Author Archives: bethanywallace

Soft skills & Gen Z: Helping today’s college students & entry-level employees

When I taught college full-time, I noticed a shift in student behavior in 2015. Most traditional-aged college students spent much more time with their faces in their phones than they did making eye contact, interacting with their peers, or paying attention to me. The entire classroom dynamic changed. I spent more time than I desiredContinue reading “Soft skills & Gen Z: Helping today’s college students & entry-level employees”

Prevention versus damage control: Invest in what produces change

Here are some sobering stats related to conflict in the workplace. 10% of employees reported missed project deadlines due to conflict in the workplace. 20-40% of most managers spend their work time resolving conflict. In 2018, there were more than 76,000 workplace discrimination charges in the United States, resulting in more than $50 million inContinue reading “Prevention versus damage control: Invest in what produces change”

Putting down our anvils: Mindful communication as pathway to cultural sensitivity & inclusion

There are four common barriers to competent cross-cultural communication. Making decisions based on faulty assumptions Fear and ego Deep-seated biases and prejudice Miscommunication or misunderstanding Experiencing racism and prejudice Since age 10, I have lived in rural Arkansas. In case you’re unaware, let me fill you in on a secret about the rural South. InContinue reading “Putting down our anvils: Mindful communication as pathway to cultural sensitivity & inclusion”

Personal social media management: Don’t wear out your welcome

Here’s a thought on personal social media management: Don’t wear out your welcome. Wearing out your welcome is easy to do. Think Cousin Eddie. Remember your mom or grandma giving you that same advice about not wearing out your welcome when visiting friends in high school or college? Or when sitting in the hallway (coveredContinue reading “Personal social media management: Don’t wear out your welcome”

COVID-19 and the long-term changes to the workplace landscape

Yes–things are different. Change can be overwhelming. But all things in our lives will continue to change. And we must, as a society and as leaders in the workplace, adapt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. How are you–as a leader in the workplace or as a business owner–adapting? Five or six weeks in, it’s timeContinue reading “COVID-19 and the long-term changes to the workplace landscape”

Social media engagement: A gift?

One way I help fulfill fulfill nonprofit organizations’ missions is by building brand awareness via social media. I’m no newbie to social media management.

Feeling the pain: Employers respond to the soft skills deficit

The soft skills deficit Five years ago, while teaching full-time as an English instructor at a community college, I became painfully aware of my students’ lack of soft skills. When I walked into class, I greeted my students. Many times, only a few would respond. The rest stared blankly at their smartphones. When I passedContinue reading “Feeling the pain: Employers respond to the soft skills deficit”

Truth-telling in the workplace

It’s the age of truth-telling in the workplace. #MeToo and #WhyIDidntReport are shaking things up; many people who have kept quiet for years are becoming brave enough to find voices. What does this mean for human resources professionals? Awareness, training, and  attention to detail in reporting, as well as policies and procedures. And how doesContinue reading “Truth-telling in the workplace”