How to Handle Being Passed Over for Promotion

Getting passed over for a promotion—especially when you have to work with the person who got the job—can be tough. It stings, and the instinct to walk away is real. But before making any big moves, consider this: how you handle this moment says a lot about your leadership.

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Beth Wonson
Taking a Moment

I'm taking a pause from my regular weekly email content to speak from the heart. At Beth Wonson & Company, we stand with the many who feel confused, disheartened, and deeply concerned about the turmoil unfolding in our country.

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Beth Wonson
Internal Candidates: Your Work Reputation is Your Real Interview

Have you ever been the internal candidate for a position? If so, you know that it’s not a guaranteed win. Your entire workplace history—every success and every misstep—comes with you into the interview. External candidates, on the other hand, often get a clean slate. How you handle conflict, communicate, collaborate, and lead all shape how you’re perceived when promotion time comes.

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Beth Wonson
Self-Love is an Inside Job - How to Cultivate Authentic Fulfillment

I was recently reminded of a profound truth about self-love that came from coaching a client (shared with her permission). She had a successful career, a wide social circle, and meaningful relationships, but inside, she felt anxious, lonely, and unfulfilled. Despite pouring herself into daily affirmations, yoga, massages, and more, the emptiness lingered. During our sessions, my client came to an empowering realization.

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Beth Wonson
How I'm Handling Unanswerable Questions

If you are a boss, supervisor, leader, business owner, or people manager of any kind, you are likely facing a deluge of unanswerable questions — and wondering how you can answer with honesty and integrity while continuing to build trust and maintain employee engagement. Here’s a proven framework for answering the unanswerable.

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Beth Wonson
Your most difficult employee can become your best employee if you do the right thing!

Do You Have “That Person” on Your Team? You know the one—an employee who’s incredibly valuable to your company but whose communication and behavior create constant issues. I’m the one who gets called in to handle situations like this. And here’s what I’ve learned: in most cases, the root of the problem isn’t the person’s intent—it’s a failure to provide direct feedback.

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Beth Wonson
Staff Retention is Goal #1 in 2025

The number one strategy for retaining staff? Make sure your people feel truly seen and heard. I was reminded of this when I met with a woman recently who shared how, for the first time in her professional life, she felt genuinely recognized during a meeting. The light in her eyes was unmistakable, and her renewed energy and commitment proved the power of acknowledgment. “I felt seen for the first time in my work life,” she told me. That moment reaffirmed one of my core mantras: At the end of the day, everyone wants to be seen and heard.

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Beth Wonson
The Most Critical Topics of 2025

Today, I dive into the most critical topics shaping our future, from sustainability and workforce flexibility to employee well-being and development. I offer some practical strategies to make a meaningful impact in 2025 and beyond. By embracing these, you can help your organization thrive and stay competitive.

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Beth Wonson
Taking Positive Action Within Community

I’ve been seeing more and more how working together can amplify our individual efforts. Here’s how small contributions can lead to significant impacts and how joining a collective giving group can enrich your life. Let’s shine together and make a difference!

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Beth Wonson
How Is Listening Going For You?

In today’s world, where emotional hotspots are common and uncertainty looms, learning to truly listen and connect with others is more important than ever. Even I, a communication coach, need to practice these skills in order to be a better listener and build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Just as I teach my clients, I use the tools of Navigating Challenging Dialogue every day. Here’s how you can foster deeper connections and support your community during these turbulent times. 

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Beth Wonson
What to Do When Uncertainty Looms Large

Feeling overwhelmed by the uncertainties of life? Let me tell you about a powerful tool I use with my clients called “The Circle of Control”. Follow these 3 steps to regain focus and calm. By identifying what you can control, influence, and let go of, you’ll be able to manage anxiety and stay present. Even small shifts in perspective can make a big difference in your well-being.

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Beth Wonson
Sometimes You Just Have to Let Them Go

People often reach out to me for help with challenging employees, especially in the nonprofit world. Leaders in this sector are typically dedicated to helping both their clients and employees succeed. However, this admirable trait can sometimes lead to a dilemma.

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Beth Wonson
Leaders Don't Have To Struggle Alone Anymore

Feeling stuck as a leader or owner? Admitting it can be tough, but it’s the first step to turning the situation around. Let me share how I recently helped a client navigate his challenges with confidentiality and support. Through deep listening and strategic guidance, my client was able to overcome his obstacles and take his company to another level of success.

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Amazing Andrea
The Hot Potato of Leadership

Navigating the transition from team member to leader can be challenging, especially when it involves maintaining old friendships while embracing new responsibilities. Sophie had to walk through this delicate balance, and learn how to handle sensitive situations while building trust within a new team. If you've ever struggled with leadership boundaries or missed the camaraderie of your former peers, this story will resonate with you and provide practical advice for your own leadership path.

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Amazing Andrea
Let Go of the Rock, Baby

Witnessing the simple act of a child letting go of a rock to free her arm taught me a profound life lesson. This lesson has guided me for over a decade, reminding me to release what no longer serves me, and how that leads to genuine relief and freedom. Let me tell you the story ...

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LeadershipBeth Wonson
A Communication Breakthrough in Just 30 Minutes

Through this client's story, discover the power of the NCD Process to transform challenging conversations and strengthen relationships. She experienced a breakthrough in just 30 minutes, cutting through confusion to find clarity and freedom.⁠ Unlock the secret to maintaining integrity while navigating difficult discussions.

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Beth Wonson
Transforming Team Dynamics with Feedback and Behavioral Norms

Let’s talk about how I unlocked this team’s potential by addressing internal communication challenges head-on. See how my client chose to invest in Navigating Challenging Dialogue® Essentials in order to transform resistance into collaboration and create a culture where feedback is valued. Don’t let high pressure and tight schedules hold you back—take the time to invest in your team’s dynamics and watch your organization thrive.

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Beth Wonson
Messy Is Actually The Best Place To Start

Recently, I had the pleasure of consulting with a seasoned nonprofit Executive Director who was grappling with a particularly messy challenge. During our 3-hour session, I took notes and sketched diagrams as she talked, helping her untangle the complexities in her mind. By the end, we had identified key areas for organizational strengthening, clarified her evolving role, and outlined necessary funding strategies. She left feeling grounded and confident about the future, a common outcome of my consulting sessions. If you’re facing a similar challenge, book a confidential session with me to find your own path forward.

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Leadership, CoachingBeth Wonson
When Feedback Doesn't Work

“Lorraine” sought help from me, specifically, for giving feedback. She has a staff member who is competent at her job. But whenever Lorraine asks her to change course or take on something new, the staff member reacts negatively. Changing behavior can be challenging and uncomfortable, especially if you feel you've been doing your best without results. When you're repeatedly giving feedback and the person dismisses it as unimportant, or doesn't take action, perhaps it's you—the one giving the feedback—who needs to change your approach. Through her work with me, Lorraine was able to resolve this successfully.

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Beth Wonson