BLOG BY ETTY

The Questions You’re Not Asking in Exit Interviews
Exit interviews are one of the most underutilized tools in organizational development. Most companies conduct them—but few ask the right questions. Here’s the typical approach:


What Inclusive Leadership Really Looks Like
I’ve worked with countless organizations that invest in diversity training, update their hiring policies, and issue statements about inclusion. And that’s important work. But here’s


The Myth of Work-Life Balance (And What to Focus on Instead)
Let me be honest: I don’t believe in work-life balance. At least not the way it’s usually framed. We talk about balance like it’s a


When Being Nice Isn’t Kind
For years, I prided myself on being a ‘nice’ leader. I avoided conflict. I smoothed over tension. I said yes when I should’ve said no,


The Hidden Cost of Burnout (And How to Spot It Before It’s Too Late)
Burnout doesn’t announce itself with a dramatic breakdown. It creeps in quietly—through small signs we often ignore until it’s too late. I’ve seen it countless


Why High Performers Leave (And It’s Not About Money)
I once worked with an organization that was hemorrhaging talent. Their best people were leaving—not for higher salaries, but for something much more fundamental. They


The Courage to Say ‘I Don’t Know’
One of the hardest things I’ve learned as a leader? Admitting when I don’t have the answer. Early in my career, I believed leaders were


When Feedback Isn’t Just About You
1. When Feedback Isn’t Just About You Feedback can sting—but it can also open a door. One of the most transformative lessons I’ve learned as


The Power of Pause
The Power of the Pause! Early in my career, I thought speed was everything. Quick responses, fast decisions, and immediate action felt like the key


Changing Definitions of Success As a Woman in Leadership
I was recently asked: As a woman in leadership, what is your definition of success? Has it changed over the years? Early in my career,


The Power of Letting Others Lead
Leadership doesn’t always mean taking the front seat. One of the boldest and most effective things a leader can do is step back and let


Title: The Real Story Behind a Leadership Transformation
Years ago, I had a team of 14 direct reports. They were dedicated, talented professionals — but their performance wasn’t where it needed to be.


Personal Growth and Resilience: Leading with Authenticity
There’s a part of leadership no one prepares you for: holding it together when your world is coming apart. A few years ago, I led


Strategic Leadership: Navigating Change with Transparency and Trust
Change is hard. Especially when people feel it’s done to them rather than to them. I was working with a company during a major organizational


Leading Through the Mess: When Personal Growth and Professional Leadership Collide
Some of the most potent leadership growth happens when life throws a wrench into your plans. Years ago, I led a large HR and organizational


The Myth of “Soft” Skills: Why They’re Your Strategic Advantage
Let’s retire the phrase “soft skills.” I’ve worked with leaders at every level—from high-growth startups to Fortune 100 companies—and I can tell you this: what


Navigating Return-to-Office Mandates: What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why It Matters
The conversation around Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates has re-emerged with full force—and for good reason. As organizations seek to drive collaboration, rebuild culture, and boost performance,


Should We Dismantle Diversity and Inclusion?
Should We Dismantle Diversity and Inclusion? As an HR leader and Organizational Psychologist, my passion has always been helping leaders create environments where people feel


Fragile Beginnings, Bold Futures
This small, cracked shell may seem inconsequential on the ground, but it represents the courage to step out of our comfort zones and embrace new


Recognizing and Addressing “Functional Freeze” in the Workplace
In today’s fast-paced work environment, it’s not uncommon for leaders and their teams to experience what’s termed “functional freeze.” This state, often likened to the


Finding Your Center: A Mindful Approach to Overcoming Information Overload
In today’s fast-paced world, information overload is a common challenge. When we’re bombarded with more information than our brains can handle, it can lead to


Bridging the Gap: Fostering Collaboration for Better Outcomes
As an organizational psychologist, fostering collaboration between departments has been a key focus in my work. One example that stands out is from my time


Creating a Culture of Engagement: The Key to Employee Satisfaction and Organizational Success
One of the most effective methods I’ve found for managing and improving employee engagement is fostering a culture where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.


AI and Us: Navigating the Future with Artificial Intelligence
In the whirlwind of technological evolution, artificial intelligence stands out as a beacon of both promise and caution. As AI systems become more sophisticated, their impact on our lives, workplaces, and societies grows more profound. This dual-edged sword offers unparalleled opportunities for innovation and efficiency but poses significant ethical dilemmas and challenges to our societal norms.


Redefining the Workspace: Navigating the Future of Remote Work
As we stand at the crossroads of a workplace revolution, the shift towards remote and hybrid work models has ignited a global conversation about the future of our work lives. This transition, accelerated by technological advancements and unprecedented global circumstances, presents opportunities and challenges that could redefine what it means to ‘go to work.’


Crafting Our Culture: Every Contribution Counts Towards a Positive Workplace
In a world where work is more than just a job, our workplace culture plays a pivotal role in our daily happiness, motivation, and productivity. A positive culture fosters collaboration, innovation, and a sense of belonging, but it doesn’t just happen—it’s built by every one of us daily. Here are ways we can all contribute to nurturing a positive and inclusive culture:


Standing Together: Tackling Workplace Bullying and Building a Supportive Environment
Workplace bullying can take many forms, from overt actions like verbal abuse and intimidation to subtler ones like exclusion or undermining someone’s work. These negative behaviors affect the individual’s well-being and harm team dynamics and overall productivity. However, we can create a more supportive and respectful work environment by standing together and adopting effective strategies.


Breaking Free from Toxic Leadership: Strategies for a Healthier Work Environment
The effects of toxic leadership can ripple through an entire organization, leading to decreased employee morale, increased turnover, and a stifling of innovation. From constant negativity and unfair criticism to micromanagement and lack of empathy, toxic behaviors undermine team cohesion and individual well-being. But it’s not all doom and gloom – there are ways to navigate and mitigate the impacts of toxic leadership.


Key Tips for Improving Your Strategic Thinking Skills
Strategic thinking is crucial in various contexts, including business, leadership, problem-solving, and planning. It helps individuals and organizations navigate complex and dynamic environments to achieve success. Improving your strategic thinking skills can be valuable in various aspects of life, including work, problem-solving, and decision-making.


Mindfulness in the Workplace: Harnessing Presence for Organizational Excellence
In the high-speed train of corporate life, mindfulness is the much-needed pause at a scenic station. It’s the practice of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing now — free from distraction or
judgment, and aware of our thoughts and feelings without getting caught
up in them. Implementing indfulness in organizations can profoundly affect employee well-being and the company’s bottom line, but it’s not without its challenges. Let’s explore the benefits, drawbacks, and best practices for integrating mindfulness in the workplace.


Cultivating Respect and Emotional Safety in Organizational Culture: A Necessity for Modern Business
Effective risk management is a vital skill in today’s fast-changing work environment. It can make all the difference between success or failure in any undertaking. Identifying, assessing, and managing risks are essential skills. Successful risk management requires making well-informed decisions and taking calculated risks. The following tips and best practices will help you navigate risks effectively and increase your chances of success.


Embracing Diversity: A Guide to Freedom of Speech and Acceptance
In the tapestry of modern organizational life, a culture where every member feels respected, safe, and valued isn’t just a nicety—it's a necessity. Such an environment fosters employee satisfaction and drives innovation and productivity. However, building and maintaining this culture is a complex process with advantages and challenges. It’s here that leadership at all levels plays a pivotal role.


Quick Tips and Best Practices for Effective Risk Management
Effective risk management is a vital skill in today’s fast-changing work environment. It can make all the difference between success or failure in any undertaking. Identifying, assessing, and managing risks are essential skills. Successful risk management requires making well-informed decisions and taking calculated risks. The following tips and best practices will help you navigate risks effectively and increase your chances of success.


A Concise Guide to Implementing Hybrid Work Schedules
Hybrid work schedules are becoming increasingly popular as the nature of work
continues to evolve. These schedules combine remote and in-office work benefits,
providing flexibility and collaboration. However, planning carefully, communicating
effectively, and remaining adaptable are crucial to making them successful. Below are
some key strategies that can help ensure the success of your employees’ hybrid work
schedule.


Striking a Balance: The Pros and Cons of Remote Work
In recent years, remote work has become a hot topic, transforming how we approach
our professional lives. While it offers numerous advantages, it presents its fair share of
challenges. In this post, we'll explore remote work's essential pros and cons, helping
you weigh the benefits against the drawbacks to find the right balance for your work
style.


Could AI play a role in promoting workplace inclusion?
The success of any organization can be attributed to effective leadership. Effective leadership is crucial for the success of any organization. It involves balancing meeting the organization’s needs and ensuring each team member’s needs are met.


Have you experienced Ghosting?
The success of any organization can be attributed to effective leadership. Effective leadership is crucial for the success of any organization. It involves balancing meeting the organization’s needs and ensuring each team member’s needs are met.


The Challenges and Rewards of Leading a Team!
Performance management is a strategic business process to help employees succeed by establishing a shared understanding of what is to be done, how it is to be done, and how success will be evaluated.


The “No surprises” Performance Management Process!
Performance management is a strategic business process to help employees succeed by establishing a shared understanding of what is to be done, how it is to be done, and how success will be evaluated.


Making Feedback work for you!
For leaders of all levels, an essential part of your role is clarifying expectations, coaching, delivering feedback, and providing guidance and resources.
But as humans, it is sometimes difficult to deliver feedback, especially if it is constructive. It is hard to have that difficult conversation! Unfortunately, avoiding the inevitable will not improve or reinforce the needed behavior and performance.


Living in a world that celebrates all of us for who we are.
Why I wrote Aaron the Different:
There are way too many stories in the world’s long and recent history demonstrating the terrible impact of bias, bullying, and discrimination.


Culture and Professional Development are your Competitive Advantage!
I once worked with a start-up whose CEO and Founder emphasized that the organization was a team, not a family, at each new employee’s onboarding.


The new Contract between Employees and Businesses
As we enter 2023, I am excited by the potential changes in the “contract” between businesses and employees. I think that, ultimately, there will be a


The Power of Gratitude
As we head into the season of celebrations and traditions, we may have a more challenging time getting into the holiday spirit. Given our experiences


Towards Building an Equitable Culture
Building and reinforcing an inclusive and equitable culture is a worthwhile goal for many organizations. When it comes to creating a more equitable workplace, we


Recipe for Toxic Leadership
Leaders can make or break an organization. Some of us have met toxic leaders. You know the ones– individuals in leadership positions that lack leadership skills,


Secrets for Your Business Success…
Driving Organizational Success Through Your Talent! As leaders, by focusing on how we attract, manage performance, and professionally develop our talent, we can ensure that


Preventing Harassment in the Workplace: The Importance of a Value-Based Culture
With all the painful announcements and disclosures of late, I cannot help but ask what can we do differently to avoid these abusive situations? What do