NAVIGATING WORKPLACE
STUMBLING
BLOCKS
Helping Leaders Improve Communication, Reduce Conflict, and Lower Stress.
When communication breaks down, tension builds, and progress slows, the Stumbling Blocks Philosophy gives leaders and teams a practical way to face what’s true, work through what’s difficult, and move forward together.
Created by Barbara May
THE STUMBLING BLOCKS PHILOSOPHY
A practical framework for navigating workplace challenges.
FACE
WHAT'S TRUE
Name the issue. Stop avoiding difficult conversations. Get clear on what's actually happening.
FEEL
WHAT'S REAL
Acknowledge tension, emotion, frustration, and different perspectives--without getting stuck there.
FIX
WHAT YOU CAN
Take practical action that improves communication, strengthens trust, and creates forward momentum.
Where people stumble
in the workplace.
We all want strong teams and healthy workplaces.
But stumbling blocks get in the way.
Communication
breaks down.
Tension
builds.
Conflict
increases.
Teams
get stuck.
Stress
rises.
Progress
slows.
WAYS TO BRING THE STUMBLING BLOCKS PHILOSOPHY TO YOUR ORGANIZATION
Why Barbara Created
the Stumbling Blocks Philosophy
In 2011, Barbara May nearly died from massive pulmonary embolism (blood clots in her lungs). During her recovery, she began noticing a pattern that appeared everywhere—in workplaces, teams, leadership challenges, and life itself.
​
Everyone stumbles.
​
The people who move forward learn how to face what's true, feel what's real, and fix what they can.
​
Today, Barbara helps leaders and teams navigate workplace stumbling blocks through keynotes, leadership training, and team-building experiences that create real, lasting change.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“Sometimes we get stuck in the things that trip us up, our stumbling blocks, and this was a great opportunity to hear that somebody else has experienced those issues too.”
Shawna Miller, President, Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce
“Barbara presented to our department at a time of significant change. Her sessions helped get conversations started about the impacts of change in a way that was fun, engaging and accessible to all who attended.”
John Younk, Director, Strategic Planning Ancillary Services, University of Alberta
“Barbara May is an engaging speaker who effortlessly adapted her material on the fly to suit our specific needs. In a group that is hard to impress, we were all genuinely impressed by her expertise and delivery.”
Fay Eagles, Operations Manager, Avison Young