Practicing Connection

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A good pep talk isn’t just about saying “you got this.” 

When done right, it can reignite purpose, build trust, and help others find strength when things get tough.

Everyone needs encouragement - but great encouragement does more than make people feel good. It helps them believe in their ability to meet challenges, connect to purpose, and keep going when things get difficult.

In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Erin dig into the science behind effective pep talks, inspired by research from Harvard Business Review and Motivating Language Theory. 

Erin walks listeners through how to write a meaningful pep talk using three key ingredients: direction, empathy, and purpose. 

You’ll also learn how to bring these ideas into everyday encouragement, whether you’re leading a team or supporting a friend through something hard.

Listen in to learn how the right words - offered with care - can make all the difference.

LinkedIn Practice:

Think of someone who’s facing a big challenge right now - a colleague, a friend, or even yourself.

• What would you say to encourage them today?
• Do they need more direction, empathy, or meaning?

Post your short pep talk or reflection in the comments, or join the discussion in our Practicing Connection LinkedIn Group. 

Let’s practice encouragement that truly inspires action.

Links and resources from this episode:

• The Science of Pep Talks by Daniel McGinn
• Season 7, Episode 11: Humble on Purpose: A Practice for Better Decisions 
• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter
• Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ 
• Send us a message: [email protected] 

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Collaboration takes more than skills and schedules—it takes the courage to step outside your comfort zone with other people.

Bravery isn’t just about big, dramatic moments—it also shows up in everyday choices, like meeting someone new, stepping into an unfamiliar space, or staying curious when you feel uncomfortable. In this episode, Jessica and Erin explore how to build everyday courage for collaboration, using skills like curiosity, empathy, and intellectual humility.

Drawing on the Greater Good Science Center’s Bridging Differences Playbooks, Erin shares a practice called “Expand Your Views & Circles” to help you gently stretch your comfort zone, meet new people, and grow your relational bravery over time. You’ll walk away with simple, practical steps you can take to be just a little braver in your community and your work.

LinkedIn Practice:

Practice Everyday Bravery

Think about where you feel most “at home” in your community or workplace. This week, choose one small way to step just outside that comfort zone—attend a new event, introduce yourself to someone you don’t usually talk to, or join a group you’ve been curious about.

After you try it, reflect: What felt uncomfortable? What surprised you? What did you learn about yourself or others?

Links and resources from this episode:

• The Greater Good Science Center Building Briges Playbooks
• VIA Character Strengths
• Season 7, Episode 8 - Turning Conflict Into Collaboration
• Season 7, Episode 11 - Humble on Purpose: A Practice for Better Decisions 
• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter
• Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ 
• Send us a message: [email protected] 

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What if the strongest person in the room is the one willing to say, “I don’t know yet - what am I missing?” 

In this episode, we practice exactly that.

In this week's episode, Erin and Jessica discuss intellectual humility - the willingness to recognize that what you think might be wrong, and to make real space for other people to be right. 

Together, they explore how this shows up in everyday collaboration, from project meetings to tough decisions, and why it matters so much for psychological safety and trust at work.

LinkedIn Practice:

The “I might be wrong” Week:

For the next 7 days, pick one conversation—at work or in your community—where you intentionally practice intellectual humility:

Notice what you’re assuming and how sure you really are.

• Name it out loud with a phrase like, “Here’s my take, and I might be wrong.”
• Invite another perspective by asking, “What am I missing?”

Links and resources from this episode:

• Take the free VIA Character Strengths Survey: www.viacharacter.org
• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter
• Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ 
• Send us a message: [email protected] 

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Resilience at work isn’t only about how much each of us can handle. It’s also about how our systems anticipate challenges, respond to them, and make space to recover and learn. 

What changes when we start asking, “How resilient is our organization?” instead of only, “How resilient am I?”

Resilience is often framed as an individual trait, but it’s also a property of our organizations - how they anticipate disruption, respond to it, and support recovery. 

In this Practicing Connection practicast, Erin and Jessica unpack what organizational resilience is, where the idea comes from, and how it shows up in our everyday work lives. 

Drawing on Shanna B. Tiayon’s four-phase framework: anticipatory, preparatory, responsive, and recovery, they share a simple set of reflection questions you can use after a hectic week, a tricky meeting, or a small crisis. 

You don’t need a formal role or a big debrief to try it; just choose one phase, ask one question, and start noticing the change.

Links and resources from this episode:

• Shanna B. Tiayon, PhD article: "What Does Organizational Resilience Look Like?"
• Handout: Four Phases of Organizational Resilience 
•  Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter
• Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ 
• Send us a message: [email protected] 

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How does a small North Carolina city become a national example of collaboration between military and community? 

Mayor Will Lewis says it starts with relationships - and a willingness to show up for one another.

In this episode, Jessica Beckendorf talks with Havelock, North Carolina Mayor Will Lewis about what it looks like when a city and an installation grow together. 

As president of Allies for Cherry Point Tomorrow, Mayor Lewis helps connect community, education, and military partners to strengthen opportunities for service members, veterans, and local families alike. 

Their conversation explores how collaboration, communication, and long‑term vision can build lasting readiness at every level.

Links and resources from this episode:

• Visit the ACT website: https://alliesforcherrypoint.com/
• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter
• Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ 
• Send us a message: [email protected] 

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It’s easy to collaborate when everyone agrees. The real test of teamwork is what happens when we don’t.

In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Erin explore how to stay grounded and connected when collaboration gets tough. Erin shares a reflective practice that helps you rethink how you see the person on the “other side” of disagreement, using social intelligence skills like awareness and generosity of perspective.

Discover how to shift from trying to “win” a disagreement to understanding what motivates others—and why that shift can strengthen both relationships and results.

LinkedIn Practice:

Think about someone you often disagree with—at work, in your community, or even in your friend group.

• What’s one thing you respect about them, even if you don’t share their perspective?
• Can you imagine the most generous reason for why they might see things differently?

Links and resources from this episode:

• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter
• Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ 
• Send us a message: [email protected] 

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Are you really collaborating - or just coordinating? 

This episode offers a short reflection to help you notice where you are on the spectrum and make one small shift toward true collaboration.

In this episode of Practicing Connection, Erin and Jessica use “blue box thinking” as a backdrop to explore the spectrum of ways we work together - competition, cooperation, coordination, and collaboration - and introduce a simple practice called “Shift the Box.” 

You’ll learn how to quickly name where you are on that spectrum in any situation, notice when you’re stuck in status and control, and choose one small action that moves you closer to genuine collaboration and shared power.

LinkedIn Practice:

This week, pick one real situation where you’re working with others—a meeting, project, or community effort.

1. Name where you are on the spectrum: competition, cooperation, coordination, or collaboration.
2. Notice any “blue box” thoughts (Who’s in charge? Should I be?).
3. Choose one small action that could move the situation one step closer to collaboration—sharing information, inviting someone into planning, or asking, “What could we create together that none of us could create alone?”

Share your reflection in the comments:

• Which “C” did you notice you were in?
• What small shift did you try, or do you plan to try?

Links and resources from this episode:

• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter
• Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ 
• Send us a message: [email protected] 
• See Dr. Robyn Keast talk about “Blue Box Thinking”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84YvXtc_VPg 

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Negative feedback can feel like a punch in the gut - but what if you could shift your mindset to see it as useful data instead of personal failure?

Most of us cringe when we hear “I have some feedback for you.” But learning to receive feedback well is one of the most powerful skills you can build for collaboration and growth.

In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Erin talk about how to prepare your mindset, identify which feedback deserves your attention, and turn even tough conversations into moments of learning. 

Erin also shares a practical approach you can use the next time feedback catches you off guard - helping you respond with curiosity instead of defensiveness.

Listen in to find new ways to make feedback feel less threatening, and more like an investment in your growth.

We have a special handout that goes with this episode, to help you put these mindshifts and methods into practice. You can find it here:

Reframing Feedback: Receiving Criticism Well handout

LinkedIn Practice:

Think back to the last time you received negative feedback.

What helped you respond productively—or what would you do differently next time?

Can you reframe one piece of criticism you’ve received lately as useful “notes” instead of judgment?

Share your reflection in the comments.

Links and resources from this episode:

• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter
• Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ 
• Send us a message: [email protected] 

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Change is part of every journey - even the ones we love most. 

In this episode, Jessica Beckendorf welcomes new co-host Erin Carlson Rivera, and shares parting reflections from longtime co-host Coral Owen. Together, they explore how slowing down, creating space, and staying curious can help us stay connected through seasons of change.

Change is both inevitable and deeply human - and this special episode is all about how we navigate it together.

Join us for an episode that honors the past, embraces the next chapter, and reminds us that connection is something we can keep practicing - no matter where we are in the journey.

Community Challenge:

This week, take a moment to name the space you’re in right now - not just what you’re doing, but what you’re experiencing. Maybe it’s a transition, a settling-in, or a building phase.

Then ask yourself: What am I ready to release to make space for what’s next?

Share one insight or small practice that’s helping you stay grounded in your work or community using #PracticingConnection. Let’s normalize the in-between - together.

Links and resources from this episode:

• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter
• Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ 
• Send us a message: [email protected] 

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Are you tired of leaving conferences or trainings feeling overloaded - like you missed what mattered most? 

This was one of our most popular episodes of 2025, and it's as relevant as ever as we dig into the new year, with more conferences and events on the horizon.

Coral and Jessica reveal a simple, powerful practice that can turn every professional development opportunity into meaningful, actionable growth. Get ready to take charge of your learning with intention!

Jessica shares a practical reflection exercise designed to help you filter the noise, focus on what matters to you, and connect your learning to your real-world goals.

 Whether you’re attending a conference, a webinar, or any PD event, discover how a two-minute pause can make your growth more personalized, empowering, and connected. 

Tune in for step-by-step guidance, insightful questions, and actionable strategies to transform the way you learn. 

Links and resources from this episode:

• Sign up for our monthly newsletter: https://oneop.aweb.page/practicing-connection-newsletter
• Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ 
• Send us a message: [email protected]