Get Leadership Tips First!

Conflict & Communication

A strong Black woman dressed in a dark suit is seated across from a white male that she intends to terminate.

Things to Consider Before Firing an Employee

If you’re contemplating letting someone go, don’t rush to the exit without pausing to ask the right questions. This clarity protects the company, preserves dignity, and reflects strong leadership

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Dec 15, 20253 min read

A hopeful African American woman sits in a meeting room, thoughtfully reviewing a notebook labeled “Pros” and “Cons,” with an SRD Leadership Training mug beside her, symbolizing reflection and careful decision-making before leaving a job.

Thinking of Quitting Your Job: Consider These Three Things First...

Leaving a job is not a small decision. Before you make a major career move, take time to understand what is driving the desire for change. Here are three things to consider before walking away...

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Dec 8, 20252 min read

Black woman leading a team multi-racial people upset about her role and the leader is undeterred

When Your Promotion Creates Tension — And Why You Must Stop Apologizing for It

Promotion changes the room long before it changes your business card. It shifts expectations, relationships, and the way people see you. Sometimes the tension is subtle. Sometimes it is unmistakable.

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Dec 1, 20252 min read

A Black male manager sits behind a desk in a professional office, listening attentively to a white male employee who is gesturing while venting. The manager has an SRD-branded coffee mug and a nameplate on his desk, emphasizing his leadership role. The scene reflects healthy workplace communication and emotional expression.

Are You Venting or Gossiping?

Venting is a natural emotional release. It’s what we do when something feels frustrating, confusing, or overwhelming. When done correctly, venting can:

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Nov 17, 20252 min read

Feeling overlooked at work? Learn how to reframe rejection, validate yourself, and stay motivated when someone else gets the job or promotion you hoped for.

You’re Not Invisible

When doors close, it doesn’t always mean you’re unqualified. Sometimes it means your growth requires a different room.

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Nov 3, 20252 min read

A diverse group of professionals gathered in a modern conference room. A Black female leader stands near a whiteboard titled “From Disagreement to Discovery.” She gestures as team members listen and exchange thoughtful expressions. Their faces show focus and engagement rather than frustration, symbolizing collaboration after conflict.

From Disagreement to Discovery: Turning Conflict into Collaboration

Disagreement is not the end of inclusion. It is often the beginning of understanding. When people bring their full perspectives to the table, tension will show up.

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Oct 27, 20252 min read

A diverse group of five professionals gathered in a modern conference room. The Black female leader stands near a whiteboard titled “When Inclusion Sparks Disagreement.” She smiles while a white male speaks. An Asian male and white female look at the white male with concerned faces.

When Inclusion Sparks Disagreement (and Why That’s a Good Thing)

Everyone loves the idea of inclusion until it starts a disagreement. When people feel safe to speak their truth, differences will surface, and that’s not a sign something is wrong with your culture; it’s a sign it’s alive.

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Oct 20, 20252 min read

Diverse team members smiling and collaborating around a conference table during an SRD Team Inclusion Workshop, with a whiteboard and sticky notes in the background.

Spark Inclusion: 3 Quick Exercises to Build a Cohesive Team

Ever sat through a team meeting where the same two people do all the talking while everyone else stays silent? That is more than awkward. It is expensive.

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Sep 29, 20252 min read

Hybrid meeting gone wrong — three virtual participants with cameras off, two looking bored, and four in-person attendees disengaged. SRD-branded coffee mugs on the table and bold text reading ‘Contact SRD for help!’ emphasize the need for better hybrid meeting solutions.

Hybrid Headaches: Why Your Meetings Aren’t Working (and How to Fix Them)

Too many hybrid meetings look like a bad sitcom rerun — cameras off, bored faces, and voices getting lost. Here’s how to stop the quiet quitting and get your team re-engaged.

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Sep 22, 20251 min read

When Speaking Up at Work Gets You Labeled ‘Difficult’

Some voices aren’t loud—they’re just brave. But when workplaces label honesty as defiance, culture takes the hit. At SRD, we help leaders shift from avoiding tension to addressing it—before the real cost shows up in morale, retention, and trust.

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Aug 4, 20251 min read

Four diverse employees sitting at a conference table, appearing stressed or overwhelmed by workplace pressure.

Culture Isn’t the Problem; The Pressure Is

You’ve done the work. Your company has invested in culture, hosted trainings, celebrated inclusion, and encouraged real conversations. Yet something still feels off.

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Jul 28, 20251 min read

Freedom Requires Follow-Through: Why Juneteenth Still Confronts the Corporate World

Juneteenth isn’t just a celebration—it’s a corporate call to action. Discover why freedom requires follow-through in today’s workplace culture.

Robin Sweet-Ransom

Jun 19, 20252 min read