Difficult Happens; Effective Communication for Bosses

“Uncertainty creates fear, fear create anger” -- Lara Currie Out of control Karen’s are the poster people for the rise in bad behavior. Uncertainty causes fear, and fear causes anger. All too often that anger is vented in the wrong venue. Customers rage at service workers, policies trigger push back, and those who want things to ‘go back to normal’ (whatever that is) are walking around in a heightened emotional state that your staff has to deal with. In today’s episode, what ONE THING you can do to tame those unruly clients and diffuse the anger that your clients are expressing Why people are more disrespectful Is incivility on the rise? How do you show empathy when they are a jerk What key phrases will work to calm a tense situation Work with Lara:  Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/    Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation   Resources: 10 TIPS for Dealing with Difficult People Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

We spend a lot of time with the people we work with. Whether in person or online friendships form, and leadership often tries to encourage a sense of camaraderie with staff. Without knowing it, this can create strife between coworkers without meaning to. When does camaraderie become toxic? With a nod to systems theory, we can learn how and why what is intended as 'team building' may, in fact, grow animosity.  Work with Lara: Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/    Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation   Resources: 10 TIPS for Dealing with Difficult People Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

Do you ever wonder how a workplace turns toxic? It doesn’t happen all at once, and it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Like a pot that slowly boils there are a lot of steps along the way where you can stop the chain reaction of events before the workplace turns toxic. When blame, exaggeration, and generalizations are used in a conflict communication gets lost. Generalizing is another way to label and dismiss a person or a topic. Exaggeration inflames what may otherwise be no big deal, into a conflict.  When identifying errors turns into a blame game, that is where the conversation ends. Tune in and discover what to be on the lookout for to make sure that your workplace doesn't slide down the slippery slope and wind up TOXIC. What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Its by inches we travel miles What to be on the lookout for How to address minor issues before they become major Intergenerational communication Toxic workplaces Where it all starts How coworkers make it worse Join the Difficult Happens Facebook group  “Community Happens Group” Work with Lara: Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/  Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation   Resources: 10 TIPS for Dealing with Difficult People Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

On top of everything else that you have had to deal with this past year, now loneliness is on the rise, and the impact of loneliness on you and the work you do is impactful. Douglas Nemecek, MD, chief medical officer for behavioral health at Cigna says that the impact of loneliness on your health is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is possibly worse than obesity and that isolated people risk having a significantly shorter life span.  I don’t think it's any surprise that any stress on your emotions impacts you physically, as the saying goes, your body keeps the score of your emotions.  Contact with others is not connection, while you may interact with a lot of people, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are connecting with them. On today's episode, signs of loneliness, what to watch out for, and what to do about it. What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Signs of loneliness that you might not be aware of Mask emotions and their purpose What to watch out for What the heck is going on What next? Healthy alternatives What you need to combat loneliness Join the Difficult Happens Facebook group  “Community Happens Group” Work with Lara:  Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/    Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Resources: 10 TIPS for Dealing with Difficult People Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

Our best self makes all the plans but she doesn't always show up to implement them The world is full of information, a plethora of knowledge is just a Bing search away, psych, we all use google. Yet with all this information at our fingertips, we can know a thing, understand it, but when it comes to implementing, it’s not as simple, we can have a hard time putting that information, that knowledge into practice.  So what do you need to make sure that you, and your team, walk the walk, and get implementing?   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: What sinks a team Learning vs knowing What three things you need before you implement The $325 billion dollar business getting in your way? Join the Difficult Happens Facebook group  “Community Happens Group” Work with Lara: Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/  Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation   Resources: 10 TIPS for Dealing with Difficult People Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

This is a juicy episode filled with the way’s that you can use stories in your everyday work life, from the boardroom to the stage. Carol and I talk about everything from our personal struggles and successes to the DNA of the feminine, from speaker hijackers to why Emma should stop watching Law and Order SVU. Carol tells us how she uses the three-act story structure and the Hero’s journey when working with clients. There are lots of free giveaways on dealing with conflict and a strategic speaking guide.  What you’ll hear in this podcast: Stories help us see ourselves in others experiences Stories help us ‘rewrite history’ so that we can see a better way We don’t know how our personal story can impact others and the work that we do Throughout history it was dangerous for Women to speak their truth How recognizing patterns can help your storytelling Do an after-action review post speaking engagement, guest podcast episode, board meeting etc. Practice and repeat you message as often as possible to become more comfortable Visualize your environment Use skills practice and reflection to become a better speaker Resources: 10 TIPS for Dealing with Difficult People Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types Work with Lara: Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/ © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

Well, some difficult S*it just happened. In 176 weeks of recording the difficult happens podcast, I have never missed a publication.  It’s time for me to model the very behavior I talk about. We will all go through some … stuff in our lives and I want you to do the same when you encounter some really difficult stuff,  take care of yourself and your family. Next week, I will be back and I will be combating toxic, manipulative, bullying behavior head-on!  Work with Lara: Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/  Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types Deep thoughts by Jack Handy (SNL) © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

Everyone, at one point in their life, has experienced a compliment that did not sit right. Either it was way too personal, or it felt a little backhanded. That's why we're tackling whether or not compliments are toxic! When we break down compliments, we can see that it depends on a variety of factors; Who is giving the compliment, the context, and the motive. When it comes to genuine compliments, you know it when you see it.    What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Compliments Gaslighting and Narcissism Genuine compliments Overly familiar compliment Sideways compliments Backhanded compliments Awkward compliments Fishing compliments Toxic or Not? Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                        Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/    Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types Squad © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

"Knowledge is when you learn something new every day." We learn learn learn all day long but do we take enough time to apply? I love to learn, and learning the concepts is one thing, but implementing is another. This brings us to the one thing that we all need that we cannot do without. Something paramount to implementing better ways of communication, and that is empathy. What is empathy to you?   Empathy is the ability to understand what other people feel emotionally and see things from their perspective. Empathy is important because it is a precursor to any conversation. However, there is more to empathy than meets the eye, especially for business leaders.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Learning Implementing Empathy Will Smith: Fault vs. Responsibility Empathy and Accountability Ways to show empathy         Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types     You Tube: Will Smith - Fault vs. Responsibility   Squad           © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

What kind of energy do you give off? Do you find yourself expressing more masculine attributes or feminine? This concept of masculine and feminine has been around a lot, and we are beginning to see it take hold in the entrepreneurial and small business fields. Someone who is more focused and driven is seen to have stronger masculine traits, while more caring and creative is seen as having more feminine traits. Discussing masculine and feminine energies is based on a continuum, yin and yang. People are made up of different traits, and when we say "masculine energy" or "feminine energy" in this context, it does not mean male and female, yet these attributes and expressions are often used in a male/female way.   In this episode of Difficult Happens, we tackle the concept of masculine and feminine energy and how that impacts your interpersonal and professional relationships. What you’ll hear on today’s episode: What is Masculine and Feminine The Squad membership Yin and Yang Masculine traits Feminine traits Where the concepts break down Tone policing Communication         Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Squad           © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

Have you ever found yourself engulfed in a project, focused on the little details like font or style, and before you realize it, hours have passed?  Guess what? You were distracted. Distracted does not always mean bouncing from one task to another or getting lost on Facebook when you should be working on a report. You can be hyper-focused on a task but be focused on something that does not serve your end goal.  In the end, it doesn't matter why you were distracted. The effect is the same.  Amber Hawley from the Distracted Entrepreneur Podcast joins us to talk about her personal and professional experience helping distracted entrepreneurs and those with ADHD.  With the happenings of the last year, a lot of people are distracted. Many women are finding it difficult to focus with the children at home more, and the change in routine leading to a greater number of burnouts. In this episode, we break down systems and structures, boxes and labels, and discuss ways to combat burnout.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Being distracted and ADD What distraction looks like Buttons and triggers Personality Traits Types of ADD Time-Blindness Shiny Object Syndrom Breaks and burnout Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                        Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/    Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types Squad   Mentioned in the Podacast: 16 Personalities The Power of When - Michael Breus 7 Types of ADD Psychology in Seattle - Kirk Honda   Guest Resources: The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

When you think of someone who's being assertive, what comes to mind? Do you see someone who is direct and confident, or do you see someone who is confrontational and forceful? Have you ever been accused of being “aggressive”? Was it a valid critique or was it an attempt to shut you down? Assertive communication is often confused with being aggressive by those who do not like what you are saying, but they are NOT the same. Toxic workplaces, toxic relationships happen one breach at a time, We will be discussing how assertive is often misinterpreted as aggressive and is used against women and others lower in a business hierarchy. Learn about different communication styles and whether or not someone is being assertive or aggressive.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: What is assertive Assertive vs. Aggressive Four types of Communication Styles How words change Toxic or Not         Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                    Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types     YouTube     © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

In a world that is increasingly growing more visual, how do you keep up? Younger and younger generations are becoming more socially competent in understanding differences in the "true-self" and "Instagram-self," but what about information spread online? 86% of people are now what is known as a  "visual learner." Infographics and other visual aids are a great way to absorb information. However, as we look at older generations, we see a problem where we have not kept up on our education with the vast evolution of the internet and are trusting of data visualizations that might have completely false data. Amy Balliett of Killer Visual Strategies joins us today to discuss what you need to know as a consumer, entrepreneur, marketer, and leader. From best practices to statistics, this is one podcast you don't want to miss.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Social media competency TikTok Recommended tools and websites Mixed Fonts Stock Content Twitter star vs. heart Augmented Reality Amy Balliett       Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                    Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Guest Resources: Killer Visual Strategies Amy Balliett LinkedIn Book- Killer Visual Strategies: Engage Any Audience, Improve Comprehension, and Get Amazing Results Using Visual Communication   Websites: Canva Dribbble   Netflix Shows: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Hanna     © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

Do you consider yourself a loyal person? Do you expect loyalty from your friends? On this episode of Toxic or Not, we are tackling loyalty. Many see loyalty as a black and white issue. You're either loyal or you're not, when in reality, there is a lot of room for the shades of gray.  I conducted a (very unscientific) poll gathering information on whether people perceived loyalty as a positive or a negative, and the results were surprising.  Older generations were most likely to have a positive association with the concept of expecting loyalty from others. In comparison, younger generations had a very negative association with the word. There is a dark side to loyalty. Here is what you need to know about when loyalty turns toxic.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: What is Loyalty Generational Poll When loyalty is toxic When loyalty is not toxic         Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                    Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   YouTube         © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone  

Who likes to talk about money? Money and finances can be a minefield. How much should I charge? What are my costs? Do I really need this? There is a lot to contemplate! There is a lot of advice out there, stalwarts preach that we should put money into an IRA or 401K, that we should do this or don't do that, and not question it. But know what? That might not be the best route for you. It's okay to trust your gut and ask more questions! Lesley Batson of Rebel Rock Wealth joins us to discuss women, money, and business. Including myths around these topics that will surprise you. Learn the whole truth about money and how you can get your money to work for you and the answers may surprise you. We'll discuss math anxiety, triggers, and the six wealth destroyers you should watch out for.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Lesley Batson Women and Money Math Anxiety Triggers Pricing Price-it-right calculator Stereotypes How to keep more money 6 wealth destroyers   Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Guest Resources: Checkout Lesley’s website Rebel Rock Wealth Price It Right Calculator   SchoolHouse Rock: How a bill becomes a law   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

Have you ever worked someplace and only realized, looking back, that it was a pretty toxic place? Sometimes figuring out that we are working in a toxic company, or with toxic people is difficult. So ask yourself, are you being treated unfairly, or are you just needing "thicker skin"? (spoiler alert - if it’s toxic for you, it’s toxic to you) A few weeks ago I saw an SNL Skit that was funny but also a little scary. The skit touched on toxic workplaces, gaslighting, and silencing one's voice through the lens of whiny 20-somethings, i.e.tropes and logical fallacies. What's scary about this is that these things do happen. But, not in the scenario the SNL cast acted out... That's why I'm introducing a new series called "Toxic or Not." We'll discuss all the ad hominem fallacies and whether or not a situation was actually toxic.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: SNL SKIT What is a Trope Ad Hominem Fallacies Toxic or Not series Sketch shows to check out         Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Sketch Shows: Baroness Von Sketch Show A Black Lady Sketch Show   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

“I do not think that word means what you think it means” -- The princess bride.   The term “self care” has joined the ranks of other terms that have been watered down, co-opted, or re-defined to the point that it means nothing. I have noticed a concerning trend with self care, it has been used to manipulate, bully, and has been productized and sold. So I asked my friend and selfcare & resilience coach Stacy Fisher to join me and talk about the topic, and how you can find what works best for you. (without making a purchase!) Remember, feelings are meant to be felt, not used against you to make you feal.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: What is self care Patterns and Habits The self-care paradox How to spot manipulation The 8 dimensions of self care framework How to identify rhythms Daily rituals How MLM’s use personal development to manipulate Accepting what is Finding your own routine Work with Lara:   Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                        Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/    Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Guest Resources: Checkout Stacy’s website  The self-care paradox blog post   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

Have you ever used the phrase "I'm not like other women"?  More often than not, we use this phrase to really say, "I'm not like the stereotype that has been placed on women." Spoiler alert - none of us are.  Women have been trained to be the caretakers of other people's feelings, and when we deviate from that, especially professionally, it can lead to women being viewed as a "Queen Bee." This myth often portrays strong women as the Miranda type boss from The Devils Wear Prada, which normalizes the behavior. The truth is, there is no evidence that senior women are more or less helpful to junior women than their male counterparts.  Why does this myth persist? Not for the reasons you may think. What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Are women tougher on other women? The evolution of women in business "When Meanness was Celebrated" by Shirly Li Queen Bee myth Why we view women more harshly How generational life experiences play a role. Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email Help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/  Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types Difficult Happens Squad: https://difficulthappens.com/squad-membership/ When Meanness Was Celebrated: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/04/scott-rudin/618569/   The immortal and false myth of the workplace queen bee: https://theconversation.com/the-immortal-and-false-myth-of-the-workplace-queen-bee-129680   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

“In order to build a rewarding employee experience, you need to understand what matters to your people.”  -- Julie Bevacqua How good are you at reading the room? Do you consider yourself to be a Workplace Meteorologist, someone who is able to read the temperature? Or do you need a little assistance to see the writing on the wall? When working with those in an already heightened emotional state, it is important to have self-awareness and realize when you are being triggered. Defensiveness begets defensiveness. On part two of two, Patti Perez from Persuasion Point Inc and the Drama Free Workplace Podcast joins us to talk about her experience with drama in the workplace and her insights after 20 years of workplace investigations.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Conflict in the workplace What a Workplace Meteorologist is How context can impact situations Over-sharers Healthy workplace cultures Subconscious complicit bias What HR is   Join the Difficult Happens Facebook group  “Community Happens Group”   Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email Lara@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Difficult Happens Squad: https://difficulthappens.com/squad-membership/ Patti Perez - Drama Free Workplace Podcast: https://persuasionpoint.com/podcast/ 164: Drama in the workplace with Patti Perez, part 1 https://difficulthappens.com/164/       © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone

“Most misunderstandings in the world could be avoided if people would simply take the time to ask, "What else could this mean?” -- Shannon L. Alder   Summary: Drama in the workplace is inevitable. Sometimes situations don't seem fair. How many times have you seen or know of someone who received a promotion or a raise at work and can't help but wonder why? What about being rejected for a position because you didn't fit their "workplace culture"? Patti Perez from Persuasion Point Inc and the Drama Free Workplace Podcast joins us for this first, two-part podcast discussing her experience with workplace drama. Patti has conducted over 1200 workplace investigations over the last 20 years, giving us insight into workplace drama, patterns and themes, and workplace culture.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Patti Perez Dismissal and justification of workplace drama Women in the workplace Personality Types Culture and its different meanings Culture Fit Fairness The meaning of words and what's behind them   Join the Difficult Happens Facebook group  “Community Happens Group” Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email Lara@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Difficult Happens Squad: https://difficulthappens.com/squad-membership/ Patti Perez - Drama Free Workplace Podcast: https://persuasionpoint.com/podcast/           © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone