Joyce Weiss

I work with organizations and individuals who want to kick conflict and chaos to the curb - Queen of Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach

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What is Netflix Squid Game? Why Is It So Popular? – Part 2

Have you ever watched a TV show or movie and knew exactly what motivated you to see it?

Maybe you were drawn into the romantic plot, haunting thriller, impressing drama, thrilling mystery, or comedy.

Last week I wrote about the Squid Game. And, this week I have more answers on why it’s the most-watched show ever on Netflix.

Revisit or read article 1:  Squid Game Is a Hit. Here’s Why It’s So Popular.

I promise NOT to give any spoiler alerts for those who haven’t seen Squid Game yet.

The main plot is that 456 humans are driven to play a game of death and survival in the hope of winning $38 million. While other characters feel entitled to watch their fellow beings squirm in fear and misery.

The Conflict and Themes in Squid Game squid game | coaching strategies | conflict in the workplace | humor | communication strategies

There are so many themes in this 9 part series.

  • Social instability
  • Study of Human Beings
  • Good versus evil
  • Inequality
  • Insecurity
  • Mind games
  • Poverty and desperation
  • The meaning of life
  • Can money bring us happiness

How Money Plays a Role in the Squid Game Conflict 

Many of us have experienced how money can turn us against one another in our families. 

Whether we have too much or too little can ruin our lives.

Additionally, the ending of the movie was fascinating and troublesome. No, I won’t disclose this. 🙂

Questions from You About the Conflict in Squid Game

Thanks to several of you who sent me a private email with your questions.

  1. Is it safe to watch with my kids?

I don’t want to sound like a politician. Especially because it depends on your children’s age and tolerance to violence. 
I suggest that you watch 2 episodes to make sure you are comfortable giving the green light to your kids to watch the Squid Game.

     2. My friends tell me how they couldn’t stop watching it. Tell us why Joyce.

I really can’t tell you why. Additionally, I know that I’m one of those who was curious enough to keep on watching it.

Many of you know that I’m a conflict resolution coach. Curiosity is in my DNA. My son suggested that I “try” watching it since he knows his mom. 
I’m open and eager to learn new research about conflict. That’s one of my motivations for starting this blog in 2010.

All I can say is that I completed the first season in 5 days. And was shocked at the ending. 

     3. Joyce, is it worth watching Squid Game?

It’s worth watching if you can stand all the violence and tragedy.

It’s a test in NOT judging others. We have no idea how we would act if we were one of the 456 players.

It’s not a show to enjoy. Even though I laughed a few times. I warn you NOT to watch it before bedtime – especially if you have an addictive personality. Don’t blame me if you stay up late binge-watching. 🙂

A Curious Conversation at the Hair Salon

My hairstylist and I were discussing the plot since she decided not to watch it. Six people in the salon heard us talking and they came running up to us.
The conversation was so engaging. All six of these people felt the same that I did. None of us could give a logical reason why we were so drawn to the series. Yet, we couldn’t stop talking about the plot.

An interesting fact is that the ages ranged from 16 years old to 85 in this spirited beauty salon discussion.

Final Thoughts About the Conflict in the Squid Gamejuggle it all |squid game

I repeat that curiosity is an important part of my thinking process. My natural skill is to coach others to find their own answers. All I do is ask questions 🙂

I had to find out why there was so much hype about this show. 

Sure I started out watching just to explore this series.

The meaning of life became apparent at the end. What does our life mean? What do we still need to achieve or do to feel satisfied? 

I found many answers a few days after I finished watching the last (9th) episode. 

Clients ask me to support them with stressful situations in their life. 

One of the questions they delve into is, “How can I learn from some major mistakes that I made?” Or, “Conflict is standing in my way and I feel stuck. How can I move forward either in my career or with my personal relationships?”

A big takeaway for me is to stop judging ourselves. And, if possible, how to accept others’ differences and decisions. Both of these are not easy to do. Additionally, this is not new for any of us. Yet, judgment gets in our way during the conflict.

One of my many strategies is that real growth comes after we fail, learn from our mistakes, and stay curious even during tough times.

Let’s Stay Connected

Please share your thoughts about this week’s post. How does it resonate with you?
You can share in the comment section or send me a private email HERE.

Until Next Time,

Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP, CVP
Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach
Queen of Conflict Resolution

P.S. Please share this post on your social media. As a result, other growth-minded people can reduce their high drama and inner stress. We made it easy for you. The shareable social media links are below. 

P.P.S. I coach emerging leaders, executives, teams, and Human Resource Professionals to feel comfortable using their voice without losing their cool – so they feel heard and respected.

P.P.P.S Are you {or your direct reports} ready to explore working with me as your private coach?  It’s easy and fits anyone’s budget and schedule.
Call me at 248.681.5831 or send me an email
Schedule your complimentary 20 – minute discovery call

 

 

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Are We Biased “Thinking that We Know” Our Blind Spots? A Funny Story

The Importance of Knowing Our Blind Spots blind spots

Science has proven that we all have a blind spot bias and that many of us aren’t aware of this. Of course, this has negative consequences. Because at times we don’t listen to the feedback from others when they share their opinion about our blind spots. We are certain that we know our story – no blind spots.

Blind Spots are 2 words that coaches love using. It’s an important aspect to uncover blind spots for clients and ourselves too!

The Johari Window is a coaching tool that is still powerful today. Part of the Johari Window is knowing your blind spots. It’s so much fun when we get together in small teams and do this exercise. People are shocked that they didn’t see their own blind spot until a team member pointed it out in the exercise.  There are some people who deny them. That’s another blog post, I’m sure.

The story below happened at a restaurant when I was dining with friends. We were talking with our waiter, Claud, and the story’s conclusion was better than a dark chocolate dessert!

Here we go with another TRUE story.

Story:  Knowing Our Blind Spots blind spots

I gave my waiter, Claud a compliment stating that our friends enjoyed having him serve us. He thanked us and added some details to the complement. This is what he said, “Thanks. I’m training the new waiter because he stays at the customer’s table way too long. And gives guests so many details about his background in the food industry. I’ve told him that there is a fine line in being friendly and overbearing.”

Claud’s comments made sense. Until – he came back and spent 10 minutes talking to us about his resume. Are you ready for more? He brought over a chair and decided to join us while he was talking.

You may think that this is a nice moment in fine dining.

Claud had a blind spot. No, I didn’t point it out to him. He didn’t see that his actions were exactly what he was training the new waiter not to do.

Lesson About Knowing Our Blind Spots

We all have a bias about our blind spots. The lucky people who are in deep and trusting relationships or who learn from a coach benefit from this feedback.  Because they understand the importance of going deep and discovering blind spots.

Claud just told us about his mentee and how he was training him. Claud didn’t see the irony of his story.

We have to admit to ourselves that our reality is only one of the many realities that exist.

It’s important to be open to others who are brave enough to share their opinions. This may be a golden opportunity for your professional or personal growth.

Let’s Stay Connected

Please share your thoughts about this week’s post. How does it resonate with you?

You can share your thoughts in the comment section or send me a private email HERE.

What are some of your blind spots? Let’s celebrate that you know these and had the courage to go deep!

Find out how easy it is to work with Joyce as your private coach.

Until Next Time,

Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP, CVP
Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach
Queen of Conflict Resolution

P.S. Please share this post on your social media. As a result, other growth-minded people can reduce their high drama and inner stress. We made it easy for you. You have the shareable social media links below. 

P.P.S. I’m the Human Resource Professional’s Partner. I coach employees and managers to feel comfortable using their voice without losing their cool – so they feel heard and respected.

P.P.P.S Are you {or your direct reports} ready to explore working with me as your private coach?  It’s easy and fits anyone’s budget and schedule.

Call me at 248.681.5831 or send an email: Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com.
Schedule your complimentary 20 – minute discovery call HERE

Find out how easy it is to work with Joyce as your private coach

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5 Easy Secrets to Coach Your Team: Part 2

This week is part 2 in the five-part series: 5 Easy Secrets to Coach Your Team.
Last week the topic was about strategies to use a code of conduct.
Here’s the link for you if you missed it.

Team Coaching Secret #2:  The Team Will Not Be Happy All of the Time code of conduct |complainers; generations in the workplace

  • At times team members will be put on the spot
  • Direct communication (with respect) is part of the Code of Honor
  • The code will protect everyone on the team from abuse as long as bold honesty, accountability, and support exit.

Thoughts From Joyce

It’s important for you to have a trained coach or consultant to conduct your code of conduct because there may be times that pushback is prevalent – especially if you have bullies or rude people on your team.  Everyone is responsible to call out team members when the code is broken. 

  • Remember, the code is made by the team. 
  • Everyone must play by the same rules.
  • Team members are willing to stand up and defend the code.

Pushback must be stopped immediately because the team already agreed with each other by creating the code of conduct.  This is where a coach or trained consultant can jump right in before things get out of hand. It could be a good coaching moment with the person who pushes back.  He or she needs to think outside the box and realize that egos are not part of the code. This is the only way that the strategy will succeed.

Leaders can deal with the person who pushes back. It could be a red flag that the angry team member is not a good fit for the company.  It’s not all about you.  It’s about the code. 
You will find more information about this in the next 3 blog posts.

I want to hear from you!

CLICK HERE to learn more about creating your own code of conduct. Ask me how it works to see if it’s a right fit for your organization.

What’s your experience when you created a code of conduct with your team?

Feel free to call me at 248.681.5831 if you want to explore options on how I can come to your organization and facilitate a meeting (face to face or virtually) for you to create your own code of conduct. This is the perfect exercise for any board meeting or retreat.

Human resource professionals find this exercise a time saver for them.

Let’s Stay Connected

Please share your thoughts about this week’s post. How does it resonate with you?
You can share your thoughts in the comment section or send me a private email HERE.

Until Next Time,
Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP, CVP
Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach
Queen of Conflict Resolution

P.S. Please share this post on your social media so other growth-minded people can control their inner stress and improve morale at work.

P.P.S. I work with human resource and business professionals so that they feel heard and respected which means they feel confident speaking their voice without losing their cool.

P.P.P. S.  Here’s the link from part 1 if you missed it.

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A Powerful Interview with Kristie Stocker About Leadership and Purpose

Hey, Dear Readers of Kick Conflict to the Curb Weekly Update! 🙂

Are you ready to learn information that you can share at work about leadership and purpose?

I met our guest speaker at a National Speaker’s Association meeting a few years ago. I knew our paths would cross because she was full of energy, leadership skills, and so much fun.  Pop some popcorn and learn from Kristie Stocker – success coach and leadership speaker.

Here’s the video.

Here are the Questions that I asked Kristie About Leadership and Purpose:

{You will find more details on the video – this is the readers’ digest portion. :)}

1.  The word purpose is thrown around all the time, it seems a bit “woo”. Is it really that important to weave into the business world?
Kristie’s Answer:  “Purpose for the team AND company is necessary.”

2.  Can someone’s purpose change?
Kristie’s Answer:  “Yes! Different life experiences, situations, and happiness equals innovation.  Individuals and companies change their purpose due to so many factors.

3.  What happens when they don’t have a sense of purpose?
Kristie’s answer:  “Tell-tale signs like turnover, lack of engagement, no sense of community, and even mental health are all influences on purpose.

4.  What can leaders do to connect more with their purpose?
Kristie’s answer: “Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions and go deep.”

5. How can leaders help their employees?
Kristie’s answer: “Understand motivators, personalities, pair their strengths, coach them to grow, and don’t be afraid to let them go.”

About Kristie Stocker

Kristie comes with 20 years of past experience in corporate communications for a multi-billion dollar corporation and has been coaching driven professionals since 2002 to advance their self-leadership skills to unbelievable levels.  Her clients like Bosch, Lockheed-martin Leadership Association, Institute of Management Accountants, and National Management Association know Kristie as the expert in helping them become excuse-breaking, fear-crushing, goal-exceeding leaders.

When she’s not mentoring high-achievers to be rock star leaders or hosting her leadership show, “Kristie TV” on YouTube, she’s helping clients connect with their powerful purpose.

Here’s how to get in touch with Kristie:
https://KristieStocker.com
HTTP://Kristietv.com

Let’s Stay Connected!

What are some of your questions about the interview?  Those of you who share either in the comment section below or send me an email will receive a new video (that I have not posted yet) about using props to engage your virtual meetings. It’s short and contains tips to liven up your virtual meetings.

Hey, Dear Readers, I’m here for you when you have questions about your own communication or relationship “challenges.” Feel free to send me an email. Full disclosure here:  I don’t charge anything when people send me questions or comments via email. Staying connected is what it’s all about for me.

Have a Great Week!

Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP, CVP
Master Coach
Queen of Conflict Resolution

P.S. Career Advancement is like riding a bike: Shift Gears from coasting to owning the road!

P.P.S. Here’s a link to a past post that pairs well with this article on The Importance of Humility

P.P.P.S. If you need more clarity and direction on becoming a more confident and purposeful leader, book a FREE 50-minute leadership session with Kristie. You’ll discuss your current challenges, goals, and exact next steps you can take to be the leader you’re meant to be. Spots are limited for these sessions so book it here: https://kristiestocker.as.me/leadership50

 

 

 

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Even More Coaching Strategies to Improve Your Communication – Part 3

Thanks for the feedback about enjoying parts 1 and 2 of the series “Coaching Strategies to Improve your Communication – Big Time!”

I received this great information from Michael Bungay Stanier who is part of the World of Business and Executive Coaching Summit.  I share the best information from the Summit with you because if I find it fascinating, I sure hope you do too. 🙂

Week 1 is about the Tell It Communicator.  Week 2 describes the Save IT Communicator.  The links to both of the articles are below:

Week 1: The Tell It Communicator Article
Week 2: The Save It Communicator Article

Coaching Strategies #1:  Description of Control It Communicators

Control It Communicators maintain their control 100% of the time.  Tell It Communicators give solutions and are all-knowing. They don’t maintain control as much as the Control It Communicators.
My class – Kick Conflict to the Curb enjoyed an energetic discussion on the difference in all 3 communicators. They had to decide which style was most like them. Last week I revealed that I’m more of a Save It Communicator and rescue family and friends from getting hurt. I now know that they don’t need or appreciate rescuing! Who knew? I thought it was a good thing. Each person has at least one style and could use all 3 at different times. We went deep during the class and discovered that every participant learned that their style had both prizes and punishments.

Coaching Strategies #2:  Punishments of being a Control It Communicatorcoaching strategies

  • You won’t get to the real issues because there is no discussion
  • Bottlenecks are formed due to a lack of open communication, trust, and creativity
  • People who are controlled end up closing down and resentment appears

Coaching Strategies #3:  Prizes of being a Control It Communicator

  • Control It Communicators think that their power will make others feel safe
  • Time is saved because there is not a discussion – not really a prize. 🙁
  • Control It Communicators feel strong and efficient

So Joyce, What Do You Think About Tell It, Save It, and Control It Communicators?

I highly recommend Michael Bungay Stanier’s book, Taming The Advice Monster. It’s a great read. The information from this article came from Michael’s lecture at the Coaching Summit.
At times in our life, we can be all 3 communicators.  We usually use one communication style more than others.

Here’s a great exercise that you can use with your family, work team, or friends – that is if they are open to these kinds of discussions.  First, describe all 3 communication styles.

  • Have everyone decide what kind of communication style they use
  • Ask them to write down what communication style they think the other members use
  • This is the moment when you need to act like a coach
  • Let them know that this discussion needs to be positive without blaming and judgment
  • Hopefully, the discussion will be light-hearted
  • Start discussing the prizes and punishments for all 3 styles.  You will find details in the 3 articles and the 2 links at the end of this article
  • Next comes the best part. Everyone shares how they can change their style and what awareness they learned about themselves

You can always ask me to help you with this exercise during an online customized training for you and your team.  We will have an engaging experience and you will get long-lasting results.  Sound good? Call me at 800.713.1926 or send me an email HERE.

Let’s Stay Connected

Please share which communication style you “own!”

  • What did you learn about yourself?
  • How will you use this information to grow professionally?
  • How do you think this style has held you back?

Send me an email HERE if you have a communication issue that you want to resolve.  You are not imposing if you send me information or ask questions. I love connecting with all of you.

Here are the 2 links to the previous articles;
Week 1: The Tell It Communicator Article
Week 2: The Save It Communicator Article

Hope You Have a Great Week!

Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP
Master Coach and Communication Strategist

Remember, You Get What YOU Tolerate!

Contact Joyce

Email: joyce@joyceweiss.com
Phone: 248-681-5831