Everyone has complaints from time to time and I’m not trying to imply with this post that we should blow off every complaint that comes our way. What I’m talking about here are the chronic complainers. Those workplace whiners who are the only ones to ever face bad coffee, rainy weather, long commutes, difficult bosses, and […]
In last week’s post concerning office holiday party behavior, one of the recommendations was to engage at the party– to put yourself out there and get to know some new people. However, many people hesitate to do this because they just don’t know how to start a conversation. Here are some tips for striking up a conversation with […]
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 […]
If you’re shocked, appalled, or offended, please read last week’s blog post… again. We’ll be back next week!
I’m one of those people who fought getting a smartphone for a long time. My excuse? I didn’t want to be THAT connected or accessible. I already feel like I’m a slave to my laptop. Although I have an office, my laptop and phone live on my kitchen table. It’s difficult to walk by and see emails […]
When I teach workshops on communication, I always mention that it seems most people use their best communication skills with strangers and and their worst communication skills with those they love. There are many reasons, but it mostly happens because we feel it’s “safe” to do so. My boss might fire me for telling him he’s […]
If traditional networking leaves you feeling like a circling vulture, or the roadkill being circled, here’s a different approach that helps achieve the same, or even better, outcome.
We often wait to say things we should, thinking “there’s always tomorrow.” What if there wasn’t?
When writing this blog, I often get long-winded in my attempt to explain, define, provide examples, etc., so that people, “get it.” However, there is some communication advice that is so simple, so succinct, that it doesn’t require explanation. Here are 10 tips I’ve received over the years that can stand on their own. 1. […]