Why do we avoid difficult conversations? At some point, many of us have had to deliver the dreaded line, “We need to talk.” And this often precedes an argument rather than any conversation. Why are some conversations so difficult that we’ll do anything to avoid them? Possibly because: We are … [Read more...] about Disentangle Difficult Conversations
Emotional Intelligence
Communicating Better:
4 Social Signals
Successful people are great communicators who recognize that conversations are part of an evolving social process. They aren’t just skilled listeners; they’re attuned to subtle social signals that are more revealing than words alone — and they use them to their advantage.
We’re more connected than … [Read more...] about Communicating Better:
4 Social Signals
The Human Factor:
A New Era of Relationships
Human interactions rule our lives. Our social skills may be even more valuable than we realize. In a world where technological advances increasingly provide solutions and perform jobs, our social skills can increase or diminish our value at work.
But most of us—professionals, employees and managers … [Read more...] about The Human Factor:
A New Era of Relationships
Three Ways to Be a Better Team
It may seem unlikely that there could be anything new to learn about what makes teams effective, but there is. More than ever before, work today gets done in teams, and your ability to contribute as a member is vital to your career success. Every team is a unique social unit. The quality of … [Read more...] about Three Ways to Be a Better Team
How Great Leaders Manage Perceptions
As a leader, how adept are you at communicating your true intentions and managing perceptions? Even at the highest levels of government and business, leaders struggle to communicate their intentions. Most of us have some demonstrable deficiencies when it comes to influencing others. “You can … [Read more...] about How Great Leaders Manage Perceptions
Successful Living through Mindfulness
Most self-help books focus on how you can achieve more. How can you do more, be more… and do it all faster. This article takes the opposite tack: how and why you should simply sit and be still. The practice of mindfulness - being fully present and aware of the here and now - leads to successful … [Read more...] about Successful Living through Mindfulness
Mental Toughness for Success
Few of us wake up in the morning with the intention of being a hero. Instead, we hope to get by without any major stumbling blocks and aim to do what is expected of us. It’s only when confronted with obstacles that threaten to derail our routines and plans that we don the armor and go into battle. … [Read more...] about Mental Toughness for Success
Leading with Trust: Principles and Practice
Despite the importance of building relationship trust, few leaders give it the focus it deserves. Misunderstood as a nebulous “feeling,” trust is earned through consistent, positive behaviors practiced over time, making it an indispensable leadership skill. Roughly half of all managers don’t … [Read more...] about Leading with Trust: Principles and Practice
Executive Presence:
Lead with Intention, Connection and Inspiration
Whether you call it charisma, confidence or compelling leadership, executive presence is the new corporate “it” factor.
We’re talking about more than making a great first impression. Presence is multifaceted, builds over time, and is reflected in everything you say, feel and do.
In today’s … [Read more...] about Executive Presence:
Lead with Intention, Connection and Inspiration
Emotional Expressiveness for Leaders
How well do the leaders in your organization express their emotions? What about you? Do you appropriately articulate your feelings? Do you use emotional expressiveness to persuade and inspire others? “Great leaders move us. They ignite our passion and inspire the best in us. When we try to explain … [Read more...] about Emotional Expressiveness for Leaders