Writing|Where stories meet science
Keen Observer | Research-Driven Storyteller
With degrees in anthropology and journalism and a master's in writing, I use social science methods to explore the fascinating intersection of psychology and business in our evolving work landscape. Skills developed from participant observation make me uniquely attuned to relationships, work styles, and the subtle interactions that reveal authentic human motivations.
Equity in the workplace doesn't mean making everything the same
When an entire organization has the same rulebook, you may be excluding needs related to a particular demographic, which can lead to an unfair work environment. But how do you ask employees what they need and how they work best, without creating chaos?
The case for simple language
I’m guilty of using a thesaurus or too many words with the intent of sounding important and smart. Guess what? It sounds neither important nor smart. It requires too much thinking to get to “the ask.”
Why words matter: The overuse of jargon in marketing
You know who's the best at using marketing jargon? Marketers who write job descriptions for their department.
We’re a nonprofit. Employees should feel good about the work.
Even in the most vision-driven organizations, with employees deeply connected to the vision, the work environment may be toxic. A valuable mission does not replace the need for workplace culture improvement.
What’s the difference between a mission and vision?
Most organizations use their mission statement to explain why they exist, which is actually your vision. We believe the mission explains how your organization will achieve its vision.
Aren’t vision statements for internal staff only?
We believe most organizations get the vision wrong. They focus the vision on where they want to be in the future (i.e. the leader in xyz industry) rather than how they want the future to be for the groups they are serving.
What do we do after our team takes a personality test?
Tests are no good if you get the results and then forget about them. The first step is to make plan with your team on how you would like to move forward.
Do personality tests really tell us anything?
Many are surprised at what a personality test teaches them about themselves and their co-workers. More importantly, taking a test makes you pause and think about your own behavior. Understanding why you or a peer behaves in a certain way can pave a new path for improved communication and help limit judgments.
We have a toxic workplace culture. Is there anything we can do?
Ignoring a toxic culture is easier than changing it, however to put it into terms that employers might resonate with, companies cannot afford to not address workplace toxicity. The loss of revenue due to turnover and staff absences alone is reason enough.
Recognition in the workplace
Saying thank you is one of the most effective and simple things you can do.
Learning to lead
Developing self-awareness is a continual opportunity for growth. Many people underestimate the benefit of acknowledging their own feelings, motives, and desires, and how these can affect business relationships and team dynamics.
