In last week’s post, Stop Criticizing and Start Giving the Gift of Performance Improvement Feedback, I discussed the evolution of criticism, constructive criticism, and constructive feedback. I also outlined the benefits of providing others with “Performance Improvement Feedback”, so that the giver and receiver both see the feedback as a gift, an opportunity for improvement, rather […]
Over the years, I’ve seen an evolution in terms used for negative feedback. The first term I remember hearing is constructive criticism. The problem was, most of the criticism wasn’t constructive, so it was really just criticism. Then someone decided to soften the term and call it constructive feedback. However, once again, it wasn’t very constructive, so […]
As a trainer, I often get calls from leaders who want me to teach them how to “fix” employees, or worse, want me to “fix” their worst employees myself. One of the main purposes of training is to help people learn new skills. If the person needs new skills, I’m in. However, training cannot fix […]
I’ve done many blog posts on how to be a better leader and supervisor as well as some that help readers identify when they’re not being at their best. However, I hadn’t thought about turning the tables and looking at the issue from the employee’s perspective, that is, what you should do if you have […]
I hate networking. There, I said it. When I hear the word “networking” or someone mentions a “networking event” I have visions of vultures circling a dead carcass on the side of the road. I don’t like feeling like I’m being “sold to,” nor have I ever liked, probably to my detriment, “selling myself.” Rather, […]
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 excellent communication? It’s something that […]
Usually, when someone provides a service, favor, or courtesy, many return the courtesy with a “thanks.” Unfortunately, there are instances when thanks is not only insufficient, but can have the exact opposite intended effect. Instead of the recipient feeling appreciated, he or she may feel unappreciated, angry, and very unwilling to do anything to help […]
As today is Veteran’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on the many benefits I gained in the form of skills I learned while serving in the military. For one thing, I owe the Air Force my master’s degree in communication, which was the foundation for building my speaking and training business and the basis upon which […]
We’ve all come across people who seem to love conflict. They seek it out, jump into it even if it has nothing to do with them, and start it for no reason at all. However, the vast majority of people would prefer not to deal with conflict at all and will do just about […]
Gossip is one of the many things that can lower workplace productivity. It can also create an environment of mistrust and can damage working relationships. Even if we don’t start the gossip, listening to it, passing it on, or standing idly by while it’s happening, makes us part of the gossip and helps perpetuate it. When […]
