That’s the question that local high school and middle school students are asked each year as part of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage Stop the Hate! Youth Speak Out! essay contest. Last year, we featured the contest and the winner, Matt Soble from Solon High School, who wrote about a socially different classmate, in our Local Students Respond to Discrimination post. This year’s winner, Andrea Bestor, focused her essay on the recent suicide of a classmate, Jay (not his real name). What is so significant about the death of this [...]

“The glass ceiling will go away when women help other women break through that ceiling.” Indra Nooyi CEO, PepsiCo. Ltd I came across the quote above recently, and it got me thinking about the factors that contribute to success – specifically the relationship between support and success. While many of us might agree with the theoretical notion that employees that are supported do better than those that don’t, how many organizations recognize and acknowledge the relationship between support and bottom line success in business? How many organizations make strategic decisions [...]

I think we would all agree that spring came none too soon. This is the time of year for renewal and revitalization. Here in New Brunswick, Canada, we watch the snow recede and the ice melt. The ground comes alive again with colorful flowers and green grass. The robins have started to return, while other birds have chosen their mates for the season. I, for one, am ready to get outside more regularly, take those much needed walks and get the first greens for our spring salads planted. What better [...]

Are Employees Your Organization’s Greatest Asset or Just a Necessary Evil? Ever since I was introduced to the writings of Peter Senge and his ground-breaking book, The Fifth Discipline, I’ve tried to apply a systems perspective to my interpretation and analysis of business, economic and social trends. So it’s from that point of view that events in the U.S. economy concern me so much and lead me to the conclusion that our political and business leaders are losing sight of a fundamental pillar of this country’s storied economic success of past [...]

I’m always amazed to hear the stories of how people subtly fight at work. Through procrastination, gossip, stonewalling, and other passive-aggressive methods, co-workers can find clever ways to obstruct progress while appearing helpful. So much conflict can be hidden under the surface of our actions and conversations. In the theatre, this is called “subtext.” Here are some examples of ways employees fight while smiling. Names have been changed but the scenarios are true. 1. Creating obstacles. “Tracy” is a talented office manager, but if she feels slighted, her ability to [...]