Manager effectiveness is where the employee experience lives or dies

This post is about performance management, why and how it is broken, and how to fix it.

Performance and accountability are critical elements to a positive employee experience.

This post shares why clarity and alignment are so important as part of the employee experience.

The first full week of January always feels a bit… wobbly. People are logging back in. Passwords are being reset. Coffee cups are full. And whether they say it out loud or not, most employees are asking themselves the same question: “Is this year going to feel any different?” A Moment That Changed How I See Work Several years ago, I met a new employee on their third day at a company. I asked casually, “How’s your first week going?” They paused. Looked down. And said: “ Honest

Over the last few years, I have chosen a word to guide my decisions, habits, and energy in the new year (rather than setting New Year's resolutions, which rarely work). For 2026, mine is: Focus I want to do less and have more impact. How it will guide me: Choose 3-4 flagship offerings in my consulting business instead of many Create a calmer, more intentional calendar Focus on ROI activities like speaking, email list, and partnerships Do more of what I truly enjoy and is line

Most organizations say their people are their greatest asset, but few can confidently say they’ve built an employee experience that helps those people perform, grow, and stay. That’s because employee experience isn’t just about perks, engagement surveys, or the annual offsite. It’s the sum of every moment an employee has with your organization , from hire to retire. But building that kind of experience can feel overwhelming, especially for small HR departments or leaders jugg

Core values should be one of the most powerful tools a company has. They’re the beliefs and behaviors that guide how you hire, lead, make decisions, and hold people accountable. In a healthy culture, values act as a compass, shaping everything from strategy to everyday interactions. But here’s the honest truth: Most organizations either don’t have core values… or they aren’t using them. As an HR Consultant, I often walk into companies where the values are framed on a wall, bu

Are We in a Workplace Culture Crisis? If you work in HR or leadership, you don’t need data to tell you something feels “off” right now. You’re living it. Hearing it. Trying to fix it. Culture has always been important—but lately, it feels like something is off. So… are we in a workplace culture crisis? In my opinion, yes. And I don’t say that lightly. Let’s break down what’s going on—and what leaders can do about it. Why Culture Feels So Turbulent Right Now The last 5 years h

Every year, like clockwork, January becomes new job season . People reflect over the holidays… reevaluate their careers… and decide whether they want to stay or make a fresh start. Even though the job market has shifted, you STILL want to keep your best talent and ensure that they are engaged and productive. And here’s the part most leaders don’t realize: 👉 Employees don’t decide to leave in January. They decide in November and December — and act in January. The good news is

Giving constructive feedback can be tricky. Even when your intentions are good, the conversation can quickly go sideways. That’s why it helps to have a plan. A structure. Something that keeps the discussion focused on solutions rather than emotions. One of my favorite tools for this is the BEAN Model . It’s simple, practical, and helps you prepare for a successful feedback conversation The BEAN Model for Constructive Feedback Here’s how it works: B – Describe the Behavior Be

It may be cliché, but I always think of November as the season of gratitude. This week, I’m focusing on how gratitude isn’t just a nice-to-have sentiment but a key ingredient in boosting employee retention and engagement. William James said, “ The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. ” I believe this to be true. People won’t stay with your organization or bring their best if they don’t feel valued and appreciated. The Reality According to Quan

We’ve had Quiet Quitting  and Quiet Firing —but now there’s a new “quiet” trend making waves in the workplace: Quiet Cracking . So, what’s the deal with all this quiet stuff? The Rise of the “Quiet” Trends Quiet Quitting - It started with Quiet Quitting in the COVID era, when employees disengage and do just enough to get by. Not because they’re lazy, but because they feel overworked, underpaid, or disconnected from purpose. Quiet Firing - Then came Quiet Firing , when leade

Are your performance reviews scary? Are you HAUNTED by the ghost of past performance reviews?  Performance reviews are one of the most dreaded activities in any organization. For many people, the annual performance review ranks right up there with going to the dentist — uncomfortable, stressful, and something you put off as long as possible. Apologies to all the dentists out there! It's about time to embark on 'performance review season' in many organizations. Can I get a col

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