If you’re a friend of mine, or you’ve been in one of my audiences, you may have heard me mention that I am a critic . . . of people, things, situations, and myself. I justify my critical nature by saying that I’m just making a statement of fact and in general, when the criticism […]
The holiday season is a time when many people turn their attention to giving. Although this should be a joyful process, it is often one filled with stress, as we struggle to come up with ideas of what to give others. This year, why not focus on the gift of communication? It’s something that you […]
Several years ago, I mentioned to a friend that I couldn’t stand receiving SOME holiday letters because of the things people write in them. Apparently she didn’t believe me when I told her I didn’t mean HER letters, because she didn’t send me her Christmas letter again for about 10 years. I promise I wasn’t […]
Tis the season for holiday gatherings including those at work and in your professional organizations. These events can be great times to really get to know your coworkers and colleagues, a chance to network and make new connections, and overall, an opportunity to shine as bright as Rudolph’s nose. However, inappropriate or thoughtless behavior at […]
This week, I’m posting my blog early because with Thanksgiving just two days away, we’re officially starting the holiday season- including the stress of family gatherings. Family holiday gatherings should be a time to reconnect, enjoy great food and drinks, and most of all, to celebrate the “reason for the season.” However, for many families, Thanksgiving dinner and other […]
In a post a few years ago, I advocated “Getting Rid of Dead Weight Once and For All.” However, for many people, it’s one thing to know you need to dump some dead weight from your life, it’s another thing to actually take the appropriate steps to end a friendship or other relationship. Making the decision to end […]
Not many people realize that silence is a very powerful communication tool—sometimes even more powerful than nonverbal communication or words. Doubt it? Try this. Look a person in the eye, ask him or her a question, and then wait for a response. Remain silent and simply maintain eye contact and provide your undivided attention. What […]
One of my personal pet peeves is bad voicemail greetings. I can’t stand calling someone’s home and hearing a four year old giving a voicemail greeting. Having the whole family on the line drives me crazy, too. In the workplace, it’s voicemail greetings like the ones below that make me want to hang up and call someone […]
Most people would rather get a root canal than initiate a conflict or problem discussion with a coworker, employee or family member. Unfortunately, most problems don’t just go away or get better on their own. In fact, they usually get worse. If you have an issue you need to discuss with someone else, it’s important […]
When it comes to things they don’t want to do, people generally don’t go quietly. They passively or actively resist, question, argue, and sometimes get angry. Even if they never open their mouths, they’re likely thinking, “I don’t have to do anything! Just watch me!” Whether speaking to a customer, an employee, or to a child, beginning with, “You’ll […]
