3 tips to be like Fergus and ask others to help you improve your work
“How do I make sure employees understand my messages?” asked one of my clients, who’s recently taken on a new leadership role with a much larger span of control. Test your messages in advance, I responded. Draft your message ahead of time and then ask a few people to...
Why and how you want to create “digital body language” rules of the road
Are you a digital adapter, digital native, resister, a combo, or something in between? Communication mishaps in the workplace are frequent among and even within these groups. It’s not bad intent. We generally have good intentions; instead, it’s hard these days for...
3 brain-based tools to create clear, coherent and action-oriented messages
My three favorite brain friendly tools to communicate clearly and coherently to accelerate action are: 1) the number “3”; 2) the word “point” and 3) online resource books. In my latest Forbes article published online on Sept. 27, 2021, I explain how to use these...
Do you get “behavior blisters”? Take action before they harm you
Painful. Irritating. Avoidable. These three words describe my feelings for my multiple feet blisters that finally healed. For weeks, each uncomfortable step I took reminded me of my careless behavior – neglecting to pack sneakers for walking long distances during an...
Why you need to connect more dots to see a more complete picture
Have you been caught up in the adult paint-by-number craze during the Covid-19 pandemic? This DIY craft makes painting as easy as 1-2-3. You get all the supplies delivered to your door, including a visual of the picture you’ll be painting and instruction manual. For...
Why your feel-good thinking pattern may hurt you and how to break it
Two by two worked well for Noah's ark in much simpler times. Today though, thinking about things in twos, either similar or extremes, such as black and white, good vs. bad, heroes vs. villains, etc. can be simplistic. When you use binary framing you focus on two...
Why and how to use your words and voice to escape the emotional wasteland
“Use your words.” That three-word statement reminds children to speak clearly and enunciate, according to the Urban Dictionary. The phrase also encourages children to articulate what’s bothering them rather than cry, scream, pout or do something that shows that...
How do you do and be good in a polarized world?
What a tumultuous 24 months! We’re all having to navigate new ground that continues to shift under our feet. There are more questions than answers, yet it’s important to keep asking questions and continue talking. The issues tend to be complex, emotional, and...
How to optimize getting in the flow to do your best deep work
Working from home during Covid-19 has served as a wake-up call for many of us knowledge workers. This time period opened our eyes to the ways we work, including how we integrate our work and personal life. And considering the length of time we’ve experienced...
