Some form of social media can be found throughout history, dating back to the drawings on caves. So, the theory goes, when we are focused on (obsessed by?) sharing everything about our lives on social media, we are simply doing what humans are wired to do. Tom Standage, in his book Writing on the Wall, says […]
When we think of business communications, we think of strategies that will further our success. Efforts to engage team members, employees, and customers might involve choosing the right words and saying (or writing) them the right way. Choices around whether to call, email, text, or speak face-to-face are focused on how the communication method will […]
We often regret it when we’ve said too much. Sometimes, though, it’s what we don’t say that haunts us. Most of us have left a conversation thinking “I shouldn’t have said that” or “I wish I’d thought to say something more.” That flash of brilliance — just the right words or a snappy comeback — […]
Why is content important for your business? What makes a good blog post? How did the word “blog” come about and become so popular? You might be surprised to learn that blogging, in its original form, actually dates back to 1994. That’s long before social media and probably long before many people even had anything […]
Because it just can’t be emphasized enough When we think too much about what we are going to say next, we are not able to listen to what is being said to us. Listening requires focused attention. While we may hear the noise of the words (think Charlie Brown and any adult), we don’t always […]
Wrapping up a series of workshops on re-engaging and reconnecting in today’s challenging environment, one of the most important lessons we covered was how to listen with intent. Participants admitted they were not good listeners. Being in leadership positions, they were mostly talkers and “fixers.” If someone came to them to talk about an issue, […]
You cannot center around. The very notion of centering means you are focused on the point in the middle of, for example, a circle. When that point is centered, it cannot go around anything. You cannot be very unique … or really unique … or any other modifier with unique. The word itself comes from […]
Remember when you were a kid, or when you were raising kids, you had “magic words” to use to show respect and appreciation? Remember “please” and “thank you”? Sadly, many grown-ups in business have forgotten how to use these magic words. As a customer, do you feel appreciated when you choose to spend your money […]
A favorite English professor told his freshman class: I know many of you want to do good in my class. And you should. However, for your grade you should focus on doing well. I do want you to do good, but that would happen more so in the community as you do things that will help other people. Doing well means […]
The Aretha Franklin movie was just released so it seemed a good time to revisit the idea of respect, especially how it impacts your communications. Actually, every day is a good day to revisit the need for respect, so here we go. Respond to messages, emails, text, and calls promptly. Prompt replies show respect for […]