What kind of friend are you? It’s taken me a long time in life to realize that there are different kinds of friends in this world. Some are the kind who are good listeners, others are the kind who you go to for a good laugh.There are the kind who are always up to do things, and then there are … [Read more...] about Making friends with yourself
Stop bullying yourself
The bully. Do you ever notice the way we sometimes talk to ourselves?For instance, "I have to stop saying sorry."or"I should eat better."There's a lot of intensity behind these sentences.I've talked in the past about perfectionism and how it can make us brittle, and I recognize … [Read more...] about Stop bullying yourself
Your unique voice
What if you trusted your own voice? There are so many helpful tips out there regarding how to speak with clarity and poise, but what about how to speak as yourself?Do you want to have more confidence when you speak?Do you wish that you could have more influence when you speak?And do you … [Read more...] about Your unique voice
What weakens our words?
The power of language. Have you ever said or written something that you felt was clear, only to find that it was misunderstood?Perhaps you've written an email that you felt was clearly stating your position, only to find that the meaning hadn't been clear?If so, then you're not … [Read more...] about What weakens our words?
Feedback Loops
The nature of communication There's a phenomenon in communication that's quite common, but that doesn't get as much attention as it deserves.That's the phenomenon of a feedback loop in communication.I think of this as an important tool in our society as human beings. It allows us to orient, … [Read more...] about Feedback Loops
Charisma as a Leadership Tool
What is charisma? What makes a leader charismatic?And what do we even mean by charisma?If you've been following the war in Ukraine, you've noticed that Zelensky has proven to be a valuable and influential, charismatic leader, despite not having a background in leadership or … [Read more...] about Charisma as a Leadership Tool
What’s in your way?
The obstacle within. Is there something that you want to do, some change you want to make in your life, but you feel blocked?I don't mean changing who you are, rather changing how you are in the world.Maybe you want to start a business, take a poetry class, pick up cycling or do more … [Read more...] about What’s in your way?
Asking for help.
Help! What is it about asking for help that's so hard?Perhaps in the USA, it's the tradition of Emerson's "self-reliance" that makes it difficult. Many think that it's a sin to rely on someone else to get a task done. In Emerson's world, looking to others for help can erode independence.Or … [Read more...] about Asking for help.
Heart to Heart
Communication is about connection.There are so many ways to communicate these days. Email, SMS, twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, cell phone, blogs, video conferencing and on and on. There seems to be no limit to the choices that we have to reach out to someone and connect with … [Read more...] about Heart to Heart