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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Great Leaders Ask The Right Questions

cartoon oops fb out of timeLeaders who really understand the importance of employee involvement ask their team for input.  This is nothing new!  This is something that many leaders don’t do.  You may ask…”Joyce, how can you say such a bold statement?”  I’m glad that you asked.  I have had the privilege of working with some of the greatest leaders in Corporate America.  The questions in this article come from my clients who learned how to grow from being a good leader to becoming great in his or her field.

Voltaire suggested that we “Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers.”

Here are some thought-provoking questions you might pose. They will elicit ideas for doing things better:

 1. What would you do first if somehow you became the owner of this business tomorrow morning?

 2. What is the best use of your time? Your knowledge and abilities? How are they being wasted, if they are? What could you be doing that you are not doing?

3. What should I know about your work that I don’t know? What do you need to know about the business that you don’t know?

 4. What seems to you to work well here? Why? What doesn’t work so well? Why do you suppose it doesn’t?

 5. What opportunities do you see that we’re really not exploiting? What problems do you see ahead that we’re not aware of? What would you do about them?

6. What do customers say to you or reveal to you about our product(s) or service(s) – about price, quality, the competition? What three comments do you hear most frequently?

Click here for more ideas to improve morale and employee engagement.

Send me your GREAT Questions that you ask your team to engage them to be their very best.  I will send a hard copy of my booklet, “19 Surefire Ways to Bring More Joy and Harmony into Your Life” to those of you who send me quotes that I use in future articles. 

 Want to Use this Article in Your Newsletter or on Your Website?

Of course! You are welcome to print this, and any other articles we send, if you use the following byline:  A recognized expert on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace, Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP is an author, accountability coach, and a Certified Speaking Professional. To book Joyce to speak at your event or company call: 800.713.1926 or email: Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com.  Visit her website at www.JoyceWeiss.com to sign up for your own FREE video series on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace.

Was this helpful?

Please send me any comments that you may have for this article. Hit the link at the end of this post to share your comments. Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts to reduce conflict at the workplace and home. There may be someone in your life who is feeling stressed out…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 people become top level leaders who get GREAT results.  I teach them to tackle the tough conversations to build employee engagement, accountability, and rock star performance…The Result? My clients get a better night’s sleep!

 Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!

 PS Click here for more strategies to improve morale and employee engagement. 

 

 

 

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A Powerful Yet Simple Tip to Help You Stay Positive

 

Joyce with her son Ron
Joyce with her son Ron

I wish you were a fly on the wall when my son taught me an important lesson

It’s funny about life.  At times our adult children start using OUR words.  Of course they may not recognize this but we sure do.  It seems like a miracle when this happens…especially when we remember when they were teenagers!  A few months ago I was speaking with my son, Ron and was complaining about a future meeting.  I was looking forward to seeing one of my favorite clients.  I was excited to use new and improved strategies at the workshop that I was conducting.  The training session was being held in February and was located in the Bahamas….I reside in MI. 

I was complaining on how I didn’t want to spend time with a  colleague because he monopolizes  ALL conversations and turns everything into a negative.  He drains everyone around him.  I help people have conversations like this so they can  take control of these difficult people.  I also know that there are times when nothing seems to work…especially when we deal with people who don’t listen well.  

So, What Did Ron Say?

“Mom, concentrate on steel drums and sunshine.  You are wasting too much energy thinking about this long winded colleague.”  I said, “Ron, how did you get so smart?”  It dawned on me that I say the same things to family members, friends, and clients.  Those were MY words that Ron said to his mom.  The important part of this story is that we all slip into old patterns at times.  It takes someone else to point this out to us.  I immediately “changed my state” as Tony Robbins (Author of Unlimited Power) tells us to do when we need to change our internal messages. 

I have told many people this story and I get interesting reactions.  Everyone “gets it” immediately.  We all need reminders on the valuable time that we waste when we constantly complain and don’t do anything about it.  Others told me how lucky I am to have a son who is so honest with me.  That is how I am with all of my family. Our conversation are never dull!  What goes around comes around.

Click the links below to find out what legal services my son, Ron Weiss offers to his clients.
Michigan Injury Law and Michigan Lemon Law

So What About You?

Has someone gently kicked you when you needed to “change your state?”  If so, lucky you.  Remember to let others know when they are wasting valuable time complaining. You will be appreciated when your statement is direct, positive, without judgment and sarcasm.  Please click here for a short video on “Dealing with Negativity in the Workplace.”

Write your own story and what you have said to others when they needed a gentle reminder on how their negativity was getting in their way.  If you have questions on what you can say to someone, please ask me and I will respond.

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 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 a short video on “Dealing with Negativity in the Workplace”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tips to Help You Discover Your Purpose & Passion in Your Career

Lori-Williams-Headshot-150x200
Photo of Lori Williams

Thoughts from Joyce

I have three powerful questions for you:

1.  Are you doing what you do best?
2.  Do you REALLY like what you are doing?
3.  Have you thought about your natural strengths and skills?

Many of my clients discover their innate skills and feel better about themselves after we delve deep to find their natural talents. It is hard to recognize what comes easy to us because we take these things for granted. Friends and colleagues usually see these things about us long before we do.

My natural “gift” is helping others solve their issues so they feel better about themselves. High school friends all knew that I would be a coach or counselor way before I recognized this. It took me many years to discover my innate talents of supporting others to resolve conflict. Once I finally figured this out, I can proudly say that “I’m an over night’s success…it only took me 30 years!”

Many people are so busy complaining about their job or life. They don’t take the time to look within to discover how they can switch one minor thing to actually love what they do.

Here is a powerful story about a colleague of mine who discovered her purpose and passion and created a new career for herself:

Lori T. Williams is a 25 year attorney based in Birminhgam MI. She owns a legal referral business called Your Legal Resource, PLLC and assists individuals and small business in need of legal advice or representation in Metro Detroit by connecting them with the right legal specialist for their situation. Lori is also an active networker, blogger, and event host/facilitator. Those who know Lori, know she is a connector and that THIS is her passion!

Lori did not always feel so passionate about her work as a divorce attorney, which is the area of law she practiced for 14 years before creating her current business in 2004. Lori saw herself as the serious professional who would help her clients through one of the worst of times in their lives. She was well respected in the legal community and enjoyed helping others, yet she didn’t have a passion for family law. Who gets excited about ending marriages?

How Lori figured out her authentic self

The light bulb went on during a class that Lori took on “finding your purpose.” This was a turning point for her. The rest of this blog may give you some ideas on how to discover your own purpose especially if you don’t like what you are doing for a living.  Lori read a book, Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren. This book and the class study had a huge impact on Lori, because she discovered her purpose was to connect others.

She wasn’t quite sure what to do with this new found awareness, so she starting discussing it with another friend who was in the course with her. Lori’s friend was also a coach and she helped Lori return to her legal background in a way that would inspire and energize her. Since Lori had built an extensive network within and outside of the legal profession, and was seen as a resource to others, she was able to combine her networking skills and legal background and create Your Legal Resource.

Lori is now sought after as a legal matchmaker who connects the right client with the right lawyer. She also helps attorneys grow their practice by introducing them to their target referral partners and teaching them effective networking and marketing strategies. Lori notes, “it gives me great joy to bring people together for a living, rather than ending relationships like I used to do as a divorce attorney, and it benefits the people I connect.”

2014 will be a powerful year for Lori as she celebrates her 25th year as an attorney and her 10 year anniversary as the owner and managing attorney of Your Legal Resource. Way to go, Lori!

Click here for more information on the valuable services that Lori Williams provides, and visit her blog  to read articles about law, marketing, and networking tips for the small business owner.

Here are more interesting articles by Lori Williams

Valuable Resources for Professional and Business Growth
Is My Business Investor-Ready?
Tips for Finding the Right Attorney For You

So, what about you?

I’m not suggesting that you quit your job! I am asking you to think about how you view your career.
Are you doing what you do best?
Do you REALLY like what you are doing?
Have you thought about your natural strengths and skills?
Ask good friends what they think you are best at.  You may be surprised at what they say.

Feel free to share your comments in the comment section after the blog. I will answer you immediately. For those of you who have discovered your own story during your professional growth, please share how you did it, what changes you had to make, and how it has impacted your life.

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 information. 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 feeling stressed out… 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 my article on “Make the Most of a Job That You May Not Like.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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You Have to Read This to See the Importance of JOY at Work

menloPeriodically I share innovative projects and systems that my colleagues or clients are doing to reduce conflict in the workplace and create employee engagement. This post is about a company based in Ann Arbor, MI. It’s fearless leader, Rich Sheridan’s title says it all – “CEO, Chief Story Teller & Tour Guide.”    Anna Flynn who is also in the photograph has the following title…“Jack of all Trades.”

Menlo Innovations is a leader in the business value of joy and is passionate about building quality software. They have been voted the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work numerous times.

The minute I walked in I knew I was not in a “normal” place! There was no receptionist. There were no cubicles. The room was full of people laughing and working together. Rich was right in the middle of all of this and was NOT in a special gold studded office.

 The following are just a few of the best practices at Menlo Innovations:

  • pairing; no one works alone 
  • change partners every 5 days
  • open and collaborate workspace
  • 40 hour work weeks
  • pets and babies at work
  • making mistakes faster

Menlo’s way of hiring new team members:

Team members and leaders don’t ask any questions to the job applicants. Job applicants are put to work immediately. There are 30-50 people working at the same time during the interview. The applicant experiences what they will be doing if they get hired… to make sure that they like this kind of environment without micro managers. In 20 minutes they switch pairs. This process takes 2 hours.

 After they leave employees gather to analyze what they observed. The team discusses whether the job applicants bring out all the best qualities in their partners. The applicant’s job is to make the other applicant look as good as possible.

When they make the cut applicants are invited back for the 2nd interview and get paid for their time. If they make this cut they work for 3 weeks to see if they like the Menlo Way and if Menlo sees a fit.

How does Menlo deal with conflict?

Team members receive feedback from a peer group whenever they request it. When team members have an issue with others they are empowered to take care of this themselves. A factory floor manager gives them strategies if they need extra assistance. Managers don’t get involved.

 Check out Joy, Inc: How We Build a Workplace People Love by Richard Sheridan.   

 Rich offers an inside look at how he removed the fear and ambiguity that typically make a workplace miserable. I will be writing another blog post about Menlo Innovations after I read Joy, Inc.

Check out this video on resources to reduce conflict in the workplace to increase morale at work.

 Thoughts From Joyce

I can just hear some of you thinking…”I would love to work at Menlo Innovations” or “This will never work at my company.” Why not? Start with small steps. Reread some of my past posts on how other companies engage their employees.

 Let me know what you do to engage your employees to bring JOY at work. When I started my career, leaders told me NOT to have their employees laugh during my presentation. Leaders only wanted serious training to increase productivity. They only wanted me to share strategies. I’m so glad that this archaic thinking has changed. Those of you who know my personality realize that humor is part of my life and every training project. Laughter and getting energy from each other makes a great training session rock!

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. Check out this video on Resources to reduce conflict in the workplace to increase morale at work.

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Powerful Presentation Skills Secrets From a 13 Year Old

dylan bm at BTDo you want to…

  • Get a standing ovation at your next speech?
  • Feel more confident at your own presentation?
  • Earn the respect that you deserve?
  • Have fun during your presentation?

If you answered “yes” to any of these important stress producers, then you are in the right place!  This blog post will show you EASY ways to create a speech that your audience will appreciate and that you will actually enjoy.

I had the honor of being my grandson’s tutor for his Bar Mitzvah speech.  The portion that I helped Dylan with was in English.  The Temple asked me to help him since I am a keynote presenter and consultant who writes my own material.  I jumped at the chance and didn’t realize that this  experience was going to be such a highlight in my life.  Many of my clients share that they create a lot of stress and conflict for themselves when they have to make a presentation.  Believe me they are NOT alone! 

It took us over a year to do the research and develop Dylan’s paper. 
He had to find 2 heroes that represented his values.  Dylan selected Simcha Blass (the Israeli inventor of drip irrigation) and Salva Dut (who develops wells in South Sudan with his project “Water for South Sudan.)  Dylan thought that we were almost done.  Here is where the fun began!  Please try these tips when you develop your own speech. 

I asked Dylan to read his speech out loud.  He did and like any good coach I asked him, “What did you like about your presentation and where can you improve?”  His answer was perfect when he said, “I liked the content but I was bored when I read it out loud.” 

We usually fall in love with our words of wisdom which is good.  The first step is to create an interesting speech.  I find that most people miss the second step…which is delivery.  Think of a time when you heard a speaker and you bored out of your mind.  The content was probably good BUT it is all about delivery. The delivery part of the project took 6 months.  We immediately fixed the part where he was bored. 

Here are the secrets on why he received a standing ovation:

  • We placed the symbols >>> where he needed to pause
  • We highlighted the areas where there was humor and placed a 🙂  at the end of the sentence so he would smile.  This gave a hint to the audience and sure enough they laughed during these great moments
  • We underlined words that needed emphasis
  • We marked sentences where he needed to lower his voice
  • We found stories in his own life so the audience could relate

He worked on this part for weeks and guess what happened?  His presentation was not only informative, humorous, and delivered like a professional…he also received a standing ovation.  This is not typical when a 13 year old gives a speech!

What can we all learn from this? 

  • Be yourself and make sure to add humor in your speech.  I’m not talking about jokes!
  • Decide where you need to slow down, emphasize words, and lower your voice.
  • Add stories from your own experience.  I don’t care what topic you are speaking about because this personalizes your ideas.
  • Prepare, prepare and prepare so your audience thinks that you are relaxed and an expert.

    The experience that Dylan and I had was priceless.  The lessons that we both learned were amazing.  I hope that these ideas will help you create future speeches that will reduce stress and conflict for you.  Please feel free to ask me questions about your own presentation skills.  I look forward to answering your questions.  If you need another pair of eyes to see how you can improve your speech, please feel free to contact me. 

 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  If you want to learn how to Communicate with Impact please read this description about a powerful On-Line Master Communication Course.  The course will teach you how to improve your communication at meetings, deal with bullies and negative people, and reduce conflict in the workplace.  Feel free to call me for more details on how I will be your coach for 2 months.  The course only requires a few minutes of work per day.  Call today (800.713.1926) to start improving your communication so you can earn the respect that you deserve!

 

 

Contact Joyce

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