P&P Blog

The P&P Blog contains advice from Amber Peterson and Cathy Perme on a wide range of topics including leadership, process improvement, organizational change, conflict resolution, strategic planning, team building, and more.

“I think I’m done here” – Graceful Exits

“I think I’m done here” – Graceful Exits

What does it mean, when well-regarded leaders say they are done?  Just in the last month, Police Chief Todd Axtell of St. Paul and Police Chief Medaria Arrodondo of Minneapolis tendered their resignations.   Both steered their departments through the difficult times...

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Juneteenth and Reconciliation

Juneteenth and Reconciliation

So, it’s official. June 19th is now a federal holiday. Most are calling it Freedom Day now; I’ve always called it Juneteenth. What does that mean to America?  Better yet, what does that mean to you? I won’t go into the history of Juneteenth; you can do that by Google....

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“Blessed are the Peacemakers:” Making Peace

“Blessed are the Peacemakers:” Making Peace

Learning how to make peace is something that we all need to learn how to do, especially with people or situations that we find difficult.  But what if that is your job?  In working with law enforcement agencies over the last twenty years, I have come to appreciate...

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Leadership Lessons for the Year of the Ox

Leadership Lessons for the Year of the Ox

Here we are, 11 months into the pandemic (at least in terms of the US shutting down), and we are still not certain when or even IF life will get back to “the way it used to be.”  So, it’s time to assess: what “bad” habits did we drop last year which should be left in...

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Sticking Close to the Bucking Horse

Sticking Close to the Bucking Horse

Often when working with organizations in the process of change, I encounter what I like to call “a bucking horse.”  This is a person or group that seems to resist change loudly and forcefully and generally makes life difficult for those who are tasked to lead it.  For...

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Meaning-Making to Move You Forward

Meaning-Making to Move You Forward

Check out this "pop-up conversation" in which Amber describes what "meaning" is and how meaning violations play into our lives.  She suggests several questions, as well as "The 4-Room Apartment" by Claes Janssen, as ways to assess and make meaning of where you are...

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Build Anchors to Stabilize Now, and Beyond

Build Anchors to Stabilize Now, and Beyond

In this "pop-up conversation," Amber describes how our anchors, or the vital regularities in our routines, can help stabilize us during this stressful time.  Models referenced include the Tripartite Theory of Meaning from George & Parks (2016) and Finite &...

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Even Distanced, We Still Have Purpose

Even Distanced, We Still Have Purpose

In this "pop-up conversation," Amber defines purpose and explains how vital it is to all of us, especially those who have lost jobs during COVID-19 or have been living in isolation.  Amber proposes using "The Decision Map" from Human Systems Dynamics Institute to...

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Navigating Grief During COVID-19

Navigating Grief During COVID-19

In this "pop-up conversation," Amber shares what she has learned about the grieving process, how it applies to many (if not all) of us right now, and options for processing our grief.  Featured are the Kübler-Ross grieving cycle, Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant...

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Taking a Lesson on Vulnerability

Taking a Lesson on Vulnerability

In this "pop-up conversation," Amber discusses Brené Brown's book Dare to Lead and her research on vulnerability.  Vulnerability is interpreted by many as "weakness;" however, it is an opportunity for unparalleled human connection and happiness.  Listen in to learn...

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Post-Traumatic Growth: Evolution from Crisis

Post-Traumatic Growth: Evolution from Crisis

In this "pop-up conversation," explore Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience with Amber.    She calls on the work of various research groups and academics to explain what Post-Traumatic Growth is, how it is achieved, and how we can all increase our resilience coming...

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Make Tough Conversations Easier

Make Tough Conversations Easier

The path to good leadership is fraught with frustrations and tough decisions.  But does it have to be so hard?  Is there a way to bypass some of the pain and stress associated with having difficult conversations with your staff?  In short, yes, and it takes some solid...

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Focusing… and Dealing with Competing Needs

Focusing… and Dealing with Competing Needs

  Welcome to the world of 24/7/365 – where the average leader and professional are constantly available via their smart phones, the piles of work are higher than ever before, and everyone is judged on how well they accomplish it on a timely basis. As I write...

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Raising All Boats

Raising All Boats

Truth be told, I could have been a hell of a union organizer.  Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio unions were part of my everyday life.  Most kids in my neighborhood had at least one family member in a union.   And in fact, those unions were essential to the health...

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Keep Calm in the Storm – Simple Strategies

Keep Calm in the Storm – Simple Strategies

You're at your desk and a coworker comes by with their half of a project.  The finished product falls short of your expectations... Your immediate response is fueled by emotions instead of calm inquiry and you instantly regret your quick reaction.    Does this...

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Organizational Courage – Part 2

Organizational Courage – Part 2

What does organizational courage demand? In part one of my two-part post, I introduced the notion of organizational courage and shared my thoughts on what it is and provided some framing. In this post I will share practical strategies and action steps you can take to...

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Organizational Courage – Part 1

Organizational Courage – Part 1

On a recent bright Minnesota morning, tucked into one of the thousands of conference rooms across the state, a management team sat somberly. Several weeks earlier they had participated in a meaningful retreat with key employees and clients, rediscovering and...

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Worried about Retention?

Worried about Retention?

Worried about retention? Four simple (and) proven things you can do to beat the odds It is a common belief that in order to achieve success, one must do the hard work alone; only after accomplishing this solitary victory will a person “be happy.” Well, if there’s...

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On Being Humble and Generous – Part 2

On Being Humble and Generous – Part 2

“A person may be as nobly endowed as Duke Chou, but that isn’t enough to inspire admiration if they aren’t humble and generous.” The Analects of Confucius (8.11) According to Confucius, a good leader is both humble and generous. What does that mean in today’s world?...

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On Being Humble and Generous – Part 1

On Being Humble and Generous – Part 1

“A person may be as nobly endowed as Duke Chou, but that isn’t enough to inspire admiration if they aren’t humble and generous.” The Analects of Confucius (8.11) According to Confucius, a good leader is both humble and generous. What does that mean in today’s world?...

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Working for a Leader I Trust

Working for a Leader I Trust

As a consultant, my name is impacted by the leaders with whom I work. That’s because as a consultant I have no power to act. I do have influence based on my knowledge and skills, and the point of hiring someone like me, who is outside of the organization, is to get an...

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Leading in “The Year of the Dog”

Leading in “The Year of the Dog”

Feb 16, 2018 begins the Chinese Year of the Dog.  Dogs are loyal, generous, and protective.  Given all of unrest in the world right now and the lack of civil discourse in the US and other places, what does the Year of the Dog call us to do as leaders? Remember that...

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Phone: 952.831.4131

e-Mail:  info@petersonperme.com

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