Spirit of Purpose · 8 Ways To Say No Polite Ways To Turn Someone Down Saying “no” can be difficult – even if it’s the right thing to do. WorkingMother.com contributor Renee Peterson Trudeau offers these eight ways to do the deed. Try Just no. “Thanks, I’ll have to pass on that.” Then say nothing more. […]
Read More →Wondering how you might handle heated conversations during this, the season of workplace holiday parties? Business Insider consulted Dr. Michael McNulty, master trainer and founder of the Chicago Relationhip Center. He offered this timely advice in the event that you find yourself in an unavoidable debate. Try turning the argument into a dialogue. McNulty says […]
Read More →As the holiday party season heats up, it’s wise to plan ahead when it comes to managing conversations with co-workers and other guests. Business Insider turned to Lizzie Post, co-author of several Emily Post etiquette books, for these tips on avoiding uncomfortable conversations. If you’re hosting, set some ground rules. Before arguments can take hold, […]
Read More →It’s tempting to respond to someone’s angry rant or accusation with something even more incendiary. But that will only lead to an escalation and move you further away from a resolution. Instead, it’s better to say, “Let’s talk later.” Then, walk away. You’ll be giving the other person, and yourself, the space to breathe, calm […]
Read More →Although it doesn’t always feel like it, honesty is usually the best policy. Three studies conducted by researchers at University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Carnegie Mellon suggests that we overestimate the negative consequences of speaking honestly. Subjects were asked to speak in accordance with their own beliefs, thoughts and feelings to people […]
Read More →First there was IQ. Then came EQ or Emotional Intelligence. Now Judith Glazer of “The Harvard Coaching Institute” has introduced the concept of CQ or Conversational Intelligence. CQ taps into our need for self-expression and validation. Glazer says that in environments where people can share their aspirations, intentions and fears freely, the door opens for […]
Read More → Pushing back, or attempting to influence others to move or change their position, is something we all need to do from time to time. So, what keeps us from advocating for ourselves, or the greater good? Fear. That gut wrenching discomfort that pops up when we rock the boat, think we’re seen as a […]
Read More →What do you do when conflict emerges? How do you deal with another person’s anger? Here are several techniques that just may prove helpful: First, make a simple statement like, “I can tell that you’re really upset.” Acknowledging their upset may be all you need to do, at this point. Now, allow the person to vent. […]
Read More → How to Get Yourself Out of The Middle At one time or another, you’ve probably found yourself smack dab in the middle of other people’s tensions, tussles and antagonistic relationships. A very uncomfortable place to be. Here are a few principles to keep in mind that can help you extricate yourself from the middle, […]
Read More →4 Ways to Survive If Someone Loses It On You Here are a few tips to consider when you’re faced with another person’s angry meltdown, in the office, or in your personal life: First, remain calm. Breathe. If you also get upset, the situation is sure to escalate and spiral in the wrong direction. Don’t […]
Read More → The prevalence of overly biased thinking is something we seem to be confronted with more and more. Increasingly, I hear people questioning how we got here, why, and what can be done about it. Virginia Tech professor Ann-Sophie Chaxel conducted a study to see if people can be led toward less biased thinking and […]
Read More →Should You Rip Off the Bandaid or Let Them Down Easy? When you have to deliver bad news, do you just launch in, full force, or offer a polite pre-amble to buffer what’s about to come? Researchers at Brigham Young and South Alabama Universities found that recipients of bad news prefer the direct and clear […]
Read More →Buddha said, “Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living.” This reminds me to look beyond the story of my limited, personal truth about situations and people. Whether in the workplace or in our private lives, we have to look beyond our limited understanding to see truth. For […]
Read More →There are many components involved in Emotional Intelligence or EQ. One very important EQ trait is the ability to reframe your negative thinking. According to BabbleOut.com’s Zoey Miller, people with high EQ’s do this and they’re adept at helping others do it, too. Reframing is intentionally choosing a different interpretation of an event in order […]
Read More →4 Steps That Will Help You Address Bias Safely It’s not easy to speak up when someone says or does something that you believe reveals negative bias. Yet, you become complicit in unwanted behavior if you don’t speak up. A recent Harvard Business Review article suggests taking these steps to address bias without offending others. Use […]
Read More →Learn the most effective way to handle a difficult or a heated conversation. In under 3 minutes, you’ll be armed with the best tools for turning any challenging conversation into a WIN-WIN.
Read More →Have you ever wondered how best to say you’re sorry after making a big mistake or unconsciously doing something that generates unintended negative consequences? According to Psychology Today, for an apology to be effective, it must focus on the other person’s needs – not your own. Too often apologies are ineffective because we’re trying to make ourselves feel better […]
Read More →Effective Apologies Have you ever wondered how best to say you’re sorry after making a big mistake? Researchers at Ohio State & Eastern Kentucky University’s may have the answer. They determined that there are 6 elements that make up an effective apology. Participants in the study ranked the first two elements ‑- acknowledging you made […]
Read More →Which Black History month events are you attending? Whatever you do, go with a beginner’s mind. Even if you don’t typically participate in such programs, go with an open, nonjudgmental mindset. You’re bound to learn something – about yourself, your colleagues or the history of people of African descent in the US. In fact, here’s […]
Read More →When it comes to decision-making, do you procrastinate? Do you weigh the pros and cons, over and over, again? Do you hesitate in an approach-avoidance dance? You’re not alone. Many people fear making the wrong decision so they make no decision at all. If any of this sounds like you, consider this: as long as […]
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