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Recent Articles from Karen Natzel
Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
Critical thinking helps leaders solve problems more effectively, navigate ambiguity with more confidence, reduce costly mistakes, and make decisions that align with organizational goals instead of short-term emotions or habits.
Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
We put off deciding what to do with that piece of paper, email, or task and it accumulates. We may even postpone making a decision without even realizing that鈥檚 what we have done.
How to welcome an unexpected trait of resiliency | Opinion
Resilient relationships must be nurtured. They require mutual respect and trust. They call for reciprocity in shared effort, care, and support.
Beyond comfort: psychological safety is insufficient | Opinion
There is a growing awareness of psychological safety鈥檚 role in fostering healthy team dynamics. But beware of how it gets nurtured in the workplace, lest it turn into an unintentional liability.
Telltale signs of stress fractures in organizations | Opinion
Organizational stress often stems from heightened demand: rapid growth, constant change, competing initiatives, market or political pressures, leadership transitions, or any factors that increase the experience of instability.
How to effectively address tasks left unfinished | Opinion
Whatever your style, you may have noticed this: something unfinished tends to dominate your mental real estate.
Is discernment the quiet edge of resilient leadership? | Opinion
To build a culture that feels resilient, human and engaged, one where people belong and contribute meaningfully, consider replacing the editor, the judge and the critic with something far more useful.
An ideal season to experience the gift of presence | Opinion
I know I am not alone in this quest for optimizing time 鈥� it鈥檚 a frequently named objective in my client coaching work.
The value of clearly expressing expectations up front | Opinion
High-performing, growth-oriented professionals want to elevate their knowledge and skills, build capacity and confidence in executing their role, and contribute to the organization鈥檚 success.
Could cultivation of curiosity be the ultimate stress buster? | Opinion
Curiosity provides leaders with clarity about their teams鈥� challenges so they can meet them where they are to guide them through what is new and different.
Want to gain some trust? Level up your craft | Opinion
What if we could infuse our work with a sense of curiosity and discovery 鈥� no matter where we are on the journey? What if we entered each day as an opportunity to learn something new?
Make space for the case; manage for the results | Opinion
After taking a deeper dive into the philosophy and its nuances, I have embraced it. I see how it has the potential to generate a more informed and reasoned approach.
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
