Difficult Happens; Effective Communication for Bosses

Lara Currie

Lara Currie is on a mission to transform the way we communicate with one another. The workplace doesn't have to be the source of conflict and discord. She'll teach you how to have open and honest communication with people, how to navigate conflict, and how to deal with the difficult "stuff" we all encounter in this ever increasingly defensive world. www.difficulthappens.com Difficult can happen anywhere, so Lara is here to make sure you know exactly how to create positive communication, decrease defensiveness, and navigate the difficult that we all have to deal with in life, at home, and in the work environment so that you, your business, and your team, can save time, money and energy. https://www.difficulthappens.com read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

183 How Toxic Happens
Oct 19 2021
183 How Toxic Happens
Do you ever wonder how a workplace turns toxic? It doesn’t happen all at once, and it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Like a pot that slowly boils there are a lot of steps along the way where you can stop the chain reaction of events before the workplace turns toxic. When blame, exaggeration, and generalizations are used in a conflict communication gets lost. Generalizing is another way to label and dismiss a person or a topic. Exaggeration inflames what may otherwise be no big deal, into a conflict.  When identifying errors turns into a blame game, that is where the conversation ends. Tune in and discover what to be on the lookout for to make sure that your workplace doesn't slide down the slippery slope and wind up TOXIC. What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Its by inches we travel milesWhat to be on the lookout forHow to address minor issues before they become majorIntergenerational communicationToxic workplacesWhere it all startsHow coworkers make it worse Join the Difficult Happens Facebook group  “Community Happens Group” Work with Lara: Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/  Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation   Resources: 10 TIPS for Dealing with Difficult People Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
182 Leadership & Loneliness
Oct 12 2021
182 Leadership & Loneliness
On top of everything else that you have had to deal with this past year, now loneliness is on the rise, and the impact of loneliness on you and the work you do is impactful. Douglas Nemecek, MD, chief medical officer for behavioral health at Cigna says that the impact of loneliness on your health is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is possibly worse than obesity and that isolated people risk having a significantly shorter life span.  I don’t think it's any surprise that any stress on your emotions impacts you physically, as the saying goes, your body keeps the score of your emotions.  Contact with others is not connection, while you may interact with a lot of people, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are connecting with them. On today's episode, signs of loneliness, what to watch out for, and what to do about it. What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Signs of loneliness that you might not be aware ofMask emotions and their purposeWhat to watch out forWhat the heck is going onWhat next?Healthy alternativesWhat you need to combat loneliness Join the Difficult Happens Facebook group  “Community Happens Group” Work with Lara:  Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/    Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Resources: 10 TIPS for Dealing with Difficult People Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
180 Using Stories to Relate to Clients with Carol Cox
Aug 17 2021
180 Using Stories to Relate to Clients with Carol Cox
This is a juicy episode filled with the way’s that you can use stories in your everyday work life, from the boardroom to the stage. Carol and I talk about everything from our personal struggles and successes to the DNA of the feminine, from speaker hijackers to why Emma should stop watching Law and Order SVU. Carol tells us how she uses the three-act story structure and the Hero’s journey when working with clients. There are lots of free giveaways on dealing with conflict and a strategic speaking guide.  What you’ll hear in this podcast: Stories help us see ourselves in others experiencesStories help us ‘rewrite history’ so that we can see a better wayWe don’t know how our personal story can impact others and the work that we doThroughout history it was dangerous for Women to speak their truthHow recognizing patterns can help your storytellingDo an after-action review post speaking engagement, guest podcast episode, board meeting etc.Practice and repeat you message as often as possible to become more comfortableVisualize your environmentUse skills practice and reflection to become a better speaker Resources: 10 TIPS for Dealing with Difficult People Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types Work with Lara: Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/ © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
175 The one thing that makes all the difference
Jul 13 2021
175 The one thing that makes all the difference
"Knowledge is when you learn something new every day." We learn learn learn all day long but do we take enough time to apply? I love to learn, and learning the concepts is one thing, but implementing is another. This brings us to the one thing that we all need that we cannot do without. Something paramount to implementing better ways of communication, and that is empathy. What is empathy to you?   Empathy is the ability to understand what other people feel emotionally and see things from their perspective. Empathy is important because it is a precursor to any conversation. However, there is more to empathy than meets the eye, especially for business leaders.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: LearningImplementingEmpathyWill Smith: Fault vs. ResponsibilityEmpathy and AccountabilityWays to show empathy         Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types     You Tube: Will Smith - Fault vs. Responsibility   Squad           © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
174 The Masculine Feminine Myth
Jul 6 2021
174 The Masculine Feminine Myth
What kind of energy do you give off? Do you find yourself expressing more masculine attributes or feminine? This concept of masculine and feminine has been around a lot, and we are beginning to see it take hold in the entrepreneurial and small business fields. Someone who is more focused and driven is seen to have stronger masculine traits, while more caring and creative is seen as having more feminine traits. Discussing masculine and feminine energies is based on a continuum, yin and yang. People are made up of different traits, and when we say "masculine energy" or "feminine energy" in this context, it does not mean male and female, yet these attributes and expressions are often used in a male/female way.   In this episode of Difficult Happens, we tackle the concept of masculine and feminine energy and how that impacts your interpersonal and professional relationships. What you’ll hear on today’s episode: What is Masculine and FeminineThe Squad membershipYin and YangMasculine traitsFeminine traitsWhere the concepts break downTone policingCommunication         Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Squad           © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
173 The Distracted Leader with Amber Hawley
Jun 29 2021
173 The Distracted Leader with Amber Hawley
Have you ever found yourself engulfed in a project, focused on the little details like font or style, and before you realize it, hours have passed?  Guess what? You were distracted. Distracted does not always mean bouncing from one task to another or getting lost on Facebook when you should be working on a report. You can be hyper-focused on a task but be focused on something that does not serve your end goal.  In the end, it doesn't matter why you were distracted. The effect is the same.  Amber Hawley from the Distracted Entrepreneur Podcast joins us to talk about her personal and professional experience helping distracted entrepreneurs and those with ADHD.  With the happenings of the last year, a lot of people are distracted. Many women are finding it difficult to focus with the children at home more, and the change in routine leading to a greater number of burnouts. In this episode, we break down systems and structures, boxes and labels, and discuss ways to combat burnout.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Being distracted and ADDWhat distraction looks likeButtons and triggersPersonality TraitsTypes of ADDTime-BlindnessShiny Object SyndromBreaks and burnout Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                        Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/    Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types Squad   Mentioned in the Podacast: 16 Personalities The Power of When - Michael Breus 7 Types of ADD Psychology in Seattle - Kirk Honda   Guest Resources: The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
172 Toxic or not? Assertiveness
Jun 22 2021
172 Toxic or not? Assertiveness
When you think of someone who's being assertive, what comes to mind? Do you see someone who is direct and confident, or do you see someone who is confrontational and forceful? Have you ever been accused of being “aggressive”? Was it a valid critique or was it an attempt to shut you down? Assertive communication is often confused with being aggressive by those who do not like what you are saying, but they are NOT the same. Toxic workplaces, toxic relationships happen one breach at a time, We will be discussing how assertive is often misinterpreted as aggressive and is used against women and others lower in a business hierarchy. Learn about different communication styles and whether or not someone is being assertive or aggressive.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: What is assertiveAssertive vs. AggressiveFour types of Communication StylesHow words changeToxic or Not         Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                    Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types     YouTube     © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
171 The Impact of Images with Amy Balliett
Jun 15 2021
171 The Impact of Images with Amy Balliett
In a world that is increasingly growing more visual, how do you keep up? Younger and younger generations are becoming more socially competent in understanding differences in the "true-self" and "Instagram-self," but what about information spread online? 86% of people are now what is known as a  "visual learner." Infographics and other visual aids are a great way to absorb information. However, as we look at older generations, we see a problem where we have not kept up on our education with the vast evolution of the internet and are trusting of data visualizations that might have completely false data. Amy Balliett of Killer Visual Strategies joins us today to discuss what you need to know as a consumer, entrepreneur, marketer, and leader. From best practices to statistics, this is one podcast you don't want to miss.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Social media competencyTikTokRecommended tools and websitesMixed FontsStock ContentTwitter star vs. heartAugmented RealityAmy Balliett       Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                    Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Guest Resources: Killer Visual Strategies Amy Balliett LinkedIn Book- Killer Visual Strategies: Engage Any Audience, Improve Comprehension, and Get Amazing Results Using Visual Communication   Websites: Canva Dribbble   Netflix Shows: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Hanna     © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
170 Toxic or Not? Loyalty
Jun 8 2021
170 Toxic or Not? Loyalty
Do you consider yourself a loyal person? Do you expect loyalty from your friends? On this episode of Toxic or Not, we are tackling loyalty. Many see loyalty as a black and white issue. You're either loyal or you're not, when in reality, there is a lot of room for the shades of gray.  I conducted a (very unscientific) poll gathering information on whether people perceived loyalty as a positive or a negative, and the results were surprising.  Older generations were most likely to have a positive association with the concept of expecting loyalty from others. In comparison, younger generations had a very negative association with the word. There is a dark side to loyalty. Here is what you need to know about when loyalty turns toxic.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: What is LoyaltyGenerational PollWhen loyalty is toxicWhen loyalty is not toxic         Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                    Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   YouTube         © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
169 Women, money & business with Lesley Batson
Jun 1 2021
169 Women, money & business with Lesley Batson
Who likes to talk about money? Money and finances can be a minefield. How much should I charge? What are my costs? Do I really need this? There is a lot to contemplate! There is a lot of advice out there, stalwarts preach that we should put money into an IRA or 401K, that we should do this or don't do that, and not question it. But know what? That might not be the best route for you. It's okay to trust your gut and ask more questions! Lesley Batson of Rebel Rock Wealth joins us to discuss women, money, and business. Including myths around these topics that will surprise you. Learn the whole truth about money and how you can get your money to work for you and the answers may surprise you. We'll discuss math anxiety, triggers, and the six wealth destroyers you should watch out for.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Lesley BatsonWomen and MoneyMath AnxietyTriggersPricingPrice-it-right calculatorStereotypesHow to keep more money6 wealth destroyers   Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Guest Resources: Checkout Lesley’s website Rebel Rock Wealth Price It Right Calculator   SchoolHouse Rock: How a bill becomes a law   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
168 Toxic or Not?
May 25 2021
168 Toxic or Not?
Have you ever worked someplace and only realized, looking back, that it was a pretty toxic place? Sometimes figuring out that we are working in a toxic company, or with toxic people is difficult. So ask yourself, are you being treated unfairly, or are you just needing "thicker skin"? (spoiler alert - if it’s toxic for you, it’s toxic to you) A few weeks ago I saw an SNL Skit that was funny but also a little scary. The skit touched on toxic workplaces, gaslighting, and silencing one's voice through the lens of whiny 20-somethings, i.e.tropes and logical fallacies. What's scary about this is that these things do happen. But, not in the scenario the SNL cast acted out... That's why I'm introducing a new series called "Toxic or Not." We'll discuss all the ad hominem fallacies and whether or not a situation was actually toxic.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: SNL SKITWhat is a TropeAd Hominem FallaciesToxic or Not seriesSketch shows to check out         Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Sketch Shows: Baroness Von Sketch Show A Black Lady Sketch Show   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
167 Self-care as a form of bullying? with Stacy Fisher
May 18 2021
167 Self-care as a form of bullying? with Stacy Fisher
“I do not think that word means what you think it means” -- The princess bride.   The term “self care” has joined the ranks of other terms that have been watered down, co-opted, or re-defined to the point that it means nothing. I have noticed a concerning trend with self care, it has been used to manipulate, bully, and has been productized and sold. So I asked my friend and selfcare & resilience coach Stacy Fisher to join me and talk about the topic, and how you can find what works best for you. (without making a purchase!) Remember, feelings are meant to be felt, not used against you to make you feal.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: What is self carePatterns and HabitsThe self-care paradoxHow to spot manipulationThe 8 dimensions of self care frameworkHow to identify rhythmsDaily ritualsHow MLM’s use personal development to manipulateAccepting what isFinding your own routine Work with Lara:   Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                        Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/    Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Guest Resources: Checkout Stacy’s website  The self-care paradox blog post   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
166 Queen Bee or Bully? Leading a team of women
May 11 2021
166 Queen Bee or Bully? Leading a team of women
Have you ever used the phrase "I'm not like other women"?  More often than not, we use this phrase to really say, "I'm not like the stereotype that has been placed on women." Spoiler alert - none of us are.  Women have been trained to be the caretakers of other people's feelings, and when we deviate from that, especially professionally, it can lead to women being viewed as a "Queen Bee." This myth often portrays strong women as the Miranda type boss from The Devils Wear Prada, which normalizes the behavior. The truth is, there is no evidence that senior women are more or less helpful to junior women than their male counterparts.  Why does this myth persist? Not for the reasons you may think. What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Are women tougher on other women?The evolution of women in business"When Meanness was Celebrated" by Shirly LiQueen Bee mythWhy we view women more harshlyHow generational life experiences play a role. Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email Help@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/  Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types Difficult Happens Squad: https://difficulthappens.com/squad-membership/ When Meanness Was Celebrated: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/04/scott-rudin/618569/   The immortal and false myth of the workplace queen bee: https://theconversation.com/the-immortal-and-false-myth-of-the-workplace-queen-bee-129680   © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
165 Drama in the workplace with Patti Perez part 2
May 4 2021
165 Drama in the workplace with Patti Perez part 2
“In order to build a rewarding employee experience, you need to understand what matters to your people.”  -- Julie Bevacqua How good are you at reading the room? Do you consider yourself to be a Workplace Meteorologist, someone who is able to read the temperature? Or do you need a little assistance to see the writing on the wall? When working with those in an already heightened emotional state, it is important to have self-awareness and realize when you are being triggered. Defensiveness begets defensiveness. On part two of two, Patti Perez from Persuasion Point Inc and the Drama Free Workplace Podcast joins us to talk about her experience with drama in the workplace and her insights after 20 years of workplace investigations.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Conflict in the workplaceWhat a Workplace Meteorologist isHow context can impact situationsOver-sharersHealthy workplace culturesSubconscious complicit biasWhat HR is   Join the Difficult Happens Facebook group  “Community Happens Group”   Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email Lara@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Difficult Happens Squad: https://difficulthappens.com/squad-membership/ Patti Perez - Drama Free Workplace Podcast: https://persuasionpoint.com/podcast/ 164: Drama in the workplace with Patti Perez, part 1 https://difficulthappens.com/164/       © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone
164 Drama in the workplace with Patti Perez part 1
Apr 27 2021
164 Drama in the workplace with Patti Perez part 1
“Most misunderstandings in the world could be avoided if people would simply take the time to ask, "What else could this mean?” -- Shannon L. Alder   Summary: Drama in the workplace is inevitable. Sometimes situations don't seem fair. How many times have you seen or know of someone who received a promotion or a raise at work and can't help but wonder why? What about being rejected for a position because you didn't fit their "workplace culture"? Patti Perez from Persuasion Point Inc and the Drama Free Workplace Podcast joins us for this first, two-part podcast discussing her experience with workplace drama. Patti has conducted over 1200 workplace investigations over the last 20 years, giving us insight into workplace drama, patterns and themes, and workplace culture.   What you’ll hear on today’s episode: Patti PerezDismissal and justification of workplace dramaWomen in the workplacePersonality TypesCulture and its different meaningsCulture FitFairnessThe meaning of words and what's behind them   Join the Difficult Happens Facebook group  “Community Happens Group” Work with Lara: Apply for an On-air Coaching Call! Complimentary Breakthrough Consultation Got a Question? Comment? Email Lara@difficulthappens.com Corporate Training Difficult Happens by Lara Currie                                                                     Difficulthappens.com/workwithme/   Resources: Series on Manipulation Series on Assessments Series on Conflict Personality-Types   Difficult Happens Squad: https://difficulthappens.com/squad-membership/ Patti Perez - Drama Free Workplace Podcast: https://persuasionpoint.com/podcast/           © Lara Currie 2021 Show Intro music by Scott Holmes Music Listen for free on the go with any one of these players for both Android & iPhone