In your professional and personal life, problems that persist are a valuable source of feedback. Yet, we often ignore the opportunity they present. Instead of looking within for solutions, we tend to look outside of ourselves for someone or something to blame. When you hear yourself thinking or saying, “They started this. It’s not […]

Read More →

    When interacting across differences – cultural, personal or positional – don’t despair if you blunder. Don’t be hard on yourself. And, above all, don’t give up. Flubs and blunders are a natural consequence of the learning process. As appropriate, make amends and keep moving forward. No, I’m not suggesting that you tell the […]

Read More →

  Do the people in your life know how good you feel about them? How proud you are of his performance. How optimistic you are about her future. How excited you are about his new venture. Or the fact that you admire her skill as a presenter, appreciate her can-do attitude, enjoy his cheerful smile […]

Read More →

  When problematic situations occur, remember, you don’t have to solve them yourself, particularly if others are impacted. Specify the issue, as you see it, and invite others to work with you to brainstorm potential solutions. Before you begin generating ideas, explain the process by which the successful solution will be selected – for example, […]

Read More →

  Whether you’re going to your own company’s holiday party, your significant other’s, or something thrown by a client or colleague, remember these important survival tips: 1) Dress appropriately. The parts of you that shouldn’t be shown at work also shouldn’t be shown at the company parties, even if the party is on Saturday night. […]

Read More →

    In the workplace, and in our personal lives, we tend to come to conclusions and develop opinions quickly. We get attached to our conception of the matter at hand, believing we have the answer. Our reaction to others’ ideas can convey, “I’m right, you’re wrong.” We can benefit from being less vested in […]

Read More →

    Summer vacation is just about over. For many children and adults, this time of year gives us a special opportunity to build on past successes and start anew in areas where change and improvement are needed. Here’s a strategy that can support your growth, and that of the youngsters in your life:  acknowledge […]

Read More →

Think back over the last few minutes. What kinds of thoughts have crossed your mind or lingered there? Are they uplifting, encouraging, and helpful? Or are they filled with worry, criticism or judgmentalness? Self-talk, your ongoing, internal dialogue is a powerful tool you can use to advantage. Here’s how: Decide to become aware of the […]

Read More →

While interviewing a group of people for a client’s 360 Feedback process, one of the raters told me she has a rule with her team. They have to make at least one mistake a week and tell her about it. She is also bound by the same rule. She has to make at least one […]

Read More →

While interviewing a group of people for a client’s 360 Feedback process, one of the raters told me she has a rule with her team. They have to make at least one mistake a week and tell her about it. She is also bound by the same rule. She has to make at least one […]

Read More →

“I’m continually trying to make choices that put me against my own comfort zone. As long as you’re uncomfortable, it means you’re growing.” ~Ashton Kutcher  Defensiveness is the biggest deterrent to learning, professional and personal growth and positive change.  Most of the time we don’t recognize when we’re standing in the way of our own progress. […]

Read More →