A Life-Changing Question!

I love puzzles. In kindergarten, I was a whiz at jigsaw puzzles. I would complete mine with lightning speed, and with good intention in my heart, move on to finish the puzzles of all the other classmates. Mrs. B, my not so nice teacher (the antithesis of the quintessential kindergarten teacher!) repeatedly chastised me for … Read more

Missing The Water Cooler?

Recently, I worked with a client who wanted to build a personal Teams channel for employees. Gasp! As a seasoned Organizational Development professional, the risk of inappropriate use sent me into shock. The client shared they missed the proverbial water cooler vibe they had pre-pandemic and were looking for an alternative to spur personal connections … Read more

Mental Health Awareness is More than the Month of May

For the month of May, the nation promoted Mental Health Awareness Month with a multitude of social media posts and learning opportunities. Compass also presented our own webinar on “Improving your Workplace Mental Health Strategy”. As a licensed therapist, I am an advocate and ambassador for mental health and wellness and I was energized to … Read more

Gossips, Informers, and Other Toxic Waste: A Podcast With Melissa Tipton

From Toxic Tea Room Podcast: What is the difference between spilling the tea and gossip? This podcast focuses on issues centered on toxic work environments from first-hand experiences. Gossip focuses on the salacious, nasty bits of humanity that cause incredible harm. Yet, everyone gossips and everyone has been a target of gossipers, whether you know it or … Read more

Celebrating Authenticity

I am fascinated with the concept of authenticity, and in particular, authentic leadership. To be authentic, we must have a deep understanding of our strengths, our values, and our signature contributions. Authenticity is about self-discovery, accepting yourself for who you are, while also having a growth mindset. It’s about being yourself, with skill. We must … Read more

The Power of Two Words

Two simple words have the power to make people feel they matter, their work matters, their contributions matter, and that they make a difference. These two words can determine if a customer is satisfied or dissatisfied. These two words have the power to make relationships stronger in both our personal lives and our professions. These … Read more

Culture Starts with Recruiting

Throughout my career, I’ve had the stressful yet rewarding experience of going through the interview process to find my next best fit. Whether it is a quick phone screen with a recruiter, or a three hour long final interview with a hiring manager, it is somewhat obvious to sense an organization’s culture and values. Hearing … Read more

Natural Hair in the Workplace

Early in my career, someone once told me that my natural hair would never be professional. I internalized these comments, backed by my mental image of corporate America and professionalism. So much has changed in our culture and workplace since then, and we still have a way to go. We all have the ability, whether … Read more

Analyzing Your Compensation Program

Success in any industry is contingent on the ability to attract and retain high performing talent. To ensure your organization remains both competitive and compliant, it is important to review your organization’s compensation program annually. Performing a regular analysis ensures that your organization hosts sound compensation practices and stays in line with external industry market … Read more

Five Ways to Prioritize Your Wellbeing

These past few years have emphasized the importance of health, both physical and mental, and the overall need for wellness in the workplace. Being a great leader, contributor, colleague, and friend requires energy, presence, and health. Here are five ways to prioritize your wellbeing: