How do you push back against someone else's criticism of something you love and appreciate?Do you tell them that they're "crazy"? You're not alone. Back in May, I listened to a podcast conversation between Malcolm Gladwell and Adam Grant wherein they discuss Adam's new book Think Again. (I'm … [Read more...] about “You’re crazy if you think that” (and other nonsense).
The Art of Storytelling: Making sense of the details
People are bombarded with information at every meeting. It is difficult enough just to convey the information clearly to a group of people, never mind having them understand it and take away the key messages.Storytelling is a skill that will help anyone be clearer and create stickier messages … [Read more...] about The Art of Storytelling: Making sense of the details
Claiming Your Executive Voice: Communicate like a leader
An "Executive Voice" is the ability to communicate high level ideas while conveying confidence and credibility in the details. People who have to communicate complicated messages to a wide range of audiences (board members, C-Suite, clients, partners, employees and peers) may find that it is … [Read more...] about Claiming Your Executive Voice: Communicate like a leader
When We Get Hooked
Have you ever been in a conversation and felt like you have suddenly become completely hooked?I don't mean in a good way, rather in a way that you and another person are locked in some kind of emotional conflict that is difficult to pinpoint and harder even to break.Sometimes it is because … [Read more...] about When We Get Hooked
Two Ridiculously Simple Ways To Communicate Clearly
Get A New Story
You might not realize it, but you spend a lot of time broadcasting your story to the people in your life.Every time you share that you are "not good at" something like public speaking, taking risks or being courageous, you reinforce a narrative about yourself and how you want people to receive … [Read more...] about Get A New Story
“Expectation Is The Root Of All Heartache” – Shakespeare
What do you do when you have to speak in front of a large group of people or when you are expected to present information at a high-stakes meeting?There are three basic steps that everyone has to do in order to prepare themselves to be at their best when presenting in front of a group:Know what … [Read more...] about “Expectation Is The Root Of All Heartache” – Shakespeare
Give ‘Em Space (To Earn Trust)
Have you ever been in a situation where you are trying to communicate something important to another person, only to find that the more you talk the less they understand?If your answer is "no" then I'm going to assume that you have never tried to teach a teenager how to drive a car.No matter how … [Read more...] about Give ‘Em Space (To Earn Trust)
Authenticity Takes Hard Work
While there is so much talk in business and culture about authenticity (like here, here and here), there is very little talk about what it takes to get it.It's a little like the advice you'd get as a kid before going to a big interview or asking someone out on a date: "Just be yourself."Yes! So … [Read more...] about Authenticity Takes Hard Work
Your Leaky Face
Many of you might be unaware that your face is telling a story.Our faces have many muscles and nerves (I'm going to say a gazillion because I am very scientific about these things), and they all work to convey subtle emotions and communicate feelings. Other people are reacting to these emotions … [Read more...] about Your Leaky Face
Trust Yourself (In Order To Change)
What does it take to change successfully?Anyone can change the outer form of an organization. We can change the buildings, the organizational structures and our titles, but how do we make that change meaningful?How do we effectively guide an organization, a team, a family and ourselves through … [Read more...] about Trust Yourself (In Order To Change)