239: How to Handle the Problem Person, with Bonni Stachowiak

Bonni Stachowiak: Teaching in Higher Ed

Bonni is the host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast, Dean of Teaching and Learning and Professor of Business and Management at Vanguard University, and my life partner. Prior to her academic career, she was a human resources consultant and executive officer for a publicly traded company. Bonni is the author of The Productive Online and Offline Professor: A Practical Guide*.

Question from Daniel

I have been facing a hard/stressing moment with a specific guy from my team and it’s not been an easy situation to handle.

The rest of the team are always complaining about this guy, they don’t trust on the guy opinions. I asked the team to try to have some informal conversations (on the lunch for example), and I also tried to give some advice to the guy, but the situation still the same, and sometimes I fell it is getting worse.

It is really consuming a lot of energy from my side on trying to fix the situation, and I have been feeling quite depressed with all of it…

Mentioned:

• Love is the Killer App* by Tim Sanders

Question from Wendy

You are so wonderful. I have been listening to your podcast for about 2 years now. It has helped me to grow and become a better leader. One thing that I struggle with as a leader is that push back when I try to encourage someone to learn something new especially the employees that feel like they just don’t have the time. I sense that at times the group that I lead will be a little afraid of any change. I also wonder sometimes if I may be pushing too much change too fast.

Question from Anthony

I also run a newly established monthly alumni meeting. Part of my role is securing speakers to discuss topics business leaders face day-to-day. Since we don’t have a budget to compensate the speaker what we can give in exchange is access to our cohort members. Unfortunately, I have NO experience in such a role. Any guidance or possible suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Question from Sariah

I am exploring the prospect of becoming a Leadership Coach. Currently I work as the head of a division in a large company. I have always had an interest in teaching and coaching. While I have never taught (consistently) in a classroom as part of a school or organization, I have done a bit of training at work with my Marketing team. More specifically, I find that as I am getting older, I pride myself on working with others in particular the younger persons at the office. I have been listening to all of the back issues of your podcast and have been learning so much and as a result I think this area may be for me. I am not sure where to start thus the inquiry with you.

Mentioned:

• • How to Improve Your Coaching Skills, with Tom Henschel (episode 190)
  • These Coaching Questions Get Results, with Michael Bungay Stanier (episode 237)

Question from Tom

I was wondering if you can recommend a source; book, website, blog, etc…for changing organizational culture. I work for a major university which is great, but being part of a bureaucracy has it problems. I would like to find a way to change the culture to a positive one. Thank you in advance for any help you may be able to provide.

Mentioned:

• Organizational Culture and Leadership* by Edgar Schein
• Transitions* by William Bridges
• Managing Transitions* by William Bridges
• The Way of Transition* by William Bridges
• The Fifth Discipline* by Peter Senge
• Leading Change* by John Kotter
• Our Iceberg is Melting* by John Kotter
• Reframing Organizations* by Lee Bolman Terrence Deal

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