by Eric Spencer Workplace loneliness is at a crisis point. Most organizations are making it worse — accidentally. Here’s what the research says, and what to do about it. I wrote this article with the help of an AI. First time. And yes, it felt a little weird. I’m a GenX leadership consultant who has … Read more
The holidays are here, bringing the complexities of relationship dynamics to the forefront. Whether it’s office celebrations, end-of-year deadlines, or family gatherings, this time of year is packed with opportunities to strengthen—or strain—our most important connections. As we explore in You, Me, We, professional or personal relationships are built (or broken) in small moments. The … Read more
We all have those moments we wish we could take back, things we have said or done that have damaged a relationship at work. Sometimes, it’s dramatic—like when I slammed my laptop shut and stormed out of a leadership meeting (not my finest hour) or the stomach-churning horror of realizing you’ve sent an email containing … Read more
Have you ever noticed how some leaders effortlessly build high-performing teams while others struggle to keep their people engaged? The difference often comes down to a fundamental leadership mindset shift—moving from “me” to “we.” I know because I lived it. I first explored this critical shift from me-first to we-first thinking in my book Cultivate: … Read more
I love music, and in the last 12 months, I’ve enjoyed seeing Adele, Dead & Co, Sting, Pink Martini, the Colorado Symphony, and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain (hilarious and talented!). Quite the eclectic lineup. You can bet that before the rosin dust has settled and the final lights go down on stage, each … Read more
Ever caught yourself mid-email, coffee in hand, cracking up over an inside joke with a colleague? That chuckle isn’t just a coffee break—it’s a cornerstone of your career health. Insights from my books Cultivate and You, Me, We reveal that friends at work aren’t just lovely to have; they’re essential for both job satisfaction and … Read more
Ever feel like your work-life balance is more like work-work balance? Yep, us too. If you’re experiencing work-work overload then it’s a sign that your boundaries aren’t showing (enough). We’ve long thought that work-life balance is a red herring, an impossible threshold for any of us to attain. The very phrase implies work or life, … Read more
If life came with a universal spoiler alert, it would be this: “You’re going to have to interact and connect with other people.” The need for meaningful connections are hard-wired into our DNA. It’s part of what makes us human. Unfortunately our research, and that from other organizations shows that our connections are splintering. Despite … Read more
Early in my career (the exact date is a blur), I had an eye-opening moment at the bank where I worked. My boss took me aside and dropped a truth bomb: “Stop saying ‘Sorry.’” The art of a meaningful apology at work is one of the most underrated leadership skills — and knowing when NOT … Read more
Ruby Vesely and I recently delivered a keynote presentation to a group of technology leaders, our focus was on how we cultivate trust especially when we are working in a hybrid team. It was a powerful conversation. We had been discussing the themes in our new book You, Me, We. Why we all need a friend … Read more