What would you do if your boss asked you to break the law? Years ago, I faced that very dilemma—and lost my job for doing the right thing. At this week’s Alabama SHRM Conference, I’m leading a session on Ethics in HR—not the checkbox kind, but the real-world, gray-area stuff we all encounter. We’ll explore practical frameworks, cultural pressures, and how to lead with integrity when the stakes are high. Join the conversation and walk away better equipped to lead with courage and clarity.
Emily here. For the past two semesters, I’ve been part of the Highlands College Leadership Institute, and I’ll admit, I’ve often felt like an imposter. Leadership hasn’t always come naturally to me, and conflict? I tend to avoid it. But here’s the twist: leaning into that discomfort has sparked unexpected growth. What if understanding your own personality—and others’—could completely change how you handle conflict? I’ve been exploring this in my leadership journey, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about turning conflict into a powerful tool for collaboration. Want to know how? Keep reading!
Context matters. When conflict erupts at work, it’s easy to focus on the outburst, not the circumstances that led to it. Take my friend’s brother—suspended without pay for lashing out after being undermined. What his boss didn’t consider? He had just lost his mother and had a child in the hospital.
As leaders, we must create space for employees to navigate stress, not just react to their missteps. Using an empowerment-based model like SBAR—situation, background, analysis, recommendations—can help de-escalate conflict and build stronger teams. How do you handle workplace conflict?
Struggling with stress or feeling stuck? Just five minutes of journaling each day could be the game-changer you need. Mark Danaher shares how this simple habit transformed his mindset, improved his focus, and helped him navigate life’s challenges with clarity. Whether you’re setting goals, reflecting on your day, or just getting thoughts on paper, journaling can bring surprising benefits. Ready to give it a try? Start small—big changes can come from just a few words.
“If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”—Zig Ziglar At Horizon Point, we love learning and helping others nourish their growth—both personally and professionally. Each year, our team selects professional development opportunities that align with our individual and organizational goals. Here are some of our favorite ways to keep learning and growing: Nourish Your Growth with Books If you’ve been around here long, you know we love a good book! In our coaching and training, we frequently incorporate book recommendations. 📚 Check out our 2024