We don’t grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges. – Joyce Meyer

Get Comfortable with Uncomfortable Communication

If you want to improve your communication skills and become a more confident communicator there is one skill you need to begin with, and it may be one of the most challenging. That is getting comfortable with new things that are uncomfortable.  

We’ve all had some recent experience in the demands of doing new things. Like many of...

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...

Do you work or live with a difficult person? Is there someone you need to have a difficult conversation with? Do you want to improve a relationship you have with someone at work or at home? 

It may not seem like it, but it can be done. First, you need to recognize that it’s all about communication or the lack of it. 

Most difficult people are the way they are because the issues or behaviors that make them “difficult” aren’t being addressed.

Do it...

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...

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...

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....

An empty stomach will not listen to anything ~ Spanish Proverb

Multitasking:  Let’s be honest. Do you ever get distracted and have no idea what the person talking to you just said?

How many times have you been interrupted, changed your focus for a minute, and then thought, ”Now where was I?” Classic multitasking fail.

Multitasking is a Myth

As technology allows people to complete more tasks at the same time, living the myth that we can multitask...

One of the most powerful ways to improve relationships is to simply be a more positive communicator. Positive communication is contagious and brings out the best in yourself and in those around you.

You never know when one kind act, or one word of encouragement, can change a life forever. - Zig Ziglar

When you become a positive communicator, people are more likely to listen to you, the conversation goes better, and the results can be transforming.

The following list of ways to become a more...