Welcome to My Leadership Blog!
My blog is all about helping current and emerging leaders learn how to transform difficult conversations and dysfunctional workplace relationships into positive and productive ones.
I hope you find it helpful!

Most Recent Post
⇓

4 Tips for Leading While Absent
When circumstances call for you be away from work in order to care for your family and/or for yourself, here are some thoughts on leading while absent.
read moreEssential Post
⇓

Essential Leadership Training: What to Consider and How to Choose
If you’re only going to read ONE post, THIS is the one! There are a lot of leadership training programs out there. Here’s what to consider before you choose which one will deliver what you need most.
read moreQuick Decision-Making for Introverts
If you’re more introverted than extroverted, quick decision-making is something you’re not likely known for around the office. However, research shows this ability is critical to high-performing leaders and executives. Here are some tips …
read moreRisk Management: Can You Save Your Organization?
I had a truly life-changing experience this past weekend. And it was only when I was thinking about what to write about in this week’s blog post that I came to see how it relates to leadership: it’s about risk management … and perhaps your organization’s very existence.
read moreAddressing a Diminishing Job Performance
Addressing an employee’s diminishing performance is something that most leaders/managers consider to be a difficult conversation. Here’s how you can begin that conversation in a way that will set you on a path towards a positive and productive outcome.
read moreEffectively Managing an Intimidating Employee
Amy is having trouble managing an intimidating employee named Mark and she needs to find a way to turn things around.
read moreCulture Change: Beware the CEO Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, Part 2
Is the culture change in this organization going to happen? This conclusion from last week’s “case study” post explores what just might be going on with this CEO.
read moreCulture Change: Beware the CEO Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Most would agree that it’s almost impossible to successfully bring about a major culture change throughout an organization without it’s leader as the ultimate champion of the initiative. However, this very same leader/champion can also be the reason the desired culture change is doomed to fail.
read moreLearning from “Negative” Workplace Emotions
The idea of a passionate workplace conjures images of people who are brimming with smiles, positivity and energetic collaboration. However, you and your organization can also benefit from high intensity, “negative” workplace emotions — the “dark side” of passion.
read moreCoaching – Code Monkey and Manager Rob (Teaser)
Coaching is an essential leadership skill. Watch this teaser video about Code Monkey and Manager Rob … any coaching ideas?
read moreNVC vs. The Perfect Storm
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is one of two things you can practice when you feel your blood start to boil …
read moreRelationships Define National Identity — Happy Canada Day?
If relationships define national identity, we need to do several things on a daily basis if Canada is to reduce the gap between those who suffer and those who prosper. It is not enough to say, “Why can’t we all just get along?” Relationships take work.
read moreDependable Evelyn’s Overdue Promotion
Have you been waiting for what you feel is an overdue promotion? Evelyn’s story may offer you some insight.
read more3 Steps to Retaining Top Talent When Denying a Promotion
Talent retention is a challenge in today’s competitive marketplace. When you have to deny someone a promotion, you need to communicate this carefully if you don’t want them to pack up and seek greener pastures.
read moreSetting for Difficult Conversations – When a Park is Ideal
Choosing the right setting for difficult conversations, be they with your boss, your colleague or your staff member, requires some serious thought. Sometimes, a walk in a park is ideal …
read morePhone Conversations — How to Connect at Work
For those times when a face-to-face or video-chat aren’t possible, phone conversations are the next best thing. Here are some tips on how to connect!
read more3 Steps to Achieving Clarity in Workplace Conversations
Clarity in workplace conversations leads to clarity in the work. Read on to discover what 3 steps you can take to ensure you achieve it.
read moreEssential Leadership Training: What to Consider and How to Choose
If you’re only going to read ONE post, THIS is the one! There are a lot of leadership training programs out there. Here’s what to consider before you choose which one will deliver what you need most.
read more4 Steps to Detoxifying Toxic Employees — Step #1
Mention the term "toxic employee" and almost every manager will shudder as their mind conjures up an image of a specific employee, past or present. Consider this as you read: it's effectively managing these "troublesome" employees that justifies your paycheque; it's...
read moreLeadership Education, Part 1: Raising Today’s Children to Become Tomorrow’s Leaders
People are not born leaders -- but every leader was born. The best leaders have another thing in common, regardless of what sector, industry or professional field they work in, and that's the ability to communicate effectively with people. Early childhood is the...
read moreWhose Good Ideas Aren’t You Hearing?
As a leader, it serves you to consider where your own persona might be what's preventing you from hearing the potentially valuable ideas of particular employees. Don't miss the gems that aren't expressed with the fanfare of a brass band. Friends of my wife...
read more4 Ways to Earn Trust as a Leader
Trust is the lifeblood of effective, enduring leadership. Want your employees to trust you enough to follow you just about anywhere? Here are 4 things you can do to earn trust as a leader. Read the following list while embracing two important concepts: »...
read moreStacked Questions and The 3 Typical, Problematic Responses
If you lead a team of people, be they senior executives, managers or support staff, you might be unknowingly asking stacked questions. The end result is that you're not likely to get the information that led you to ask the questions in the first place ... and you...
read moreThe Value of “I” in “Team”
We all know the adage, "There is no 'I' in 'Team'." Actually, there are times when the 'I' needs to be embraced in order to get the most out of the team. I was working with a client this past fall -- we'll call her Josée -- who felt at a loss on how to better...
read moreA Tragedy Leads to a Manager’s Dilemma
All managers are human ... and managers need to be able to reconcile their human values with their managerial responsibilities. Sometimes, that's easier said than done. Recently, I was helping a client -- we'll call him Jack -- who is less than a year into his...
read moreThe Workplace Relationship Dance
Introducing Guest Blogger Judy Kiar: Judy Kiar is an Ottawa therapist with over thirty years experience who, for the past fifteen years, has been serving individuals, couples and families through her private practice, Judy Kiar Counselling. Judy's guiding...
read moreMr. Spock and Workplace Relationships
Mr. Spock may seem like an odd source of wisdom regarding effective workplace relationships. After all, what could we possibly learn about such relationships between actual human beings from this logical, non-emotional, alien character from Star Trek? Well, quite a...
read moreThe Day I Quit My Boss
The saying that “people don’t quit their jobs, they quit their boss” holds a lot of truth. If you’ve had a such an experience, you're not alone. Actually, I’m right there with you. However, there's a deeper truth. Back in my twenties, had I known then what I know...
read more4 Major Communication Styles & How to Recognize and Adapt to Them — Part 5
Remember the premise for this series of posts: the quicker you’re able to identify and adapt to someone’s communication style, the better you’ll be able to get that relationship off to a good start right out of the gate. This is also particularly relevant if the...
read more4 Major Communication Styles & How to Recognize and Adapt to Them — Part 4
Remember the premise for this series of posts: the quicker you’re able to identify and adapt to someone’s communication style, the better you’ll be able to get that relationship off to a good start right out of the gate. This is also particularly relevant if the...
read more4 Major Communication Styles & How to Recognize and Adapt to Them — Part 3
Remember the premise for this series of posts: the quicker you’re able to identify and adapt to someone’s communication style, the better you’ll be able to get that relationship off to a good start right out of the gate. This is also particularly relevant if the...
read more4 Major Communication Styles & How to Recognize and Adapt to Them — Part 2
The quicker you’re able to identify and adapt to someone’s communication style, the better you’ll be able to get that relationship off to a good start right out of the gate. This is also particularly relevant if the relationship, by its nature, is a brief and...
read more4 Major Communication Styles & How to Recognize and Adapt to Them — Part 1
The quicker you're able to identify and adapt to someone's communication style, the better you'll be able to get that relationship off to a good start right out of the gate. This is also particularly relevant if the relationship, by its nature, is a brief and...
read more5 Steps for Mindfulness at Work
Developing and practicing Mindfulness is something everyone can do and it's a powerful skill in terms of creating and maintaining positive and productive workplace relationships. Many years ago, I took an 8-week course called the Mindfulness Based...
read moreBeginning Our Connected Conversation …
Hello! My name is Brie Barker. I’m the Founder and Chief Learning Facilitator of Connected Conversations and I want to welcome you to my blog. If you already know me, then thanks for joining me on this new adventure. If we haven’t connected directly yet, then I...
read moreAbout Brie
I help current and emerging leaders learn how to transform difficult conversations and dysfunctional workplace relationships into positive and productive ones.
Why? Because your health, career and organization may depend upon it. Really.
© 2019 Connected Conversations™
Brie Barker’s
LEADERSHIP BLOG
Most Recent Post

4 Tips for Leading While Absent
When circumstances call for you be away from work in order to care for your family and/or for yourself, here are some thoughts on leading while absent.
read moreEssential Post

Essential Leadership Training: What to Consider and How to Choose
If you’re only going to read ONE post, THIS is the one! There are a lot of leadership training programs out there. Here’s what to consider before you choose which one will deliver what you need most.
read moreScroll for More!

Quick Decision-Making for Introverts
If you’re more introverted than extroverted, quick decision-making is something you’re not likely known for around the office. However, research shows this ability is critical to high-performing leaders and executives. Here are some tips …
read more
Risk Management: Can You Save Your Organization?
I had a truly life-changing experience this past weekend. And it was only when I was thinking about what to write about in this week’s blog post that I came to see how it relates to leadership: it’s about risk management … and perhaps your organization’s very existence.
read more
Addressing a Diminishing Job Performance
Addressing an employee’s diminishing performance is something that most leaders/managers consider to be a difficult conversation. Here’s how you can begin that conversation in a way that will set you on a path towards a positive and productive outcome.
read more
Effectively Managing an Intimidating Employee
Amy is having trouble managing an intimidating employee named Mark and she needs to find a way to turn things around.
read more
Culture Change: Beware the CEO Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, Part 2
Is the culture change in this organization going to happen? This conclusion from last week’s “case study” post explores what just might be going on with this CEO.
read more
Culture Change: Beware the CEO Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Most would agree that it’s almost impossible to successfully bring about a major culture change throughout an organization without it’s leader as the ultimate champion of the initiative. However, this very same leader/champion can also be the reason the desired culture change is doomed to fail.
read more
Learning from “Negative” Workplace Emotions
The idea of a passionate workplace conjures images of people who are brimming with smiles, positivity and energetic collaboration. However, you and your organization can also benefit from high intensity, “negative” workplace emotions — the “dark side” of passion.
read more
Coaching – Code Monkey and Manager Rob (Teaser)
Coaching is an essential leadership skill. Watch this teaser video about Code Monkey and Manager Rob … any coaching ideas?
read more
NVC vs. The Perfect Storm
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is one of two things you can practice when you feel your blood start to boil …
read more
Relationships Define National Identity — Happy Canada Day?
If relationships define national identity, we need to do several things on a daily basis if Canada is to reduce the gap between those who suffer and those who prosper. It is not enough to say, “Why can’t we all just get along?” Relationships take work.
read more
Dependable Evelyn’s Overdue Promotion
Have you been waiting for what you feel is an overdue promotion? Evelyn’s story may offer you some insight.
read more
3 Steps to Retaining Top Talent When Denying a Promotion
Talent retention is a challenge in today’s competitive marketplace. When you have to deny someone a promotion, you need to communicate this carefully if you don’t want them to pack up and seek greener pastures.
read more
Setting for Difficult Conversations – When a Park is Ideal
Choosing the right setting for difficult conversations, be they with your boss, your colleague or your staff member, requires some serious thought. Sometimes, a walk in a park is ideal …
read more
Phone Conversations — How to Connect at Work
For those times when a face-to-face or video-chat aren’t possible, phone conversations are the next best thing. Here are some tips on how to connect!
read more
3 Steps to Achieving Clarity in Workplace Conversations
Clarity in workplace conversations leads to clarity in the work. Read on to discover what 3 steps you can take to ensure you achieve it.
read more
Essential Leadership Training: What to Consider and How to Choose
If you’re only going to read ONE post, THIS is the one! There are a lot of leadership training programs out there. Here’s what to consider before you choose which one will deliver what you need most.
read more
4 Steps to Detoxifying Toxic Employees — Step #1
Mention the term "toxic employee" and almost every manager will shudder as their mind conjures up an image of a specific employee, past or present. Consider this as you read: it's effectively managing these "troublesome" employees that justifies your paycheque; it's...
read more
Leadership Education, Part 1: Raising Today’s Children to Become Tomorrow’s Leaders
People are not born leaders -- but every leader was born. The best leaders have another thing in common, regardless of what sector, industry or professional field they work in, and that's the ability to communicate effectively with people. Early childhood is the...
read more
Whose Good Ideas Aren’t You Hearing?
As a leader, it serves you to consider where your own persona might be what's preventing you from hearing the potentially valuable ideas of particular employees. Don't miss the gems that aren't expressed with the fanfare of a brass band. Friends of my wife...
read more
4 Ways to Earn Trust as a Leader
Trust is the lifeblood of effective, enduring leadership. Want your employees to trust you enough to follow you just about anywhere? Here are 4 things you can do to earn trust as a leader. Read the following list while embracing two important concepts: »...
read more
Stacked Questions and The 3 Typical, Problematic Responses
If you lead a team of people, be they senior executives, managers or support staff, you might be unknowingly asking stacked questions. The end result is that you're not likely to get the information that led you to ask the questions in the first place ... and you...
read more
The Value of “I” in “Team”
We all know the adage, "There is no 'I' in 'Team'." Actually, there are times when the 'I' needs to be embraced in order to get the most out of the team. I was working with a client this past fall -- we'll call her Josée -- who felt at a loss on how to better...
read more
A Tragedy Leads to a Manager’s Dilemma
All managers are human ... and managers need to be able to reconcile their human values with their managerial responsibilities. Sometimes, that's easier said than done. Recently, I was helping a client -- we'll call him Jack -- who is less than a year into his...
read moreThe Workplace Relationship Dance
Introducing Guest Blogger Judy Kiar: Judy Kiar is an Ottawa therapist with over thirty years experience who, for the past fifteen years, has been serving individuals, couples and families through her private practice, Judy Kiar Counselling. Judy's guiding...
read more
Mr. Spock and Workplace Relationships
Mr. Spock may seem like an odd source of wisdom regarding effective workplace relationships. After all, what could we possibly learn about such relationships between actual human beings from this logical, non-emotional, alien character from Star Trek? Well, quite a...
read more
The Day I Quit My Boss
The saying that “people don’t quit their jobs, they quit their boss” holds a lot of truth. If you’ve had a such an experience, you're not alone. Actually, I’m right there with you. However, there's a deeper truth. Back in my twenties, had I known then what I know...
read more
4 Major Communication Styles & How to Recognize and Adapt to Them — Part 5
Remember the premise for this series of posts: the quicker you’re able to identify and adapt to someone’s communication style, the better you’ll be able to get that relationship off to a good start right out of the gate. This is also particularly relevant if the...
read more
4 Major Communication Styles & How to Recognize and Adapt to Them — Part 4
Remember the premise for this series of posts: the quicker you’re able to identify and adapt to someone’s communication style, the better you’ll be able to get that relationship off to a good start right out of the gate. This is also particularly relevant if the...
read more
4 Major Communication Styles & How to Recognize and Adapt to Them — Part 3
Remember the premise for this series of posts: the quicker you’re able to identify and adapt to someone’s communication style, the better you’ll be able to get that relationship off to a good start right out of the gate. This is also particularly relevant if the...
read more
4 Major Communication Styles & How to Recognize and Adapt to Them — Part 2
The quicker you’re able to identify and adapt to someone’s communication style, the better you’ll be able to get that relationship off to a good start right out of the gate. This is also particularly relevant if the relationship, by its nature, is a brief and...
read more
4 Major Communication Styles & How to Recognize and Adapt to Them — Part 1
The quicker you're able to identify and adapt to someone's communication style, the better you'll be able to get that relationship off to a good start right out of the gate. This is also particularly relevant if the relationship, by its nature, is a brief and...
read more
5 Steps for Mindfulness at Work
Developing and practicing Mindfulness is something everyone can do and it's a powerful skill in terms of creating and maintaining positive and productive workplace relationships. Many years ago, I took an 8-week course called the Mindfulness Based...
read more
Beginning Our Connected Conversation …
Hello! My name is Brie Barker. I’m the Founder and Chief Learning Facilitator of Connected Conversations and I want to welcome you to my blog. If you already know me, then thanks for joining me on this new adventure. If we haven’t connected directly yet, then I...
read more© 2019 Connected Conversations™