Author: Erika Bjune
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Unmasking Professionalism: Toward a More Courageous Way of Working
There’s a moment that happens, quietly and almost imperceptibly, at the start of the workday. Maybe it happens in the car, or in front of the bathroom mirror, or during the familiar click of a Zoom login. It’s the moment we put the mask on. Not a literal mask, but the one we’ve been trained…
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Doubt as a Doorway: Transforming Fears About Self-Management
When leaders first hear about self-management, there’s often a moment of silence. Then come the furrowed brows and cautious questions: “But… won’t everything descend into chaos without managers telling people what to do?” It’s an understandable worry. We’ve all been steeped in top-down leadership for so long that the idea of letting go can feel…
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Coaching Isn’t Therapy—But It Can Still Change Your Life
You’ve got a big decision weighing on you. Maybe it’s about your role, your team, or the next chapter of your life. You’ve been mulling it over, lying awake at night, caught in that loop of “What should I do?” and “Why can’t I figure this out?” So you wonder: Is this something to bring…
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Is Your Organization People-Positive or Just People-Tolerant?
We hear a lot about “people-first” cultures. Companies love to claim they “empower employees” and “foster collaboration.” But if you take a closer look, many of these workplaces aren’t truly people-positive—they’re just people-tolerant. What’s the difference? A people-positive organization does much more than just accommodate people. It actively invests in their growth, autonomy, and purpose.…
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The Hidden Chaos of Undefined Roles
Ever feel like your organization is spinning its wheels, stuck in endless discussions, or bogged down by frustration and mistrust? You’re not alone. Many teams struggle with a lack of clarity around roles and accountabilities, and the symptoms show up in subtle but corrosive ways. If these signs sound familiar, it may be time to…
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I See You, Leader. Yes, I’m Talking to YOU!
There’s a quiet myth lurking in workplaces everywhere. It tells us that leadership is reserved for a select few—the ones with the titles, the corner offices, the decision-making power. It whispers that unless you’re a manager, director, or executive, leadership isn’t for you. I’m here to tell you that’s nonsense. Leadership is not a position.…
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Leadership in Times of Oppression: Building Organizations That Resist and Protect
It’s impossible to ignore what’s happening in the world right now. Many of us are watching, hearts in our throats, as hard-won rights are stripped away, voices are silenced, and authoritarian forces gain momentum. If you’re part of a marginalized community—if your existence, your identity, your rights, or your safety are suddenly up for debate—you’re…
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Rethinking Leadership: A Self-Management Reflection Exercise
Leadership in organizations is evolving. The traditional command-and-control approach, where power is concentrated at the top, is proving too rigid for the complexities of today’s world. Organizations that thrive in times of uncertainty distribute authority, cultivate leadership in every person, and encourage adaptability. However, shifting leadership styles isn’t just about tweaking structures—it requires a conscious…
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The Future of Work Is Evolutionary, Not Extractive
For too long, work has been shaped by extractive models that prioritize short-term gains, exploit human potential, and leave people burned out, disengaged, or disposable. The signs are everywhere: mass layoffs as cost-cutting tools, relentless back-to-office mandates, the rollback of DEI initiatives, and leadership cultures that treat people as expendable resources rather than valued contributors.…
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Culture by Design: Exploring Six Types That Shape Organizations
As I put the final touches on my book Organizing for Impact, I found myself reflecting on a section that feels especially timely in which I discuss six types of cultures I have encountered in the workplace. In a world where back-to-the-office mandates are tightening their grip, DEI initiatives face increasing pushback, and mass layoffs…