Addicted To Being Right Have you ever known someone who can’t stand being wrong? Are you one of the many who is addicted to being right? Judith Glazer says on PsychologyToday.com that this addiction is real. In situations of high stress, fear or distrust, cortisol – a hormone and neurotransmitter – can highjack the brain. […]
Read More →True Empathetic Listening One of the hardest things to do is listen – really listen – to another person. Instead of being fully present as they explain, complain or share, our minds are busy planning what we’ll say next. Even at our most altruistic, we’re contemplating what to say that will help. Parker Palmer of […]
Read More →“…Involve Me And I’ll Learn” Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying “Tell me and I will forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I will learn.” When it comes to your team, are you the kind of leader who reports on the latest changes and processes expecting your team to glean from […]
Read More →Claim Your Personal Power For many of us, we feel like a victim of circumstances. We act helpless. We think we’re powerless. From that vantage point, we believe there is nothing we can do but complain, feel angry and resentful, look for someone to blame for the condition in which we find our self. […]
Read More →Summer Reading Suggestion for Personal Growth Summer is a great time to work on personal growth and your summer reading list is one of the best places to start. Here are a few suggestions. StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath is a follow up to Gallup’s wildly successful online tool that helped millions discover their top […]
Read More →Why Executive or Leadership Presence Is Important I’m often asked to speak on the topic of Executive Presence. It is something that may seem superficial to some, but for existing and rising leaders, being able to command respect is part of the success equation. Here’s why executive presence is so important. We make split-second judgments […]
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 →CQ = Conversational Intelligence First there was IQ. Then came EQ or Emotional Intelligence. Now Judith Glazer of “The Harvard Coaching Institute” has introduced the concept of CQ – which stands for Conversational Intelligence. CQ taps into our need for self-expression and validation. Glazer says that in environments where people can share their aspirations, […]
Read More →What Motivates People If you’re a manager, you are called on regularly to motivate others. Being a successful leader relies on your ability to help others perform well. Traditionally, we use the carrot and stick approach. We bribe people with money or other incentives. But, once the incentive goes away, so does the drive to […]
Read More →The folks at Mind Tools say an average office worker receives about 80 emails per day. If your message is one of 80, or more, it can get lost in the shuffle. As creators of solutions, Mind Tools has developed several tips that will help your emails get noticed and answered. Don’t over-communicate. Write only […]
Read More →What are your thoughts about the idea of being self-made? Recently, I saw a man wearing a t-shirt with the caption, “SELF-MADE!” It was written in CAPS and seemed to scream at me, emphasizing the point. It got my attention, perhaps because earlier that day a client and I talked about how interdependent we really […]
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 […]
Read More →What’s your office environment like these days? Many companies are moving to the new open space concept. Doing so represents a change – and in many cases, a significant one. If your work environment is shifting to the open plan, with fewer to no walls and private offices, utilize change management techniques as you lead […]
Read More →Thanksgiving is a one of my favorite holidays! It calls my attention to the bounty of blessings I enjoy every day…and don’t always acknowledge. Whatever our circumstances, no matter how privileged or challenging life may be, too often, we give too much energy and attention to what’s wrong, what’s lacking, what’s worrisome. In so doing, […]
Read More →Recently, I called on a number of technical experts for assistance. I found more disappointment than satisfaction. People seemed to be reading scripts, absent real understanding of their products and processes. If you’re looking to stand out in your workplace, insure that each customer you come in contact with leaves feeling good about the interaction […]
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 →Think about something you’ve learned. For example, how to manage meetings, make effective presentations, write well, play tennis or golf. How to be a good listener, a great salesperson, teacher, parent or surfer. Whatever you know how to do today, you’ve learned it by degrees. I call it learning in layers. The first layer of […]
Read More →What do you do when bad news lands at your door? When you face failure, deal with disappointment, receive less than flattering feedback? Do you feel hurt? Paralyzed with fear? Do you turn away, recoil from the situation, deny the issue and your part in it? Does your mood become sullen and sour, or […]
Read More →Resistance is data. Don’t make it a problem. Don’t push against it, get angry, or wonder, “What’s wrong with them?” When I say resistance, I’m referencing those moments when you feel others are working in opposition to you. They’re saying, “No,” for no apparent reason, countering your good ideas, being confrontational and unhelpful, fighting against […]
Read More →Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, author of Not In God’s Name, writes about the rise in religious extremism and violence committed in the name of God. While being interviewed about his recent book, the show’s host asked him why he toned down some of his commentary from earlier writings on the subject. Rabbi Sacks replied, “I recognized […]
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