The Dangers of Self-Sacrifice

When you’re a passionate helper, you’ve probably sacrificed a lot to make sure that your clients and others you help get what they need. You’ve worked hard to make sure they’re improving. You’re there for them and will do whatever it takes to make sure they’re able to move forward. You find reward and meaning…

3 Things I Wish I Knew Starting Out

So, at a recent presentation I gave, someone asked me, “What would you have done differently to avoid burnout in public mental health?” That question stopped me in my tracks. I have had ideas and philosophical ponderings about what others can do to avoid the burnout they experience. But what led me to Sacrificial Helping…

Are you creating a toxic work environment?

When you go into business for yourself, you often have these grand plans to create a Zen-like workspace where you will feel energized by meaningful and purposeful work. All the time. You’ll be living the dream and feel calm and self-assured. You’ll feel the power of making the world a better place. Every. Single. Day.…

Evolve to Thrive: 4 Steps to Make Tomorrow Better Than Today

Times are hard for many people for many different reasons. In the world, there are huge conflicts and divisive messages. There has been so much tragedy and loss. It can feel like our lives (and our focus) are  overwhelmed with what’s happening “out there” in the world, leaving us with unmet goals and dreams. We…

How to Build Trust With Those Who Matter

As children, our initial instincts are to trust whole-heartedly, with naïve abandon. Our very survival requires that we have trustworthy caregivers to nurture us as we grow. However, over time disappointments and betrayals can build up, making us very cautious with our trust. “Do you trust me?” This isn’t a question we take lightly. So…

The art of talking to each other (from the archives)

Communication is one of the things that I believe everyone should get training in.  We need to communicate effectively to be successful in our relationships, in our jobs, and pretty much every aspect of our lives.  I am not talking about eloquence, I am talking about clearly communicating what you intend to communicate with another…

The 7 Reasons Your Employees Don’t Perform and What You Can Do About It (from the archives)

When you manage others, you are evaluated  based on the work your employees perform (by your customers, by your boss, etc.).  This can feel like a very risky proposition, if you don’t know how to get your employees to do good work.  Here are some of the reasons I’ve encountered that employees don’t perform. You don’t act like…