Tools and Theories: What makes a good boss?
I coach and consult with bosses all the time. If I'm being brought in by someone who is a not a boss, I get face time with the boss immediately, and if I can't I don't do the project. Trying to create long-lasting change in an organization without the consent of the...
Verhanika IRL: Major updates
The last time I had an IRL post I announced my pregnancy and my word for 2016: Sovereignty. Now I have a beautiful 5 month old baby boy, Ronan. I've started a full-on mommy blog so if you want more info about that head over here. I took maternity leave from mid-June...
Tools and Theories: How to determine if a difficult conversation is worth it
There would be times where relationships did not work for me and it was in my best interest to leave them rather than continue to beat my head against a wall.
Bad Bosses: The Boss Who Can Do No Wrong
Next time a worker brings you a problem and you start to feel the need to defend or justify, just listen, paraphrase back what you hear, and ask for your worker to come up with a solution.
Verhanika IRL: Updates and Sovereignty
Sovereignty is more than independence. It is an independence that is more proactive, more aware, and more loving.
Verhanika IRL: Being truly seen
Last weekend I had a truly lovely, healing experience. Last October my business partner, Morgan, went away for a weekend on Whidbey Island for a program called the Leadership Development Intensive. I thought it was going to be a training where someone was tied to a...
Tools and Theories: The Fallacy of Neutral
Often when I'm brought into new systems, clients say a variation on a theme: "We need someone neutral to help us figure this out." I get it. Chances are you're dealing with a big, hairy, thorny issue and what you are looking for is someone to help smooth out...
Verhanika IRL: Is being called “direct” an insult?
Remember the post I wrote recently about the boss who made me cry a lot? I've been thinking about her more lately because of some recent feedback I got from a client. When I moved to Seattle, I didn't know anything about the Seattle Freeze. I just noticed that people...
Tools and Theories: If you’re going to cry, go outside
This is a the title of a book by famous publicist Kelly Cutrone. I have never read the book (maybe someday for a future Tools & Theories post!), but I have always resonated with the concept espoused in the title. The book and Kelly Cutrone’s fame was at a fever...
Verhanika IRL: Actual Advice for Managers Dealing with Negative Workers
I have this killer client, Yan, who manages a mid-size company that I've been working with for years. He's conscientious, compassionate, holds boundaries, and communicates so clearly it's like he did it coming out of the womb. When I'm with other companies, I'm...