Andrew Madams’ Post

🔍 THE COST OF GOSSIP IN THE WORKPLACE 🔍 Let us get real: being talkative and engaging in gossip might feel like bonding, but it is a toxic habit that can undermine professionalism and team cohesion. Pointing fingers and speaking ill of others does not elevate your status; it diminishes it. It reveals insecurity, and a lack of respect. When we indulge in gossip, we create a culture of distrust and negativity. Instead of lifting each other up, we tear each other down. This behavior not only affects our own reputations but also hinders collaboration and innovation. 🚫 Let’s Break the Cycle: - Focus on constructive feedback, not destructive criticism. - Build each other up rather than tearing each other down. - Lead by example: show integrity, professionalism, and respect. Remember, the words you choose reflect your character. Choose wisely! #Professionalism #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Integrity

Feeling disrespected at work can be challenging and trigger various emotions, especially when it involves a boss. Addressing these issues is crucial, and this recent article in Forbes outlines three steps: processing the situation, preparing for the conversation, and putting it into perspective to foster a respectful and productive work environment. #respectfulworkplace #careers #culture #leadership #uhy

Are we too focused on ourselves to see others' perspectives? This morning, I witnessed a situation that made me reflect on how we handle conflicts in organizations. A stressed-out lady parked her car in front of my house, which is reserved for residents. She urgently needed to get to the hospital and was late for her appointment. When I confirmed that she couldn't park there, she immediately assumed I was judging her and feared I'd call the police. I reassured her that the police only check once a week and the fine was just €20. Her relief was palpable. This interaction got me thinking about how often we misinterpret others' actions at work. We assume judgment or hostility when, in reality, the other person might be dealing with their own stress and challenges. Here's what we can learn from this: 👉 Empathy Matters: Understand that everyone has their own pressures and perspectives. Taking a moment to see things from their viewpoint can dissolve tensions. 👉 Communication is Key: Clear, emphatic communication can prevent misunderstandings and build trust. 👉 Stay Compassionate: A little compassion goes a long way. It can transform a potentially negative situation into a cooperative one. Conflict in the workplace is inevitable, but how we handle it defines our leadership. True leadership is about caring for your team while also driving results. By encouraging a multi-perspectives and inclusive culture, we can create a more harmonious and productive environment. Are you ready to become a leader who truly understands and supports your team while achieving great results? Let's work together to make it happen. #Leadership #Empathy #Teamwork #coaching #mentoring

I'm amazed by how many complain about toxicity in their workplace, which led Perminus Wainaina, the head of Corporate Staffing Services, to run an event on surviving a toxic CEO and to invite me as the external speaker. Here's my article on it. #toxic #leadership #trust #emotionalintelligence https://lnkd.in/gA_rN2gu

There will be times when you need to give someone critical feedback. Increase the likelihood of them responding versus reacting by calling them 𝐮𝐩, not 𝐨𝐮𝐭. #emotionalintelligence #relationalintelligence #psychologicalsafety #workplaceculture #leaderdevelopment #intentional #culture #leadershipdevelopment #conflict https://lnkd.in/dCX4CZmc

There will be times when you need to give someone critical feedback. Increase the likelihood of them responding versus reacting by calling them 𝐮𝐩, not 𝐨𝐮𝐭. #emotionalintelligence #relationalintelligence #psychologicalsafety #workplaceculture #leaderdevelopment #intentional #culture #leadershipdevelopment #conflict https://lnkd.in/dCX4CZmc

The Power of Respectful Disagreement In the workplace, it's inevitable that we'll encounter differing opinions. Disagreement is not a bad thing. When done respectfully, it can drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and foster a culture of trust. Why Respectful Disagreement Matters: Encourages open dialogue: It shows that we value different perspectives, helping to create an environment where everyone feels safe to share their ideas. Promotes growth: Disagreements often spark new ideas and solutions we might never have considered on our own. Builds stronger relationships: Handling conflicts with empathy strengthens teamwork and mutual respect. Improves problem-solving: When we challenge each other's ideas constructively, we can spot weaknesses and refine our strategies. It’s not about "winning" an argument. It’s about collaborating to find the best path forward. The key? Listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and always stay focused on the issue, not the person. #Respect #Teamwork #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #Communication

There is a common behavior that undermines cultures, erodes trust, and hinders performance within companies and teams. It happens more often than you think. Have you engaged in this behavior? Have you been on the receiving end of it? What is it? It's simple: never criticize someone who isn't present. If you don't have something positive or constructive to say, refrain from speaking. This doesn't mean eliminating candor or withholding important information that could help the team succeed. It means avoiding gossip, backbiting, and criticizing employees or teammates behind their backs. Instead, address complaints or constructive feedback directly with the person involved. Be authentic. Be an ambassador of goodness and character! Choose to be a builder, not a destroyer. #gossip #bepositive #leadershiphabits #Teamwork

🚀 Turn Disagreements into Opportunities for Growth! 🚀 Disagreeing with your boss? It’s not inherently negative. Approach with tact, respect, and solutions. 🌟 Do these 6 things: 1️⃣ Meet privately. 2️⃣ Prepare alternate solutions. 3️⃣ Use a diplomatic tone. 4️⃣ Listen for common ground. 5️⃣ Stay professional. 6️⃣ Focus on agreement points. Lolly Daskal reminds us, "Disagreements can foster growth and collaboration when handled with a solution-oriented mindset." 🗣️✨ #Leadership #ProfessionalGrowth #EffectiveCommunication #TeamCollaboration 💼🚀🤝

💬 "No unspoken disagreement." In my experience, unvoiced concerns can be one of the biggest threats to progress—whether in the workplace, on a project, or even in personal relationships. When disagreements remain unspoken, they fester. Opportunities for innovation, alignment, and growth are missed because we hesitate to challenge, question, or simply speak up. Living by this value means: Creating space for open dialogue: Encouraging others to share their thoughts, even if they differ from mine. Practicing transparency: Addressing disagreements directly, with respect and curiosity. Prioritizing progress over comfort: Knowing that conflict, when handled well, drives better outcomes. 💡 Why it matters: Unspoken disagreements don’t go away—they just become unspoken barriers. By tackling them head-on, we create stronger, more aligned teams and relationships. ✨ What’s your take? How do you encourage open disagreement in your teams? Let’s exchange ideas! 👇 #Leadership #Transparency #OpenDialogue #Teamwork #ValuesInAction