5 Things / Managing Distrust
Bernadette Smith Bernadette Smith

5 Things / Managing Distrust

After the US election, there's a chance that some people on your team have wondered to themselves this week, “Am I going to be OK? Is my teammate or manager someone who voted against equality?” There are likely people on your team who feel psychologically unsafe and don’t trust leadership.

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5 Things / The Rebrand
Bernadette Smith Bernadette Smith

5 Things / The Rebrand

At a keynote Q&A this week, an audience member asked, “How do we make mandatory DEI training successful?” My quick response was: “Call it something else.”

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5 Things / Help
Bernadette Smith Bernadette Smith

5 Things / Help

A few years ago, I felt like a failure when I had to lay off an employee. I felt sadness and shame and my ego took a hit. All I wanted to do was hide. Instead, I decided to open up. I texted about 10-15 newish friends, people I’d met a few times through work events, and was starting to bond with.

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5 Things / Butt Kicked
Bernadette Smith Bernadette Smith

5 Things / Butt Kicked

I did it again. I was playing pickleball this week when I caught myself making an assumption about another player, someone I’d never met. Let’s just say, I was ready to kick some butt on the court, but instead got my butt kicked.

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5 Things / (Over) Sharing
Bernadette Smith Bernadette Smith

5 Things / (Over) Sharing

This week I presented an inclusive leadership session for government officials. We had a robust discussion about authenticity and psychological safety in their workplace. It’s hard for them because generationally (Gen X and above), they weren’t taught to share their feelings – and they work in government. Yet, the generations they’re managing expect more authenticity and connectedness.

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