Ask Christa!

Ask Christa!

By Christa Dhimo, D.B.A, M.B.A., M.Sc.MBusinessEntrepreneurshipEducationHow ToManagement
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Ask Christa! episodes

  • Ask Christa! What Does a Healthy Work Culture Look Like?? (S2E20)

    Summary

    In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the complexities of workplace culture, emphasizing the importance of employee engagement over mere satisfaction. She discusses how a healthy work culture is characterized by trust and respect, with a mindset that organizational performance is sustained by getting the best out of your employees each day, not the most out of your employees (which often leads to burn out and disengagement). She provides insights on how to identify organizations that foster such environments and offers additional resources for understanding the power of workplace culture.

     

    Key Takeaways

    ·       Steady winners (companies) focus on culture as part of their performance strategy.

    ·       Trust and respect are key components of a healthy culture.

    ·       Engaged employees contribute positively to the workplace environment.

    ·       Healthy cultures value employees and prioritize employee engagement.

    ·       Healthy cultures promote clarity and ownership of work.

    ·       A healthy culture leads to a positive emotional experience at work.

    ·       Look for organizations that prioritize employee engagement over mere productivity.

    ·       Resources are available to help understand workplace culture.

     

    Additional Resources

    Gallup, Inc. (2024, October 11). What is organizational culture? and why does it matter? Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/327371/how-to-build-better-company-culture.aspx

    L Parsons. (2025, February 24). Why Workplace Culture Matters - Professional & Executive Development | Harvard DCE. Professional & Executive Development | Harvard DCE. https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/why-workplace-culture-matters/

    research about what healthy workplace cultures look like - Google Search. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/search?q=research+about+what+healthy+workplace+cultures+look+like


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    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

    I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

    Links:
    Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
    Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

    Disclaimer
    The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    11 min
  • Ask Christa! Why Organizational Structure Matters!! (S2E19)

    Summary

    In this episode, Christa Dhimo discusses the strategic role of organizational structures in business success. She explores various organizational structures, explains how they directly impact employee and organizational performance, and how org structures impact decision-making and employee empowerment. The conversation highlights the importance of aligning organizational structures with business goals to enhance innovation and overall performance.

     

    Key Takeaways

    ·       Employees deserve an environment where they can thrive.

    ·       Organizational structures are essential for enabling effective work flow and outcomes.

    ·       Effective decision-making should happen at the ground level.

    ·       Good organizational structures promote communication and responsiveness.

    ·       Matrix structures allow for resource allocation across functions.

    ·       Divisional structures operate like independent businesses.

    ·       Flat structures encourage creativity and collaboration.

    ·       Understanding different structures helps in navigating business challenges.

    ·       Good structures enable swift decision-making at all levels.

    ·       Effective structures support innovation and growth.

    ·       Scaling a business requires a clear understanding of structure.

     

    Additional Resources

    Consultants, C. (2023, November 17). The significance of flexibility in organizational structure. Clarity Consultants. https://clarityconsultants.com/blog/importance-of-flexible-organizational-structure

    How to adapt your organizational structure. (2025, January 7). Business Insights Blog. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/organizational-structure

    Jasper, L. (2023, March 14). Multiple layers of management: Pros and cons of organizational structures. Insperity. https://www.insperity.com/blog/layers-of-management/

    Kenton, W. (2025, May 30). Organizational structure for companies with examples and benefits. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/organizational-structure.asp

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    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

    I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

    Links:
    Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
    Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

    Disclaimer
    The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    16 min
  • Ask Christa! Does Management Training Matter? (S2E18)

    Summary

    In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the critical importance of management training in today's workplace. She emphasizes that effective management is essential for organizational performance, team success, and employee retention, especially in matrix organizational structures. Christa outlines necessary skills that managers need to develop, such as active listening, diplomacy, and emotional regulation, and the significant impact that well-trained managers have on their teams. Christa provides resources for further learning and highlights the need for continuous improvement in management practices, and concludes with a call to action for organizations to invest in ongoing management training.

    Key Takeaways

    ·       Training should be continuous, not just a one-time event.

    ·       Management support structures include various mentors and coaches throughout the organization.

    ·       C-Suite and Executives must also sharpen up and stay shar with their own management skills.

    ·       Management training is essential for effective leadership.

    ·       Matrix structures require more skilled management.

    ·       Good managers are crucial for team performance.

    ·       Soft skills are necessary, but so is a foundational understanding of employment law.

    ·       Management training has a direct effect on employee performance and retention.

    ·       Investing in management training benefits the entire organization.

    ·       Managers have an enormous impact on employee satisfaction.

     

    Additional Resources

    Callibrain. (2014, September 30). Video review for First Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5P2vf3BpgA

    difference between functional and matrix organizational structure - Google Search. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/search?q=difference+between+functional+and+matrix+organizational+structure

    D, J. W. P. (2023, February 16). Why management training remains important. Training. https://trainingmag.com/why-management-training-remains-important/

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    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

    I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

    Links:
    Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
    Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

    Disclaimer
    The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    16 min
  • Ask Christa! How Do I Stop Putting Up with Bad Behavior (Put-Downs) at Work? (S2E17)

    Summary

    In this episode of Ask Christa!,  Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concern about dealing with a disrespectful coworker whose style is to put others down. She emphasizes the importance of respect and dignity, and the impact respect and dignity has on organizational performance. She discusses how to understand and utilize harassment policies, encourages listeners to seek support and resources to address their challenges, and provides actionable advice on communicating with management in this circumstances. 

    Key Takeaways

    ·       Toxic work environments can deplete your energy and morale.

    ·       Respect and dignity are crucial for a healthy workplace and essential for effective teamwork.

    ·       Understanding workplace harassment policies is essential.

    ·       Communicating with management requires trust and clarity.

    ·       It's important to document specific behaviors when addressing issues.

    ·       You can report harassment even if management is unresponsive.

    ·       It's important to talk to someone about your experiences.

    ·       Anonymous and confidential reporting mechanisms can protect your identity.

    ·       Resources are available to help navigate workplace toxicity.

    ·       You are not alone in facing workplace toxicity.

    ·       Small changes can lead to positive differences in your work environment.

     

    Additional Resources

    Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation | USAGov. (n.d.). https://www.usa.gov/job-discrimination-harassment

    Harassment. (n.d.). US EEOC. https://www.eeoc.gov/harassment

    Hakim, A. C., PhD. (2023, September 28). Follow these steps to maintain control of your team. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/working-with-difficult-people/202309/when-your-employee-insults-you-in-front-of-others

    Vanessa Van Edwards. (2022, February 8). Stop Toxic Coworkers and How to Deal with Difficult Personalities at Work [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsuCSyWc604 NOTE: Minute 10:34 describes kiss ups and kick downers—“kick downers” are those who put others down

    West, T. (2022, September 1). 5 Jerks at Work and How to Deal with Them. https://hbr.org/2022/09/5-jerks-at-work-and-how-to-deal-with-them

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    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

    I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

    Links:
    Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
    Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

    Disclaimer
    The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    13 min
  • Ask Christa! Managing an Interrupting Boss (S2E16)

    Summary

    In this episode of Ask Christa, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenge of being interrupted by a manager during your team meetings—in front of your team. She explores the concept of an interrupting culture, the reasons behind interruptions, including excitement, poor listening skills, and power dynamics. Christa provides practical strategies for managing such behavior, including setting ground rules for meetings and using a feedback model called BIC (Behavior, Impact, Change) to address the issue directly with the manager. Additionally, she shares resources for further learning on managing interruptions in both professional and personal contexts.

    Key Takeaways

    ·       Employees who chronically interruption at work is often a sign of an “interrupting culture.”

    ·       Active listening is crucial in preventing interruptions.

    ·       Watch for signs of an interrupting culture during employment interviews.

    ·       Set ground rules for meetings to manage interruptions.

    ·       Use the BIC model for giving feedback to your boss.

    ·       Address interruptions directly during meetings when practical and possible.

    ·       Pre-read meeting topics with your boss to manage expectations and reduce boss interruptions.

    ·       Utilize resources to improve communication skills.

    ·       Practice managing interruptions in various contexts.

     Additional Resources

    Communication Coach Alexander Lyon. (2022, October 18). How to Stop People from Interrupting You: Verbal Tips [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcC1aNtPEVw

    Gordon, S. (2024, April 23). Understanding the psychology of interrupting. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-deal-with-interrupters-and-get-a-word-in-4801521

    Lighthouse Communications. (2023, January 10). How to stop people from interrupting you at work [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST0eElqk4qo

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    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

    I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

    Links:
    Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
    Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

    Disclaimer
    The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    13 min
  • Ask Christa! How to Give Feedback to a Defensive Team Member?? (S2E15)

    Summary

    In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses the challenges of giving feedback to defensive coworkers. She explores the reasons behind defensive behavior (including low self-esteem and past criticism), the importance of understanding it, and offers strategies for effectively providing feedback. Christa emphasizes the need for self-care, resetting conversations, and seeking support when dealing with defensiveness in the workplace. She also provides resources for further understanding and managing defensive behavior in the workplace.

    Key Takeaways

    ·       Defensive behavior often stems from past criticism or low self-esteem.

    ·       It's essential to separate the feedback from the defensive behavior.

    ·       Self-care is crucial when dealing with defensive co-workers.

    ·       Resetting the conversation can help in addressing issues constructively.

    ·       It's crucial to manage your own reactions to defensiveness.

    ·       Consider the urgency of the feedback when addressing defensive behavior—you may need time.

    ·       Private and direct approaches may not always be effective.

    ·       Seek support when needed.

    ·       Resources are available for further guidance on managing defensiveness in the workplace.

    Additional Resources

    Bailey, E. (2023, July 7). Ways to manage defensive behavior. Training. https://trainingmag.com/ways-to-manage-defensive-behavior/

    Davey, L. (2025, April 29). Understanding defensive behavior in the workplace. Liane Davey. https://lianedavey.com/understanding-defensive-behavior-in-the-workplace/

    How managers should respond to defensiveness after feedback - Jacob Kaplan-Moss. (n.d.). https://jacobian.org/2021/mar/23/addressing-defensiveness/

    PsyD, E. D. (2023, November 13). Five tips for coaching Defensive Employees. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2023/11/13/five-tips-for-coaching-defensive-employees/

    Qi, F., & Ramayah, T. (2022). Defensive silence, defensive voice, knowledge hiding, and counterproductive work behavior through the lens of Stimulus-Organism-Response. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.822008

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    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

    I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

    Links:
    Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
    Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

    Disclaimer
    The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    12 min
  • Ask Christa! How to Introduce a New Idea within a RIGID TEAM? (S2E14)

    Summary

    In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about introducing new ideas in a resistant team environment. She explores the underlying reasons for resistance, particularly focusing on learned helplessness, and offers strategies for effectively pitching new ideas. Christa emphasizes the importance of learning about team members' past experiences, understanding team dynamics, and creating dedicated spaces for discussing new concepts. She also provides resources for further reading on overcoming rigid mindsets and fostering a culture of innovation.

    Key Takeaways

    ·       Resistance to new ideas often stems from a lack of leadership and support.

    ·       Learned helplessness can develop in employees after repeated failures to implement change.

    ·       Teams may appear rigid due to past experiences rather than an inherent resistance to new ideas.

    ·       Engaging with team members about their past experiences can provide insights into their resistance.

    ·       It's important to recognize cultural factors that contribute to resistance. Creating a dedicated forum for new ideas can improve receptiveness.

    ·       Common sense strategies can be effective in overcoming resistance to change.

    Additional Resources

    McLemore, T. (2021, December 2)  Learned helplessness: Why leaders should know this phenomenon LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/learned-helplessness-why-leaders-should-know-tetiana-mclemore-ph-d-/

    Collins, J. (2017, June 16). 6 ways to break through the wall of learned helplessness. Executive Forum. https://executiveforum.com/break-wall-learned-helplessness/

    Khandelwal, P. (2019, March 7). 5 ways to handle an employee with rigid mindset. People Matters. https://www.peoplematters.in/article/behavioural-assessments/5-ways-handle-employee-rigid-mindset-13169

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    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

    I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

    Links:
    Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
    Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

    Disclaimer
    The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    11 min
  • Ask Christa! Season 1 Reflections: What if You Consider Yourself First? (Negotiations, Conflict Management...) (S2E13)

    Summary

    In this episode, Christa Dhimo wraps up the first season of her podcast by emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in navigating business challenges and workplace issues. She discusses how understanding our own needs and concerns can enhance our ability to influence, negotiate effectively, and handle conflict management more productively. The conversation reviews the basics of negotiation and  conflict management skills while reinforcing that it starts with each of us individually, tying back to the overall theme of the episode: how we consider ourselves. She reviews key points as a primary set up for Season two also, then provides resources for further learning.

    Key Take Aways

    ·       Self-consideration enhances overall workplace dynamics and enhances your influence.

    ·       Advocating for oneself is crucial in the workplace.

    ·       Understanding underlying concerns leads to smoother negotiations.

    ·       Negotiation skills are essential in both business and life.

    ·       Prepare yourself to avoid defensiveness in discussions.

    ·       Effective framing of issues can lead to better outcomes.

    ·       Conflict management requires understanding oneself first.

    Additional Resources

    5 Strategies for Conflict Resolution in the workplace. (2023, September 7). Business Insights Blog. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/strategies-for-conflict-resolution-in-the-workplace

    Gibson, B. (2025, February 12). Top Negotiation Strategies for Strategic Communication Success. Vistage Research Center. https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-growth-strategy/six-successful-strategies-for-negotiation/

    HBS Online. (2025, March 7). Conflict Resolution in the Workplace: 5 Strategies | Business: Explained [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIg8gQNuelU (supplemental to the Blog article)

    London Business School. (2019, February 8). The art of negotiation: Six must-have strategies | LBS [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKbcmlKb81c

    ---------------------
    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

    I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

    Links:
    Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
    Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

    Disclaimer
    The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    10 min
  • Ask Christa! What if Failure Didn't Exist in the Business World?? (S1E12)

    Summary

    In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores the concept of failure in the workplace, emphasizing that it is crucial to focus on learning and achieving goals rather than being weighed down by the fear of failure, and the importance of reframing our understanding of failure and success. She discusses how perceptions of success and failure can impact performance, and how by changing our perspective on failure, we can foster a more positive workplace environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Christa also shares resources for further understanding and reframing.


    Key Take Aways

    ·       Failure is a philosophical concept that impacts our performance.

    ·       How we interpret and process failure is crucial for achievement.

    ·       Success and failure are often tied to emotional responses; that hinders breakthroughs.

    ·       Learning from failure is essential for growth.

    ·       Failure can hurt us more internally than externally.

    ·       Creativity and curiosity are stifled by the fear of failure.

    ·       Managers' perceptions of failure can impact employee morale.

    ·       Management styles can influence how failures are perceived.

    ·       Success and failure are not binary; they exist on a spectrum.

    ·       Changing our perspective on failure can lead to better outcomes.

    ·       Resources exist to help understand and learn from failure.

     

    Additional Resources

    Big Think. (2023, November 8). It doesn’t matter if you fail. It matters *how* you fail. | Amy Edmondson for Big Think + [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb9tjnJWu5g

    Lee, M. (2022, May 27). How changing your perspective on failure can help you better handle a crisis. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/05/25/how-changing-your-perspective-on-failure-can-help-you-better-handle-a-crisis/

    Strategies for Learning from Failure. (2011, April 1). https://hbr.org/2011/04/strategies-for-learning-from-failure

    The Official Steve Harvey. (2020, July 20). Failure is a Wonderful Teacher |  Motivation For Times of Uncertainty [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfwmYu0jjCE

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    Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

    © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

    I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

    Links:
    Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
    Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

    Disclaimer
    The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    10 min
  • Ask Christa! Ugh, I Yelled at Work, and I'm Ashamed-- What Do I Do?? (S1E11)

    Summary

    In this episode, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concern about yelling at work due to stress. She discusses the impact of workplace stress on performance, behavior, and emotional responses, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing stress levels by diffusing stress to get back to a “Green” zone. She offers practical strategies for managing stress, including how the Stress Continuum model, which enables self-awareness through categorizations of stress, can lead to better ways to reduce stress in the moment.  She also provides resources for further understanding stress and encourages listeners to seek support and community.

    Key Take Aways

    ·       Workplace stress can lead to emotional outbursts and other inappropriate behaviors.

    ·       Understanding the stress levels is crucial for management.

    ·       It's important to recognize when stress becomes harmful.

    ·       Breathing techniques can help alleviate immediate stress.

    ·       Sipping cold water can serve as a calming mechanism as it resets pace.

    ·       Stretching can relieve physical tension caused by stress.

    ·       Stress isn't always negative; it can motivate us.

    ·       It's important to recognize when stress becomes damaging.

    ·       Apologizing and seeking support is essential after outbursts.

    ·       Finding community support is essential during stressful times.

    ·       Taking breaks is vital for mental health.

    ·       Forgiving oneself for emotional responses is part of processing, healing, and moving on.

     

    Additional Resources

     I’m so stressed out! Fact sheet. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-fact-sheet

    Johnson, J. (2024, January 22). How to relax the throat muscles during anxiety. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-relax-throat-muscles-anxiety#throat-exercises

    Khanna, P., Chatterjee, K., Goyal, S., Pisharody, R., Patra, P., & Sharma, N. (2019). Psychological stress in the navy and a model for early detection. Journal of Marine Medical Society, 21(2), 116. https://doi.org/10.4103/jmms.jmms_84_18

    News-Medical. (2025, April 28). The science behind breathwork and stress reduction. https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Science-Behind-Breathwork-and-Stress-Reduction.aspx

    Stress is not always a bad Thing—Until it is! (2021, June 7). USNI Blog. https://blog.usni.org/posts/2021/06/07/stress-is-not-always-a-bad-thing-until-it-is

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Ask Christa! is the place where you can ask questions about how to work through business challenges and workplace issues. Each episode focuses on one common question and offers additional resources…