“I Didn’t Realize how much the Human Aspect was so Important.”

December 27, 2019 Marya Wilson

Peace, Calm, and Balance in Encinitas, California by Dr. Connie Corley (c)

The end of my 26th semester of teaching (I thought it was 24, whoa) has arrived. The projects, work, reflection, and everything done by my students was some of the most growth-filled learning I’ve seen in a while. The final exam is my favorite, and once again, they knocked it out of the park. There was one theme that emerged the most from all three courses: how much the human aspect is so important to the organization. Oh. Em. Gee!

The Shark has Compassion, Too

December 13, 2019 Marya Wilson

Missing Santa Barbara by Marya Wilson (c)

I had a great time with the last session of my leadership series: Motivation 2020! A great question about dealing with mediocre and low performers was asked, “How do we bring their performance level up?” Good question, and not one with a black or white answer.

Sometimes, You Won’t Get it Right, and that’s a Silver Lining

September 20, 2019 Marya Wilson

Together we Go, Lake Tainter in Wisconsin by Jenn Tack (c)

Every week with the work I do, life brings challenges and surprises that are exciting 95% of the time and other times make me want to flip everyone the bird, put my jammies on, and hide out in my fort with a glass of wine (not a bad idea any time now that I think about that, ha). This week had both, most definitely.

The Silver Lining of Broken Trust

September 13, 2019 Marya Wilson

The Silver Lining in Santa Barbara by Marya Wilson (c)

In our discussion of betrayals we had experienced, I shared my story of organizational exit that started this whole research journey of mine. It was the first time in over 15 years that I felt I had fully let the anger go.

Just between You and Me - and Everyone Else Too - Trust is Built

August 30, 2019 Marya Wilson

Sun after the Storm, Lake Superior, Bayfield, WI by Marya Wilson

These leaders weren’t looking for an out on investing in their staff or a quick fix for development, but trying to find a way to build trust when turnover for staff who are not full time is normal, and at times higher than normal.

Words Really, Truly Do Matter

August 23, 2019 Marya Wilson

Cave Point County Park, Door County, WI by Megan Klatt

I’ve had to chuckle. My post this week focuses on the importance of our words. Strangely, and hilariously, I keep seeing articles, posts, and comments on how “words matter…” I’m not a religious person, but I do love the way the Universe responds to things you start thinking or writing about a certain topic; it starts showing up everywhere.

Compassion, Kindness, and Respect: A Great Formula for Success

August 16, 2019 Marya Wilson

I had one of the best strategic planning sessions I have ever had this week. Thirty completely different personalities, so many different types of jobs and focus, and a boat load of fun. We did some dreaming too. We adults seriously need some work in this area.

For Organization’s Sake, We Have Got to Learn to Dream Again!

August 9, 2019 Marya Wilson

Lake Tahoe at King’s Beach, NV by Marya Wilson

The elephants of an organization are not its downfall, nor are they always horrible. They become the downfall and toxic mess when we refuse to talk about them or work together to figure out how to calm the elephants down.

Emotions: An Elephant of Organizational Success

August 2, 2019 Marya Wilson

If I asked you to define the word “emotion,” how would you? Responses from people are interesting because they step back and go, “Hmmm, never thought about it before.”

Being Heard Makes Us Feel Valued

July 26, 2019 Marya Wilson

The Appalachian Mountains by Barton A. Buechner

She was not taken seriously, she was not heard, and she did not feel valued (and could not trust the organization in any way after this situation). Her choice was easy after not being heard or valued: it was time to leave the company.

No Lie, Compassion and Kindness Create Successful Organizations

June 14, 2019 Marya Wilson

Logan and Noah’s Island Kindess - Isla Mujeres, Mexico - by Evy Snyder

What a week! I had some incredible conversations with friends and colleagues who are so pumped about what they do and where they work. It was a delightful treat and made me hopeful and happy.

Refreshed, Renewed, Re-energized

June 2, 2019 Marya Wilson

I’m back with a new energy, refreshed, new eyes. I’m ready to be a bigger risk taker. I’m ready to be even more vulnerable.

Vulnerability is Courageous

May 18, 2019 Marya Wilson

I’ve gotten a little caught up in my trip, and I am loving it! I write this from Berlin this morning. This city is amazing. It is full of history, green space, and incredible people. I was journaling about the trip and had to laugh because this trip has truly been full of Griswold moments.

Psychological contracts are real…and they need to be honored!

May 4, 2019 Marya Wilson

As the semester winds down, this is usually crunch time. Most of us on campus are pulling our hair out, drinking coffee by the gallons, and grading papers by the billions (ok, an exaggeration, but it’s close). This semester is no different, except this last week was a blast.

The Value of a Trusted Leader

April 26, 2019 Marya Wilson

The research and writing I do focuses on the many aspects of trust. Trust is crucial to any relationship, personal or professional. I had a very fun week in that so many of the discussions I had revolved around the trusted leader, admired and appreciated.

Growing Trust through our Decisions

April 19, 2019 Marya Wilson

Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

We commit to tasks through our words, and our actions speak louder than words. Building trust with others requires that others are willing to believe in and act on our words, actions, and decisions.

Growing Trust through our Actions

April 12, 2019 Marya Wilson

Actions speak louder than words. All of us have this seared on our brain (I hope!). The funny thing is that statement is spot on. People need to believe and be willing to act upon our words, actions, and decisions. That is trust. Do what we say we are going to do is the start, but I believe it goes beyond keeping our word.

Growing Trust through Our Words

April 5, 2019 Marya Wilson

The writing and research I do focuses on trust, being able to believe and act on other’s words, actions, and decisions. This week, I was in a meeting with a client and reminded with a 2x4 why my writing and research is so crucial. Trust is everything to the success of an organization.

Heal and Strengthen Trust in Our Relationships

March 29, 2019 Marya Wilson

The research I do looks at the experiences and stories of people who experience organizational exit. My research partner and I want to understand why people feel “pushed” to leave their jobs and careers. Nearly every experience in our research involves some form of betrayal.