Marlene Chism

We work with leaders to build drama-free cultures that drive growth and reduce costly mistakes. Author of From Conflict to Courage.

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Articles

Executive communication: The hard skill hiding in plain sight

1 week ago | smartbrief.com | Marlene Chism

5 min read CommunicationLeadership I once had a CEO say to me, “If it comes to getting results or singing Kumbaya, I’ll pick results.”My reply? “Too bad you have neither.”It was a half-joke that revealed a mindset problem: communication is still viewed as a soft skill — nice to have, but not essential for performance.
How Really Good People Can Be Really Ineffective

1 month ago | marlenechism.com | Marlene Chism

Many well-intentioned, talented professionals struggle with effectiveness. This isn’t due to a lack of effort or integrity, but rather systemic barriers that hinder their performance. Here’s how these challenges manifest and what to look for. Lack of ClarityWhen expectations, goals, or roles are unclear, even the best employees can flounder. Signs of Lack of Clarity:Frequent rework – Tasks are often redone due to shifting expectations or vague instructions.
How to lead yourself during disruption

2 months ago | smartbrief.com | Marlene Chism

5 min read DevelopmentLeadership At the core of great leadership is self-leadership. As William Penn said, “No man can command another who cannot command himself.” Commanding ourselves during disruption and uncertainty has become the biggest challenge for leading ourselves and others.
The Leadership Trap: Quick fixes

2 months ago | marlenechism.com | Marlene Chism

Have you ever had a problem you wanted to share, only to be interrupted halfway through by someone offering a solution you didn’t ask for? I have. I remember bringing up a challenge I was facing with a fellow consultant. Before I could even explain the full context, they cut me off with, “Just prioritize better, and you’ll figure it out.”That was it—no follow-up questions, no acknowledgment of my concerns, no curiosity.
Perfect isn’t credible: Admitting mistakes improves leadership effectiveness

Feb 3, 2025 | smartbrief.com | Marlene Chism

5 min read CommunicationLeadership It’s tempting to try to build leadership credibility by always being right and never admitting mistakes. This strategy almost always backfires. Leaders who strive to appear flawless may believe they’re building respect and confidence, but reality often tells a different story.
Opinion: The transformative impact of respect in health care - Springfield Business Journal

Jan 24, 2025 | sbj.net | Marlene Chism

Respect is the cornerstone of effective health care, influencing every interaction, decision and outcome. From promoting patient safety to fostering open communication, managing conflict and driving excellence, respect lays the foundation for a thriving health care system. When respect is absent, the consequences ripple across teams, patients and organizations, undermining trust, safety and outcomes.
The Hard Truth About Mismanagement

Jan 17, 2025 | marlenechism.com | Marlene Chism

When clients call me it’s often because there’s some sort of mismanagement. Here’s a snapshot of what I’m told. “I just want my team to own their role.”” Managers aren’t holding their teams accountable.”“There’s a lot of miscommunication.”Here’s what’s interesting: The worst mismanagement may seem like it’s at the front line or middle level, however the biggest mismanagement is unresolved conflict at the top.
How to disagree across power structures

Dec 2, 2024 | smartbrief.com | Marlene Chism

5 min read CommunicationLeadership Where there’s conflict, there’s disagreement. However, disagreement doesn’t have to lead to conflict — especially if you know how to disagree without disconfirming.
Opinion: Overcoming resistance to AI: A roadmap for leaders - Springfield Business Journal

Nov 8, 2024 | sbj.net | Marlene Chism

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries, driving efficiencies and creating new opportunities – but not everyone is on board. Resistance to AI is fueled by uncertainty, fear of job displacement and a perceived loss of control. For organizations aiming to remain competitive, and embrace innovation, leaders must proactively strive to reduce friction and encourage a growth mindset within their teams. Here are four practical strategies for overcoming resistance to AI in the workplace.
How conscientious leaders transform anger

Nov 4, 2024 | smartbrief.com | Marlene Chism

Anger is often viewed as a negative emotion — something to suppress or manage. However, conscientious leaders recognize that anger, when acknowledged and directed thoughtfully, can be a powerful force for good. Rather than allowing anger to simmer under the surface or explode destructively, enlightened leaders use anger as a signal for change and an opportunity for growth. Here are four ways conscientious leaders transform anger for good.