Gratitude Challenge:  Inability to Feel Grateful for a Situation or Person 

by Star Dargin | Dec 8, 2020 | Difficult, Gratitude, Leaders, Leadership, Teams

It can be hard at times to feel real gratitude. I do not mean the polite socially acceptable kind where you must say “thank you” or risk raised eyebrows. You might find yourself in a tragic situation, or dealing with a toxic person, for whom you feel a strong dislike...

3-Step Shift to Gratitude: When the Boss Belittles

by Star Dargin | Feb 22, 2019 | Communication, Confidence, Difficult, Gratitude, Leadership

Despite knowing that his manager supported his position and gave him regular raises, and promotions, Paul despised the person in charge over him. (In full transparency, Paul is not his real name—or any one person, for that matter—as some variation of this story plays...

Stop Being Nice and Save Lives!

by Star Dargin | Oct 15, 2018 | Communication, Confidence, Difficult, Leaders, Leadership

In extreme scenarios, being nice and not speaking up can result in death. A failed O-ring seal was blamed for the Challenger space shuttle disaster that killed seven astronauts, even though NASA engineer Allan McDonald knew of the potential disaster and didn’t sign...

Fear and Big Girl Panties

by Star Dargin | Oct 7, 2018 | Communication, Difficult, Leaders, Leadership, Uncategorized

“Do it my way or I will have you thrown out by security” I was told before the conference at the hotel. I had spoken up in a nice way and thought I was being helpful. I was coming from a place of gratitude and being a contributing member of the team. I wanted...

Humiliation, Gratitude, and Vulnerability

by Star Dargin | Jun 13, 2018 | Difficult, Leaders, Leadership

The beautiful rock star, 7-million-dollar-a year sales and marketing expert screamed at me from the stage, “Sit down! You are not coachable.” I tried to hold back the tears as I gulped and sat down. How could that be? I’ve been a certified coach since 2002. I have...

Techniques to Try – Experiment Having Challenging Conversations

by Star Dargin | Dec 12, 2017 | Communication, Confidence, Difficult, Leadership

My family is my reluctant, yet fertile, petri dish.  Petri dishes are self-contained round clear bubbles you conduct experiments in.  I was raised by deep-rooted New Englanders who are always fine and say things are always good. This “never speak up” background was...