Michelle Ray

Business and Leadership Keynote Speaker

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Ending the Drama at Work – It Starts With You: Part Two

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There is no question that organizations could mitigate absenteeism and turnover by paying greater attention to the emotional impact of drama. Understandably, many of us have a preference for avoiding difficult conversations without realizing that we are doing a disservice to ourselves. Unfortunately, when the skills, desire and intestinal fortitude needed to take charge of the dysfunction are lacking, the status quo prevails. The famous poet anonymous declared: ‘nothing changes if nothing changes.” What are you willing to do to make a difference and contribute to a happier workplace atmosphere? When individuals and teams decide to positively express solutions, everyone will benefit and engagement will increase as a result. [Read more…] about Ending the Drama at Work – It Starts With You: Part Two

Ending the Drama at Work – It Starts With You

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Imagine if it were true that the majority of people excitedly leap out of bed each work day shrieking “I can’t wait to annoy my colleagues.” Although it may be a bit of a stretch to suggest that workplace “saboteurs “exist in large numbers, the fact remains that certain individuals take great pleasure in causing chaos at work, while others are completely oblivious to the damage inflicted by their dysfunctional, drama-based behaviour. Unfortunately, the potential for drama to escalate is an on-going problem, especially when one considers the fact that stress and overwhelm affect millions of people on a personal and professional level.

If you are experiencing the brunt of the theatrics displayed by the drama “queens” (and “kings”) in your workplace, the question becomes: “React? Or not?” Are there effective strategies available to mitigate the drama? Absolutely! But first, you must accept the following premise: You cannot control other people’s bad behaviour. You can, however, manage yourself. [Read more…] about Ending the Drama at Work – It Starts With You

Five Ways to Find Opportunity in Change

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“I love change.” How many times have you heard people embrace change with such enthusiasm? Rarely is the likely answer. One could argue that it depends on an individual’s perspective, or perhaps, one’s response to imminent and on-going change is influenced by unexpected circumstances, either personal or professional. The reality is that unless we reside in a bubble or choose to isolate ourselves completely from technology, media, or the world, it is impossible to avert the inevitability of change. [Read more…] about Five Ways to Find Opportunity in Change

Business and Cognitive Bias

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Imagine a workplace where managers and coworkers viewed one another through a purely objective lens. Or where customer concerns were resolved without blame, judgment, or misunderstanding, 100 percent of the time.

Sounds pretty far-fetched, right?

[Read more…] about Business and Cognitive Bias

Confidence, Composure, Credibility: Creating a Collaborative Space at Work

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Do you ever feel like you spend more time with your coworkers than you do with your family?

A lot of us work long hours, day after day. The pressure of juggling tasks, doing more with less, and managing mounting stress can take a toll on our mental and physical health.

We spin our wheels when we know we need to be the best versions of ourselves, maintaining a helpful and pleasant demeanor with our internal and external clients alike.

Does that sound familiar?

[Read more…] about Confidence, Composure, Credibility: Creating a Collaborative Space at Work

“Dead Wood” Employees

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This article was originally posted on November 9, 2016, and has been updated.

“I’m done.” If an employee is telling you this, it means she has reached her limit. For one reason or another.

It could have nothing to do with low morale, lack of opportunity, or a dislike of her job.

She may be ready to move up, move on or begin a new chapter in her life.

All perfectly reasonable reasons to leave a position.

However, she may have shut down or become apathetic. Or maybe she is sucking the life out of her co-workers by being negative day in and day out.

Also known as a “dead wood employee”.

[Read more…] about “Dead Wood” Employees

Passionate Leadership: 12 Key Traits That Distinguish The Best From The Rest

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This article was originally published on September 7, 2016, and has been updated.

Do you remember your first encounter with a passionate leader?

The reality is that any leader can be passionate…if they know what to do.

But first, let’s look at why this is so important. [Read more…] about Passionate Leadership: 12 Key Traits That Distinguish The Best From The Rest

The Lost Art Of Service: Is “Good Enough” Good Enough?

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A smile. A thank you. An apology. One may argue that any of these gestures are better than a mediocre interaction with a service provider. Or, one may suggest that acknowledging a customer by being pleasant, showing appreciation or making up for a mistake is an adequate demonstration of treating the customer appropriately.

What should we expect from a front-line employee, a maître d’, a call centre representative, or a table host at a fine dining restaurant? Does the level of service need to differ if we are doing business with a corner store or a high-end establishment? In other words, should the level of service matter regardless of the value of the transaction? [Read more…] about The Lost Art Of Service: Is “Good Enough” Good Enough?

Out Of Control: Three Reasons Why We Can’t (Or Won’t) Get Off The Work Treadmill

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“There aren’t enough hours in the day.” …The catchcry for the busy professional who laments the fact that if it were possible to cram more hours into a day, he or she would make it so. When will the “crazy busy” (workaholic) lifestyle give way to a more “sane” way of being? If you were to ask most people to answer this question, the likely response would be “perhaps never”. Or, you may hear complete denial regarding the reality of life spinning out of control. [Read more…] about Out Of Control: Three Reasons Why We Can’t (Or Won’t) Get Off The Work Treadmill

Workaholism – A Sanctioned Addiction: A Message For Dedicated Slaves…And Slave Drivers

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How do you extricate yourself from an unhealthy work situation? Is it more difficult to do when you relish a challenge? Can you tell the difference between being a workaholic and a hard worker? If you are an employer, are you treating your best people with respect, or are you rewarding hard work with more work? [Read more…] about Workaholism – A Sanctioned Addiction: A Message For Dedicated Slaves…And Slave Drivers