I’m writing this last post while sitting in the Emergency Room. I’m here because my 89 year old father-in-law was unresponsive, then confused this morning when they got him up at the Veteran’s Home where he lives. I’m waiting while they draw his blood, look inside of him with CT scans, X-rays and then analyze…
read moreOne year ago I was just getting started. The summer of 2013 was when I decided to get back into speaking full time. Little did I imagine the changes I would find, and as I began exploring over the next few months I discovered a new world had evolved in my time “away.” There were…
read moreWhat kind of communicator are you? Passive? Aggressive? Or the gold standard, Assertive? Today I’m going to give you a quick overview so you can evaluate if you are where you want to be and/or if maybe your style is getting in the way of your effectiveness in building positive connections and a life of…
read more“Greatness is not defined by what a person receives, but by what a person gives.” John Maxwell. Have you noticed that the people you most like to communicate with, (be around) are generous of words, actions and spirit? I have written often of “Giving Grace” to other, of thinking well of others and of speaking…
read moreYesterday I discussed giving feedback with tack and professionalism. Today, I want to give you some suggestions for receiving feedback in the most productive way. (By the way, it was an AWESOME birthday celebration yesterday! Thanks to everyone who wished me Happy Birthday – wow! do I feel special! :)) When Receiving Feedback: Ask for clarification.…
read moreIt’s my birthday today and I can think of nothing I’d rather do than post this blog post. Right. Well, actually I can probably think of a few other things, but I have to say, living my dream this past year…changing basically EVERYTHING professionally and moving in a new direction has been AWESOME and this #31days…
read moreWhy is is that we often treat the people we love the most in the very worst way? Or am I the only one? I’m betting I’m not. Yet when I think over what makes a life truly well lived, I realize it all boils down to how well we get along, engage with and…
read moreTiger Woods, Michael Phelps, Ronald Reagan, Apolo Ono, J.K. Rowling, Clive Cussler, Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill. What does this cast of characters all have in common? The most obvious is that they all rose to the top of their profession and functioned at the top of their game under incredible pressure. Secondly, and most important…
read moreWe are moving quickly through the month, and I’ve given you a ton of advice on how to have Powerful Communication Skills. In light of the overwhelming amount of material, and with just a week left to go, I thought I would simplify my advice into a list of basics everyone should know. In fact,…
read moreYesterday I talked about how to become a person people want to communicate with because they know you. Today, building on the idea that people communicate most effectively with those they know, like and trust, let’s dive a little deeper into the like and trust segments. Like – Are you a likable person? What is that…
read moreRenowned trainer Michael Clouse says, “People do business with those they know, like and trust.” I’ll re-vamp that to say people communicate best and most effectively with those they know, like and trust. Today and tomorrow we’re going to look at how you can grow in these 3 areas so you can have the positive…
read moreMama was right! She used to say “You’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” Manners are the honey that makes everything taste better. If you want to communicate more effectively and get what you want, need and expect, try a little honey. Here are some suggestions: Remember the magic words “Please” “Thank you” “You’re…
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