Lately, this question has come up frequently. I’m often asked for referrals, sometimes for people I can’t see for various reasons and sometimes by colleagues looking for someone with a particular specialty or in another area of the city. You might think that would be an easy task – comingContinue Reading
“Jeff” stormed into my office, clearly infuriated with one of his college professors. And it was equally clear that he wanted me to tell him he was right! To tell him that he had good reason for telling that professor exactly what he thought of her! After all, she’d embarrassed himContinue Reading
When you’re feeling the tension build and you just know this isn’t going anywhere good, consider this…… Acknowledging the other person’s position (even if you disagree) results in calmer discussion. Continue Reading
“Interesting. I’ll really need to think about that a little more.” You’ve made a suggestion to your boss, and this was her response. So what do you think? Does she really find your idea interesting? Is this a polite way of letting you know your input was considered briefly – thenContinue Reading
Observed in a local store: Teen age boy with skateboard, shopping by riding that board up and down aisles. Store manager informs him that riding in the store is not permitted. Angry boy – ready to argue vehemently – steps off the board to have this interaction. What would you have done?Continue Reading
It appears like a shot out of nowhere. That sudden angry outburst arising from a seemingly cheery, pleasant conversation. “There you go again!” or “I knew it! You just couldn’t keep your mouth shut!” Or – some other expression of long-held, and possibly long-hidden anger. Seemingly so sudden and unpredictable,Continue Reading
A thought to consider when you’re feeling challenged by a conversation that’s going downhill fast: Much of the time, the other person’s response isn’t really about you – it just feels as though it is. For more about communicating effectively, using the words that work, take a look here to see if anyContinue Reading
I was in a hurry to get to a meeting. The drive that should have taken 5 minutes lasted 10 times as long. Detours were just as bad as the main route. My passenger was trying to have a conversation, but I was way too annoyed and stressed to beContinue Reading
Before offering advice, ask if it’s really wanted! Continue Reading