Talk about a blind spot. In a recent Harris Poll, 89% of managers say that their employees are thriving in their current position. In the same poll, 24% of employees say they’re thriving,...
Cooking Up High Performance: What Teams Can Learn from a Cake
https://darcyluoma.com/weathering-the-storming-phase/A few months ago, I was working with a team that was trying to tackle a tough business challenge. They were sharp, motivated, and committed individuals—but they were stuck. Meetings felt like they...
The Strategic Planning Every Team Needs
A few years ago, I met Ben, a dynamic team leader at a fast-growing company. Ben had a knack for innovation and a drive that inspired his team to push boundaries. Yet, despite his best...
Teamwork: The Skill You Can’t Afford to Ignore
I was a math major in college, and I still remember the day in my junior year I called my dad while walking to the administration building to change my major. I had just finished a...
Recognizing Dysfunction: Signs Your Team Needs Intervention
I was talking to a potential client recently when she said the words I so often hear. “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea, Darcy. I have a really good team.” From there she lowered her voice and...
Tortured Poets Department: Workplace Edition
It’s not a big deal, she thought. Snappy responses that just grazed rudeness, Targets narrowly missed like darts in dim light. Conversations slightly off-beat, like a jazz tune missing...
The Power of Team Training: Going Beyond Individual Excellence
Ahead of every new season, players engage in team practices, strategize together, and build camaraderie. Imagine if they didn’t. Picture a sports team focusing only on individual skills. Even...
From Sidelines to Super Bowl: Realizing Your Championship Vision
Are you where you set out to be six months ago? Or where you wanted to be? Six months ago, Mecole Hardman was a wide receiver for the New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers was his quarterback (for a...
Bridging the Gap Between Individual and Team Success
I have a friend whose son, Jack, plays varsity soccer and has a deep love for the game. His team had a tough season, filled with losses that broke their hearts. Despite their individual...
Winning at Work: Clarifying Your Team’s Purpose
Watching the NFL playoff games this weekend, there was no question about what the teams were trying to accomplish. Their purpose? Win the game. That's it. Win. The. Game. There's no...
High-Performing Teams Have Intention
We're approaching the time of year when you might set a resolution or intention. For the past ten years, I’ve set an intention and will do so again next year! But I’ll also be setting an...
What were they thinking?
Come on, ref! This was a common refrain at my house on Sunday night when either the referees of the Packer/Chiefs game made a ridiculous call (personal foul for tackling a player still in bounds!?!)...