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Three Tips to Prevent Communication Conflicts body language business business communication clear communication communication tips confident communication conflict conflict skills effective communication listening skills

Do you want to learn to prevent communication conflicts before they happen? Well, who doesn’t?

Communication conflicts happen. Even with good intentions, misunderstandings occur, and we can find ourselves in the middle of difficult conversations – not always sure how we got there.

Sometimes we find ourselves getting stuck into communication cycle routines. Other times conflict begins when someone shares an unwanted opinion on sensitive topics as politics, religion or...

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An Attitude of Gratitude: Simple Ways to Show Appreciation appreciation business communication culture shift effective communication gratitude leadership performance coaching relationships team building workplace communication

grat·i·tude:

the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful: He expressed his gratitude to everyone on the staff.

An attitude of gratitude comes from showing appreciation and gratitude for others. It is one of the most powerful communication tools you can have.

When you show appreciation on a regular basis, it will open doors to a better conversation, a more positive exchange, and ultimately a better relationship. And the more you practice, the sooner it...

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Virtual Listening in a Remote Setting body language business business communication clear communication communication tips confident communication listening skills non verbal communication remote

It is the recipient who communicates. The so-called communicator, the person who emits the communication does not communicate; he utters. Unless there is someone who listens, there is no communication. There is only noise. ~ Peter Drucker

This blog is all about improving your virtual listening skills.  Please watch the video with my colleague Michael Fraidenburg, an expert in running online meetings. 

The following is a short summary of the importance of improving active...

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Controlling the Conversation: Using a Communication Bridge business communication clear communication communication bridge controlling the conversation conversation lead the conversation

Learning how to bridge conversations is learning how to move someone from where they want the conversation to be to where you want it to go.

Controlling the Conversation

When I travel away from home, I’m reminded that no matter where you, or what the topic of the day is, getting around is all about controlling the conversation to get what you need.

For example, in many southern states, they have the important skill of  “greeting people well” down. If they know your...

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Transitioning Back to the Office: How to Address Inappropriate Behavior back to office behavior expectations business business communication going back to work inappropriate behavior

The transition to working from home some 18+ months ago was tough. If you are heading back to the office this fall, you may be finding that transition is even harder.

While behavior expectations at work haven’t changed, there may be different assumptions as to what is now acceptable.

According to supervisors interviewed by SHRM*, many workers returning to an office setting are bringing with them inappropriate and disrespectful behavior. This includes an increase in insults, invasive...

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10 Common Body Language Mistakes and How to Fix Them body language business business communication effective communication non verbal communication

If you’re like most people, then you are not as self-aware of your body language, and the unintentional messages you are sending, as you should be.

We often do a pretty good job at noticing other peoples’ unintentional signals but in ourselves, not so much. Consequently, we make some common body language mistakes and often send the wrong message to others without even realizing it.

Why does that matter? Because your body language makes up over half of your total communication...

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How to Facilitate an Appreciation Circle appreciation business communication clear communication grateful gratitude relationships

u shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you really mean it. Then you should say it a lot. People forget that. ~ Jessica, Age 8

Studies have found that practicing appreciation can improve relationships and motivate employees. It can also increase wellness and lessen stress. In short, regular appreciation will not only boost performance and engagement but also improve an employee’s health and well-being.

There are certainly many ways to show appreciation....

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Mastering Micro-Connects for Better Communication better communication business communication effective communication performance coaching positive communication team building workplace communication
I can live one or two months on one good compliment. ~ Mark Twain

Communication Micro-Connects and Appreciation

News flash: We live in a culture that is appreciation deprived. Studies show that up to 70% of workers feel they are not regularly appreciated at work.

But the good news is that studies also show that when you give appreciation to someone on a regular and informal basis, you will see 5x more engagement/productivity. Wow!

A University of Washington study found that:

  • Kids at...
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