Driving home the other day, the kid asked, "Were you bullied in high school Mom?"

"Nope," I said.

"Why not?" she countered.

"Well, kiddo," I confessed, "No one even knew I existed."

"That's pitiful Mom."  Yes, pitiful, but true.

What's also true is the way cattiness catches my leadership attention. Some of my greatest failures, or acts of learning, have been in providing leadership in these situations. Here are three tidbits of wisdom and one leadership mantra I've developed along the way:  

1. Don't react.
2. Expect spats. All of the people will not get along all of the time.
3. Question intent. Is it a matter of maturity or a matter of choice?

Now, repeat after me, "I am not responsible for psyche management, I expect staff to soar past annoying little coworker things and true leaders emerge when the squeeze is on."

Why should staff take the high road and pick their battles? Well, it's not good for their health to get stressed over the small stuff, leaders promote problem solvers - not problem makers, there is too much to accomplish to waste time on this, and yada, yada, yada. Pitiful reasons, huh?

Do you want to know the real reason? 

It's a secret and I am not sure I want to share it.

Ok, I will.

"It's POWERFUL."

Try it. Peace out.