“But rather?” – A small word with a big impact

It’s easy to say something negative: “I don’t like that.” “I don’t want it that way.” Many people find it easier to express their disapproval than to clearly articulate their desires. As a result, it often remains unclear what the real issue is – what the actual needs and expectations are. This is where the […]

“What went well and why?” – A small question with a big impact

In our daily work, we often tend to focus on what is not going well. However, there is a simple yet effective method for changing our focus and bringing about positive long-term change: regularly ask yourself (and others) “What went well and why?”This question consciously draws your attention to successes and at the same time […]

YES and NO – two sides of the same coin

In our professional and private lives, it often seems tempting to respond to new opportunities and projects with a resounding “Yes!” But behind every “Yes!” there is always a “No.” A “No” to the alternatives that you are thereby excluding. This principle is crucial for effective time management, prioritization, and goal-oriented work. Saying “yes” to […]

“Not yet” – a small addition with a big effect

In our daily work or in interpersonal conversations, we often hear statements like “I can’t do it” or “It won’t work.” Such sentences often reflect blockades that seem insurmountable. This is precisely where the word “yet” can make a crucial difference. Problems are solutions that have not yet been found. With the simple addition of […]

Respectful Inquiry – The Art of Questioning and Listening

Leadership is not just about making decisions and giving orders. One of the most effective techniques for increasing employee engagement and motivation is to ask open-ended questions and listen carefully – a concept known as respectful inquiry. Why open-ended questions make a difference Open-ended questions address three key needs of employees that are crucial to […]

Start – Stop – Continue: Improving team meetings through targeted feedback

The “Stop – Start – Continue” method is a simple yet effective technique for evaluating and continuously improving team meetings. It provides a clear structure that teams can use to quickly and specifically reflect on what is going well in their meetings, what should be changed and which approaches should be retained. Three steps for […]