Doug Noll Show

Just about everybody has an annoying or even combative coworker without which work would be so much more pleasant. Imagine how great it would be if you could go to the office and do your work without having to deal with jerks with quirks. Doug’s guest is Serena Williamson, a corporate consultant with more than 20 years’ experience leading, coaching and training thousands of people. She holds a Ph.D. in adult education and psychology from the University of Toronto and has written numerous books and recorded CDs that inspire people and give them the tools to ride life’s ups and downs with enthusiasm and reduced stress. Her latest book is THE PASSION AND THE PAYCHECK and her website is www.serenawilliamson.com. Serena and Doug talk about leadership. One problem seems to be that people have high expectations of leaders. They expect their leaders to be geniuses, be inspirational, and have vision. The truth is most leaders are ordinary people with faults and problems like everyone else. Serena says that the key to dealing with poor leadership is to stop, look, and listen. Reflect on what’s going on around you. Decide what is important and what is not.
http://www.serenawilliamson.com

Doug and Serena talk about controlling the informaton flood. Turn off the machines and observe that the world does not come to a screeching halt. Serena talks about how amazed people are when she gives them permission to turn off their cell phones and Blackberries.
http://www.serenawilliamson.com

Doug asks about bully bosses. Serena explains that we cannot change people. The common whine is “Why do I have to change to accommodate that witch? She’s the problem not me!” The whining does no good and to manage a bully boss, you have to be willing to listen. Doug and Serena talk a little about empathic listening and Doug describes his technique of mining the emotional data field. To deal with colleagues who are not pulling their weight, Serena suggests some assertive “I” statements. “I am not getting my work done, and I need your help,” said in the right way can work wonders. Making people feel important and needed motivates them to work.
http://www.serenawilliamson.com

Serena reveals that she is a song writer and singer and is going into the studio next week to record her first commercial CD. In her day job, Serena is a consultant offering workshops, keynote speeches, and coaching on work place issues, including leadership and conflict. The show ends with a great tip: Go home everyday saying it was a good day. Think about what would have to happen to make the day good, and then do it.
http://www.serenawilliamson.com