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Ever wonder why some people always seem to have a dark cloud over their head at work? Rather than avoiding them, I've made it my mission to sit next to the grumpiest person in every room. What I've discovered might surprise you.

Behind almost every scowl and crossed arm lies a story—of being overlooked, having ideas dismissed, feeling powerless, or experiencing workplace trauma. Grumpiness isn't an identity; it's a signal. It's often easier and safer to appear annoyed than vulnerable, especially when past attempts at engagement have led to disappointment.

The magic happens when we approach these colleagues with genuine curiosity instead of judgment. "What's happening?" "How can I support you?" These simple questions can transform relationships and uncover valuable perspectives. Those grumpy teammates often see problems others miss and become your fiercest advocates when they finally feel heard and respected.

For leaders, these connections represent untapped potential. The colleagues everyone avoids could become your best problem-solvers and culture carriers once they trust again. For those who recognize themselves as "the grumpy one," remember that your current emotional state doesn't define you—it's a signal worth investigating, not a permanent home.

Through personal stories of both supporting grumpy colleagues and wrestling with my own periods of disengagement, I share practical strategies for building bridges across emotional divides. Your grumpiness might be your armor, but it doesn't have to be where you live.

Ready to transform workplace relationships? Listen now, and consider your homework: intentionally engage with someone who seems a little grumpy this week, listen without trying to fix anything, and see what unfolds.

Follow Catalyst Development on LinkedIn @catalystdevelopment and @drkatieervin

www.cdleaders.com

Learn more about Supervisor 101 at www.cdleaders.com/supervisor101

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/

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Feeling stuck in a linear career path or struggling to see yourself as creative? In this illuminating conversation, Rhonda Jolyean Hale , founder of Jolyean Creative, overturns conventional thinking about creativity, career progression, and personal transformation.

Rhonda's journey took her from changing college majors seven times to nonprofit work, executive coaching, and eventually corporate burnout—before discovering a powerful approach to healing through what she calls "aesthetic exploration." With warmth and wisdom, she explains how reconnecting with beauty and creativity became her pathway not just to recovery, but to founding a business centered on helping people "transform in a more beautiful way."

The conversation delves into our fundamental human need for beauty and sensory experience—a need that traditional change models often overlook. Whether you're navigating personal change or leading organizational transformation, Rhonda offers practical insights on incorporating aesthetic elements to make change more effective and enjoyable. She shares fascinating research from the emerging field of neuroaesthetics about how our environments affect our wellbeing and performance.

Perhaps most empowering is Rhonda's passionate belief that everyone is inherently creative. "Just as you were born with the ability of language," she explains, "you were born with the ability to be creative." The difference lies in how this creativity expresses itself—through parenting, problem-solving, cooking, gardening, or countless other outlets beyond traditional "artistic" pursuits.

Discover how becoming a "mirror believer" for others can help them achieve their dreams, why workspace design matters more than we realize, and how Rhonda's nonprofit Pass the Bricks Project is using Legos to bring joy and creativity to children in need. This conversation will leave you inspired to embrace your creative potential and transform your approach to change—in work and in life.

Contact information for Rhonda:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondajhale/

https://www.jolyean.com/

Follow Catalyst Development on LinkedIn @catalystdevelopment and @drkatieervin

www.cdleaders.com

Learn more about Supervisor 101 at www.cdleaders.com/supervisor101

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/

Send us a text

Leadership isn't about following a straight line—it's about navigating unexpected turns while keeping your vision clear. Jason Smith, President and CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, exemplifies this journey, having transformed from an aspiring sports journalist to an economic development leader guiding communities across multiple states.

During our conversation, Jason reveals how university communities uniquely shaped his leadership style. "When you live in university cities, you have to be very thoughtful about explaining all elements of projects and be ready to face criticism because it's coming," he explains. This environment forces leaders to develop deeper empathy and more thorough preparation—skills that serve any leader well regardless of setting.

Whether you're building community initiatives, guiding economic development, or navigating your own career path, Jason's insights provide practical wisdom for becoming a more thoughtful, patient, and effective leader. Listen now to discover how developing these qualities can transform both your leadership approach and the communities you serve.

https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanAreaChamberofCommerce
https://www.instagram.com/manhattan_ks_chamber/
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/?src=go-pa&trk=sem-ga_campid.18853522261_asid.146084015209_crid.732549151385_kw.linkedin_d.c_tid.kwd-296170574619_n.g_mt.e_geo.9023960&mcid=6994434350142418944&cid=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAn9a9BhBtEiwAbKg6fonZl5D8bJrRT5YlDAnhNcZjwBT5EOUzYS8kR5wLPCxsZwaAt71nrRoCMyUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Follow Catalyst Development on LinkedIn @catalystdevelopment and @drkatieervin

www.cdleaders.com

Learn more about Supervisor 101 at www.cdleaders.com/supervisor101

Theme music by Emma Jo https://emmajo.rocks/