Matt Paknis Leadership Development

"It is not the strong who are dangerous to the world and to themselves. It is the weak and the inadequate who threaten - and sometimes destroy - mankind's peace and prosperity." - Vernon Howard #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact #BeTransparent

"You cannot fix a problem that you refuse to acknowledge." - Margaret Heffernan "When the norm is decency, other virtues can thrive: integrity, honesty, compassion, kindness, and trust." - Raja Krishnamoorthi #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact To end destructive bullying acts at work, one must recognize the bullying behaviors and aggression are not normal, routine, acceptable, or deserved. #LeadersArentBullies #betransparent

"Democratic principles are the result of equality of condition." - Mercy Otis Warren "The Green Bay Packers didn't do it for individual glory. They did it because they loved one another." - Vince Lombardi "Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." - Mattie Stepanek #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change." -Albert Einstein “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” -Socrates #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Good leaders and organizations recognize the need to change an institutionalized culture of workplace bullying. #LeadersArentBullies #officeculture

"The "person" who cannot endure to have his errors and shortcomings brought to the surface and made known, but tries to hide them, is unfit to walk the highway of truth (and leadership)." - James Allen #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"Intimidation, harassment and violence have no place in a democracy." - Mo Ibrahim "How can people feel themselves honoured by the humiliation of their fellow beings." - Mahatma Gandhi "Exclusion is never the way forward on shared paths to freedom and justice." -Desmond Tutu #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Workplace bullying includes, but is not limited to, intimidation, public humiliation, offensive name-calling, social exclusion, and unwanted physical contact (battery).

"Two of the most important, yet challenging aspects to being an Active Bullying Bystander are: 1.Identifying your responsibility to help and 2.Knowing what to do and how to do it safely. There are five steps to being an Active Bullying  Bystander: 1. Notice the event 2. Interpret it as a problem 3. Feel responsible for helping 4. Have necessary knowledge and skills 5. Act." - Rise Above the Pack #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

“Encouragement is like water to the soul, it makes everything grow.” ― Chris Burkmenn "The most certain way to succeed is to try just one more time." - Thomas A. Edison "As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others." - Marianne Williamson #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Bullying does not liberate or inspire. True leaders do both. Good bosses encourage,  motivate and value their workers.

"Dispassionate objectivity is itself a passion, for the real and for the truth." - Abraham Maslow "The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions." - Leonardo da Vinci "There is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness and truth." - Leo Tolstoy #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.” - Nelson Mandela "Journalism is the protection between people and any sort of totalitarian rule. That's why my hero, admittedly a flawed one, is a journalist." - Andrew Vachss #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Bullying violates the basic tenets of a person's inalienable rights as stated in the Declaration and protected by the United States Constitution, namely, each citizen’s right to “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead "Together we can change the world, just one random act of kindness at a time." - Ron Hall "Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world." - Dolores Huerta #leadersarentbullies #healthyworplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security." - Jodi Rell "The safety of the people is the highest law." - Marcus Tullius Cicero "Trust is the glue of life, the key to  effective communication, the principle holding all relationships." - Stephen Covey #healthyworplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Successful leaders create safe environments where people can trust—where they know people are there to protect them when they are vulnerable, where everyone is dedicated to making each other safe and better. #LeadersArentBullies

"If you believe, as I do, that your employees truly are your most valuable asset, you will do whatever you can to help them do their jobs as well as possible." - Harvey Mackay "Employers who invest in their workforce have a more productive workforce, a more efficient workforce, a more loyal workforce, less turnover, and, in the private sector, more profitable." - Valerie Jarrett #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"Healing is a matter of time, but it is also a matter of opportunity." - Hippocrates "Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it." - Tori Amos "Awareness is the first step in healing." - Dean Ornish #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Organizations can heal from scandals involving bullying and abuse with leaders who clear out bullies and eradicate destructive values, beliefs, and behaviors. #LeadersArentBullies

"Everyone knows someone who is struggling with a mental health issue, whether it's depression, trauma or substance abuse. It affects everyone, so we all have a stake in making sure good treatment is available." - Cris Carter "It's like any other part of your body - your mental health gets sick, and it needs treatment." - Olly Alexander #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

  “Don’t fight darkness—bring the light, and darkness will disappear.” – Maharishi Mahesh Yogi “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can  do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr. "Light is the symbol of truth." - James Russell Lowell #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact People are afraid of the ramifications of dealing with the dark instead of celebrating the light and truth.

"Many of us feel stress and get overwhelmed not because we're taking on too much, but because we're taking on too little of what really strengthens us." - Marcus Buckingham "Most people are remarkably resilient. Even those who have been through war or great loss often find reservoirs of strength. But the legacy of trauma is a heavy burden to bear." - Christina Baker Kline #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact  

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold." -  Proverbs 11:27 #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Bullies seek to find what’s “wrong” with people in their lives, rather than what’s right. They attack people, not problems. #LeadersArentBullies

"Transparency increases credibility and accountability." - Park Won-soon "The consequences of an act affect the probability of its occurring again." - B. F. Skinner "It's very important to choose kindness and stop bullying." - Jacob Tremblay #leadersarentbullies #healthyworplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact  

"Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle." - Napoleon Hill "Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength." - Saint Francis de Sales "Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm." - Abraham Lincoln #stepup #healthyworplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Bullies are weak and fragile, whereas good leaders are strong and tough. Strive to be the good leader you want to see. There is strength in kindness. #LeadersArentBullies #begentle

"Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence." - Leonardo da Vinci "With power comes the abuse of power. And where there are bosses, there are crazy bosses." - Judd Rose "People are afraid of things they don't understand. They don't know how to relate. It threatens their security, their existence, their career, image." - Bill Laswell #leadersarentbullies #healthyworplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact  

"When you abuse someone, you limit their perspective, and you trap them in your view of them or your view of the world." - Tara Westover "I'm always amazed that people are shocked when their despicable action causes an equally despicable reaction." - CM Punk #healthyworplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Bullies plan their sneak attacks. They attempt to immobilize and control their victims with premeditated and unpredictable traps, deadfalls, and tricks. #LeadersArentBullies #stopbullying

"There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves." - Lyndon B. Johnson "Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results." - Willie Nelson "The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness." - Lao Tzu #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth." - Buddha "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or a mirror  reflecting it." - Edith Wharton "Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.“ - George Washington #HealthyWorkplaces #stepup   #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Outcomes tend to turn out well for those who strive for good and truth. Taking a stance against bullying shines a light on a abuse so it can't remain hidden. #LeadersArentBullies #transparency

"We can change culture if we change behavior." - Dr. Aubrey Daniels "If you are lucky enough to be someone’s employer, then you have a moral obligation to make sure people do look forward to coming to work in the morning." - John Mackey "Culture changes when the organization is transformed; the culture reflects the realities of people working together every day." -  Frances Hesselbein #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact  

"No one deserves more respect than the other person until they prove themselves unworthy." - Frankie Faison "Without integrity, no real success is possible, whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office." - Dwight D. Eisenhower #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact If company #managers do not have the ethical and moral integrity to stop bullying, or if they fail to value their employees enough to stop bullying, the organization is not a worthy employer nor worth of your time or business. #LeadersArentBullies

 

"Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness." - Napoleon Hill "Ethics and equity and the principles of justice do not change with the calendar." - D. H. Lawrence "Never above you. Never below you. Always beside you." - Walter Winchell #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"The right of each individual in any relation to secure to (themself) the full benefits of (their) intelligence, (their) capacity, (their) industry and skill are among the inalienable inheritances of humanity." - Leland Stanford #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact #stepup In America, where workers’ inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are protected by the US Constitution, individuals should never allow themselves—or be allowed by liable organizational and government leaders—to be victimized by a bullying boss.

"All cruelty springs from weakness." - Seneca "Rudeness (bullying) is the weak person’s imitation of strength." - Edmund Burke "Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power." - William James "The stronger a man is, the more gentle he can afford to be." - Elbert Hubbard #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact  

"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony." - Thomas Merton "Faith gives you an inner strength and a sense of balance and perspective in life." - Gregory Peck #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct   #psychologicalsafetyatworkact People are most energetic and productive when their lives are balanced. Life balance allows people to maintain perspective and important relationships. It also fosters self-awareness and empathy.  These are critical anti-bullying traits. #LeadersArentBullies

"The corporate grip on opinion in the United States is one of the wonders of the Western world. No First World country has ever managed to eliminate so entirely from its media all objectivity - much less dissent." - Gore Vidal "Dispassionate objectivity is itself a passion, for the real and for the truth." - Abraham Maslow #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"Energy and persistence conquer all things." - Benjamin Franklin "The energy of the mind is the essence of life." - Aristotle #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Great mentors and coaches exude—and infuse others with—positive energy. They achieve their desired results while building healthy relationships and adhering to ethical and appropriate processes. #LeadersArentBullies

"Trust not too much to appearances."  - Virgil "Subtlety may deceive you; integrity never will." - Oliver Cromwell "Intimidation, harassment and violence have no place in a democracy." - Mo Ibrahim "Freedom must be demanded by the oppressed." - Martin Luther King, Jr. #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

“For an impenetrable shield, stand inside yourself.” - Henry David Thoreau #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact People who transcend workplace #bullying compartmentalize and do not allow a bully's traps, dead falls, tricks, abuse, triggering fears, unfounded criticisms, and lies to harm them. #LeadersArentBullies #workplaceculture

Distinguished, and tallest, Guest Cedric Maxwell at the World's Shortest (89') St. Patrick's Day Parade in Adamsville, RI.

"If you look at history, innovation doesn't come just from giving people incentives; it comes from creating environments where their ideas can connect." - Steven Johnson #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." - John Adams #leadersarentbullies #healthyworkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #StepUp   #psychologicalsafetyatworkact If possible, seek a solid manager's counsel when your boss is abusive and keep an open dialogue with your support network. Describe observable facts. Cite specific behaviors. Avoid being hijacked by emotions. Include & invite rational witnesses. Always lead with objective evidence.

"The predator wants your silence. It feeds their power, entitlement, and they want it to feed your shame." - Viola Davis "Entitlement is lethal." - Liev Schreiber #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." - Arthur Conan Doyle "Be open-minded so you can always see the other side of the coin." - Tony Hadley #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct   #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Understand, respect, and explore all worker complaints and perspectives. Try to get the full story/picture. #LeadersArentBullies

"Abnormal behaviors prevent development of the normal." - Alexis Carrel "Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish (humans) from beasts?" - Confucius "We walk in circles, so limited by our own anxieties that we can no longer distinguish between true and false, between the gangster's whim and the purest ideal." - Ingmar Bergman #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #stepup #psycholoicalsafetyatworkact

"Documents create a paper reality we call proof." - Mason Cooley "Nepotism will never give you real success, but talent can." - Ashok Saraf "Retaliation is related to nature and instinct, not to law. Law, by definition, cannot obey the same rules as nature." - Albert Camus #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #StepUp #psycholoicalsafetyatworkact Document, record, and address all performance inconsistencies. If some workers know they are protected, acknowledge and shed light on nepotism, favoritism, and passive-aggressive retaliatory behaviors. #LeadersArentBullies

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." - Desmond Tutu "I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars." - Og Mandino "Education is the movement from darkness to light." + Allan Bloom #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #StepUp #psycholoicalsafetyatworkact

"Leadership is a mindset that shifts from being a victim to creating results. Any one of us can demonstrate leadership in our work and within our lives." - Robin S. Sharma #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psycholoicalsafetyatworkact #Emotionalintelligence includes self-awareness, empathy, and transparency. Healthy and successful leaders cultivate and demonstrate it every day. #LeadersArentBullies

"People who lean immobilize you; stay away from them. People who lift inspire you; keep them near. People who lead positively influence you; seek them out." - Farshad Asl #leadersarentbullies #HealthyWorkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #StepUp #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"We want recognition out of an earnest desire to fulfill our personal potential." - Ryan Holid "Recognition is the a basic form of reward, and it is a powerful motivator." - Barry Carter Study participants stated motivation increases after receiving positive recognition.

"Training your brain to manage stress won't just affect the quality of your life, but perhaps even the length of it." - Amy Morin "To bounce back from bumps in the road as well as failures, you should focus on emphasizing the positive." - Jean Chatzky "No one ever made any material as resilient as the human spirit." - Bernard Williams #leadersarentbullies #healthyworkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #StepUp #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships." - Stephen Covey #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Subjects who described receiving constructive improvement performance feedback from supervisors who do not bully state they use the feedback to attempt to make improvements. #LeadersArentBullies

"Leadership is taking accountability yourself and holding others to the same standard, regardless of what's going on." - Jason Kelce "When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is abuse, corruption, subjugation and indignation." - Atifete Jahjaga "When we all help one another, everybody wins.” - Jim Stovall #leadersarentbullies #healthyworkplaces #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #StepUp #psychologicalsafetyatworkact

"When we make progress and get better at something, it is inherently motivating. To make progress, people have to get honest feedback and information on how they're doing." - Daniel H. Pink #healthyworkplaces #stepup #leaderselevatethoughtandconduct #psychologicalsafetyatworkact Honest performance feedback is necessary to learn and to grow into and with a job.... When sincere feedback is given without petty berating and irrational attacks and is based on observable and agreeable facts; workers will strive to improve behaviors. #LeadersArentBullies