The recent federal workforce reductions have many feeling uncertain and demotivated—a state known as "languishing." In Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down, Corey Keyes explores this phenomenon and offers insights on reclaiming well-being. Prioritizing mental health and fostering open communication are key steps to combat these feelings. Let's work together to build resilience in these challenging times.

The Hidden Price of Workplace Tension

Workplace conflict isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a massive drain on productivity, morale, and even revenue. The real problem? It’s not the disagreements themselves, but how they’re handled.

I once worked with a company where two senior leaders were locked in silent warfare. Their unresolved tension didn’t just affect them—it trickled down to their teams, creating division, miscommunication, and stalled progress. But when they engaged in a structured, science-backed conversation designed to foster trust and connection, everything shifted.

The truth is, workplace relationships don’t improve with more emails or another status meeting. They improve when people feel seen, heard, and valued.

If tension is holding your team back, it’s time to address it head-on. Let’s talk.

Pro Speaker Tip: How to Be Trusted & Unforgettable

Most presentations fail because they’re forgettable. If your audience isn’t engaged, they won’t act. And if they don’t act, your message was wasted.

The key to a great presentation? Neuroscience.

Two powerful chemicals drive audience engagement and action:

·      Dopamine – the "motivation molecule" that sparks curiosity and excitement.

·      Oxytocin – the "trust chemical" that creates connection and emotional buy-in.

If you can trigger both, your audience will be engaged, emotionally invested, and ready to take action.

Melissa’s most recent book, Help Them Thrive, discusses an experience in which she labeled herself a hater! Are you surprised by her transparency? I was! But as she explains in the book, it’s okay to admit feelings of envy.