tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44012345734520271522011-07-29T03:17:45.617-05:00Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.comBlogger291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-19658099195586693262011-06-22T15:40:00.004-05:002011-06-23T12:43:44.393-05:00

I exited the Lakeshore Drive off-ramp at Navy Pier, yesterday, to come head-to-head with a blue police barricade. Something was amiss with police cars zooming the wrong way on a one-way street. No lanes of traffic could proceed. It turns out that the Vice President was making me late. As we watched the traffic light turn from green to red to green again, some cars behind me began to howl. I

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-78122600098240940312011-06-03T18:31:00.000-05:002011-06-03T18:31:45.478-05:00

Sun. Warmth. Joy. The storms that drenched Chicago and wreaked havoc across the US seem to have passed – for the moment. Many of the storms of life, however, still remain. I happened to be flying on one recent dreary day. On the ground, it was gloomy. The fog obstructed my view. The cold penetrated my spirit. The rain showered down on my mood. Where was the sun? Where was the warmth? Where was

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-33126345067838436732011-05-11T09:48:00.005-05:002011-06-21T22:27:03.764-05:00

This short video of an interview with Edgar Schein captures the essence of the points in my last post. You've heard me rave about him. Now listen for yourself!

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-46507034055418690762011-05-10T08:41:00.004-05:002011-05-10T14:42:56.444-05:00

A key theme from my evening with Edgar Schein has continued to provoke my pondering: managing the interactions of subcultures across organizations. Beyond the overarching culture of an organization, groups of individuals are further influenced by the presence of subcultures. These might be ethnic cultures in a global organization or perhaps cultures of differing business units, e.g. sales and

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-91551684706105339962011-05-07T21:33:00.000-05:002011-05-07T21:33:22.007-05:00

My evening with Edgar Schein left me in awe. I met the father of corporate culture. How surreal. Where would we be as organizations without the powerful insights Schein has brought to the conversation over the years? Where would I be as an individual without the concept of company culture, the core area of my work? It’s simply an honor to have heard him speak at this week’s Organization

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-82600050843520625812011-03-02T12:08:00.001-06:002011-03-02T12:08:34.698-06:00

I was invited to write a guest blog for DDI about insights my recent trip to Shanghai. I discuss the concept of leveraging and managing through company culture to motivate and engage a Chinese workforce. Read it here!

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-22199920719807437392011-03-01T09:00:00.000-06:002011-03-02T11:57:08.149-06:00

What would it take to make ourselves vulnerable? To be our true selves in our careers and our lives? And would the risk be worth it? In a captivating TED talk, researcher Brene Brown explores vulnerability, calling it the gateway to life experience, connection and love. Her research findings reveal that a courage to be imperfect and an embrace of authenticity – giving up who you should be in

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-31574184419317675992010-10-11T16:59:00.014-05:002010-10-20T11:17:16.345-05:00

I spent the last 3 months dreading the end of summer. Chicago winters are brutal, lingering in the air for an eternity. By the time warm weather hits, I’ve become so desperate, so driven to make the most of the summer that the constant fear of winter hangs over me like an ominous cloud on an otherwise beautiful day. It becomes a source of anxiety and pressure. Better BBQ at the park, better go

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-28040263231890609172010-07-29T23:51:00.007-05:002010-08-11T20:59:31.872-05:00

I’m an extrovert working daily in an introvert’s heaven – my home office. No distractions. No friendly banter. No interruptions. No energy… Thankfully, my recent trip to NYC was an amazing double shot of espresso. The movement, the activity, the people – it’s like life being poured back into me. Oh introverts in New York, how do you do it? It’s also amazing how much the streets of New York

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-88557218434895355542010-07-16T18:30:00.003-05:002010-10-12T12:20:11.786-05:00

“Play me, I’m yours.” The piano, sitting in the middle of Manhattan, calls out to passersby. And people from all walks of life stop to play, to sing and to engage with the city that never sleeps. It turns out these street pianos, scattered across New York City, comprised the Play Me, I’m Yours exhibit sponsored by non-profit Sing for Hope. For a few short weeks the pianos found their home in the

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-58938710291588087582010-07-08T12:26:00.002-05:002010-11-19T11:14:10.036-06:00

“I could sit and stare at helicopters for hours and never feel tired,” Vietnamese farmer Tran Quoc Hai says. I can just hear the possible reactions from his parents, from his friends: “Tran! Stop playing around and study!” “Your future is on the earth, not in the sky. Stop wasting your time.” “Get your head out of the clouds, and get back to work.” “Won’t you just stop staring into space and do

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-64231319096730518882010-07-07T23:08:00.001-05:002010-08-09T21:15:57.492-05:00

We are born to innovate. The thought resonated deep within me while strolling through the Museum of Natural History in New York. The ancient tools of culture after culture were displayed, and themes emerged. Knives, daggers, utensils, and on and on. Each tribe, each people worlds away. Yet, they developed sets of tools so remarkable in their similarity. Each tribe, each people faced with the same

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-46604538766603386852010-03-15T20:56:00.007-05:002010-09-16T16:02:03.458-05:00

I'm not ashamed to admit it -- I started this blog as a job hunter. Those broadcasting job-hunting advice love to warn, “Beware of your online presence!” I, on the other hand, was more concerned by my lack of online presence. (That, coupled with the fact that there are other Heather Daigles out there with Facebook profiles that scare me.) I wanted prospective employers to find me. The real me.

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-52327539481604396312010-02-13T11:15:00.005-06:002010-11-19T11:11:09.041-06:00

2010’s off and running! The Saints have won the Superbowl, China’s ringing in the Year of the Tiger and the Winter Olympic Games are taking off in Vancouver. But these celebrations don’t give us that much-needed time off of work. Winter vacation seem so long ago, and now it’s just  go-go-go, do-do-do. But where are those bright blue skies that put a bounce in our step? The skies are still grey,

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-41538894108545880852009-12-11T09:51:00.002-06:002009-12-11T12:31:58.695-06:00

Yes, I’m talking about you. You’ve been brainwashed by the bedtime stories your parents told you as a child, by your favorite superhero movies, by your history textbooks. Well, as brainwashed connotes the intention of evil, maybe isn’t the most appropriate word. But, I want you to grasp … to really, really get how much of YOU is shaped by your upbringing and your current experiences. Now, I’m a

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-89432997011516845442009-12-08T14:10:00.004-06:002009-12-10T23:11:51.098-06:00

Giving is selfish. Sure, I give because I want to be others-focused, to make someone’s day and to help those in need. But, let’s face it, giving feels good. I, myself, seek happiness daily, and I simply love the warm feeling I get as I extend a smile, a compliment, a hand to friends and strangers alike. I personally find great joy in the concept that when we are the most genuine in our generosity

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-20989113716429237782009-11-25T21:10:00.012-06:002009-12-05T17:09:10.638-06:00

Struggling to find the balance between giving gifts and giving back this holiday season? Money's tight. Period. But thanks to some innovative organizations, you can delight your family and friends with gifts that do a world of good. Here's a quick run down of my favorite gifts that give back. Stop Traffick Fashion -- Slavery still exists. Against their wills, people are bought and sold to serve

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-33570797498598828122009-11-24T22:36:00.005-06:002010-08-11T20:51:13.877-05:00

Is it a coincidence that the name of one of my favorite candy bars is the same as the first five letters of my first name? Or that I'm moving into the field of Human Resources? Or that I'm simply fascinated with the exploration of individual happiness? Perhaps not. Intrigued by research that there are more dentists named Dennis than those of any other name, researchers at Northwestern's Kellogg

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-58341904268764119872009-11-10T22:47:00.015-06:002009-11-14T10:08:25.730-06:00

These tough economic times have had a noticeable impact on the talent scene in organizations. I'm highlighting some of the latest research, findings and thought leadership from key players on the present state of engagement and what organizations can do moving forward to achieve success. #5 DDI -- Pulse of the Workforce So, how's the workforce doing? You guessed it. The outlook in engagement is

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-66516451102514345492009-09-30T09:32:00.002-05:002009-12-09T23:04:08.862-06:00

What is the purpose of a metaphor? A vivid figure of speech drawing comparisons between two things, a metaphor is typically used to aid our understanding of a complex concept. Yes, metaphors are tools we use to promote comprehension and add emotion to our descriptions. But are they more than that? Do the metaphors themselves actually shape how we perceive the world ... even when language isn't

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-180112543163247832009-09-29T19:54:00.001-05:002009-09-29T19:55:49.127-05:00

Just had to share this fun article on boosting creativity from Don The Idea Guy: Push Any Key For Creativity. What I particularly love about this is that it represents a fundamental tool in creative thinking -- connecting ideas. In this case, Don connects creative wisdom with a computer keyboard and produces a fab article. What everyday object can you muse upon to help you solve the challenge

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-50248624314987861972009-09-23T11:49:00.004-05:002009-09-28T09:20:32.577-05:00

"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." - John Muir, 1911 When John Muir explored the majestic Yosemite Valley, he was not only struck by its breathtaking beauty but also compelled to celebrate and preserve it. His activism eventually led Abraham Lincoln to sign an Act of Congress to safeguard the land for public use ... an action

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-73996870777463826152009-09-04T23:19:00.005-05:002009-12-09T23:05:05.791-06:00

Was reading about the power of a metaphor and was inspired to create one of my own. Tyler and I celebrated our anniversary today - the day of our first date six years ago - because we were apart for our wedding anniversary. As part of my gift to him, took a stab at composing a metaphor (well, a simile really) that summed up my thoughts, feelings and emotions on our marriage. "Our marriage is

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-54665697082710490142009-09-01T22:43:00.107-05:002009-09-23T12:13:49.477-05:00

Freedom. That's what I felt when I read today's HBR article, "How to Escape Perfectionism". Not only is perfectionism as a consultant a hindrance to organizational effectiveness, but this article reveals it's a hindrance to your own productivity. Iceland, as a culture that does not stigmatize failure,  is ranked the happiest place on earth and is one of the most productive - with more artists per

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-85960497761800146232009-08-23T10:41:00.124-05:002009-09-09T15:32:48.617-05:00

The quest for perfection ... it's a journey I've often been on. Perhaps it's rooted in my print journalism background, where one character out of place was the greatest of all sins. Hence, my eyes have been trained to notice the details. Or perhaps it's related to my need to please. In work, I've always wanted to delight clients, bosses and colleagues with extraordinary work. To disappoint would

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-30345166605993237432009-08-03T11:34:00.143-05:002009-09-09T15:36:41.879-05:00

In my years in China, I came across many types of lao wai (foreigners). There were the tour groups congregated together, gaping and pointing as they traversed the city, like spectators watching a show. There were the business travelers, always on the move to their next meeting, always trying to make the next buck in the China market. There were the unabashed expats, living in their foreign

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-87741067880220327502009-07-15T12:08:00.000-05:002009-09-05T17:19:30.610-05:00

Featuring insights from Hewitt Associate's Chief Diversity Officer, Andres Tapia, Incorporating Global Diversity into Learning in the latest issue of Chief Learning Officer offers some nuggets of wisdom to consider when designing global or cross-cultural learning initiatives. While it doesn't go deep, the article offers a variety of ideas and approaches that are worth a quick read.

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-54283089760087771982009-07-01T13:30:00.003-05:002009-09-07T09:06:11.181-05:00

When I first went to China my first year out of college, I had a goal. As I spent the year teaching English at a University in Shanghai, I wanted to "become more and more Chinese". So, in my quest to become more Chinese, I did what I saw Chinese people do: I ate street food habitually I tasted strange foods like octopus, sea cucumber, turtle, and snake I rode on the backs of bicycles and had

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4401234573452027152.post-66894328620267031822009-06-22T20:34:00.001-05:002009-09-07T08:58:25.454-05:00

I have two passions. No, make that three. I love cultures - exploring the depths of differences, experiencing the exotic, seeking to understand oh-so-different perspectives and falling in love with people and places throughout the world (quite literally, in fact). And then there is the passion around motivation. How are we wired? What make us tick? What drives us to pursue excellence out of

Heather Daiglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921472295112300365noreply@blogger.com0