IF YOU BELIEVE FRIENDSHIPS, marriages, teams and companies grow and die one conversation at a time then everyone should make effective communication a top priority. And if that were to happen, we have to get really good at managing conflict.
Here is the conflict resolution action plan, affectionately referred to as CRAP.
I’d like you all to imagine you’re an engineer, working on a NASA project, to launch a shuttle into space. Due to weather and other issues, the launch has been postponed 8 times, each costing NASA millions of dollars. The pressure is mounting to get this bird off the ground. The date is January 28th, […]
The ups and downs of an employment market and the surges and retreats of technology operate under a paradigm that problems are solved and decisions are made based on rational, data-based intellectual prowess. On the other side of the scale, we’ve grown our emotional intelligence. But, we still put a disproportionate value on how intellectually […]
Communication without conflict is peaceful, harmonious and pleasant. Imagine your family, fellow employees, and negotiations between nations void of conflict. Wouldn’t we be less stressed, more relaxed, with far fewer lives lost in wars? But communication without conflict can also be boring, unimaginative and repetitive. Imagine how dull conversations over dinner and in team meetings […]
In our attention deficit world, how does one get noticed? Develop a leadership brand. You can no longer rely on your hard work and great results to get you promoted. A client of mine worked his whole life getting all the degrees and certifications he could. He got on all the right committees and demonstrated […]
Mission driven organizations sometimes frown upon self-promotion. I think it stems from our puritan/religious traditions that one is called to serve, not advanced through self-promotion. I’ve noticed this cultural trend over the years with several of our non-profit and healthcare organizations in particular. I recall how difficult it was for a coaching client from a non-profit healthcare […]
When processing dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes, decision makers at the corporate level look for a personal brand that sets the candidate above all the competition. This goes beyond any checklist of credentials or skills. Others may have exactly the same list. Instead, we’re talking about the personal characteristics you will bring to the […]
To be successful in business, it is critical to build and maintain relationships. Not just with customers, but also with vendors, employees and competitors. You need to have long-term customers and good vendor relationships especially during challenging times or tight deadlines. Good relationships with other business owners allow you to share your struggles, resources and […]
Balancing work and home life is a challenge for many. As actors in our own lives, we hold many leading roles (parent, spouse, caregiver, friend, employee, etc.) which are often competing for time and attention. Attending to all these roles and responsibilities is quite a juggling act which from time to time can be overwhelming. […]