate!

Don’t run away from conflict. Resolve it now to get respect back in the workplace.

I help people have tough conversations so they get a better night’s sleep!

September 11, 2013 By Joyce Weiss 8 Comments

Cruel Words Take Root in Us-Learn to Focus on Positives Instead

At times my clients share stories about how their parents influenced them
either in a positive or negative way. It is amazing how many details many of
us remember-both the good and bad.
We all have our own stories and the content of this post is taken from my book,
Take the Ride of Your Life! Shift Gears from More Balance, Growth and Joy.

Hope that you enjoy it.

Tom’s Story

Tom’s dad drilled the classic “you’re a loser” mentality into his head at an early age.
But that doesn’t mean Tom became a loser.

Tom, a successful salesperson, was told at an early age not to believe
in himself. “You are a loser. You will never amount to anything.
You will never learn to ride your bike, either,” his father said.
Those cruel words pounded into Tom’s subconscious and took root.

Despite the expectation of failure and the utter lack of love and support,
Tom was determined to learn.
As an adult, he became obsessed with success at work.
“I cannot fail!” he would tell himself.

This became the entire focus of his life, affecting his family and even his health.
Rather than relishing his success, he was afraid of “falling off the bike” of his youth.
He did not realize he was a winner from the first time he “pedaled” with determination
to succeed on his own.

Hope for Tom!

Eventually, Tom was able to see all the positives in his life and discovered
that he trusted himself all along.
He realized he was not only strong and determined — he was a success!

Questions from Joyce

When did you turn a negative message into something positive?
Post a comment and you will receive a copy of my e-booklet,
“19 Secrets for Successfully Navigating Life’s Potholes, Ruts and Obstacles”

Was this helpful?
Please send me your bike story. Place your comments in the comment box.
Who taught you how to ride?
What memories do you have about that important time in your life?
What lessons did you learn from your parents or other adults when you were a child?

Loyal readers like you help us find more people who
could benefit from these posts.
Feel free to share this post. Just make sure and give credit to:
Joyce Weiss Training & Development LLC > www.JoyceWeiss.com
Please let others know about these blog posts on reducing conflict at the workplace and home.
There may be someone in your life who is experiencing some stress…
who could benefit from the inspiration and knowledge on improving their working condition
or home life.

Until next time,
This is Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP, CVP

I work with individuals and small groups to make sure that everyone feels heard and respected to Kick Conflict to the Curb!

Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!

You Have to Read This Book on New Ideas to Motivate Others

Leadership Secrets Learned from Breaking Bad

My Mother’s “Bike Story”: Seize Every Opportunity!

5 Ridiculously Simple Ways to Improve Your Team

Cruel Words Take Root in Us-Learn to Focus on Positives Instead

Contact Joyce

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