How to Transform Politics (and Other Dysfunctional Relationships)
I find politics interesting. I also find it informative, challenging, thought-provoking, and crazy-making. There’s often more talking then listening going on. And there’s a lot of rehearsal about what is to be said, rather than impromptu understanding of what needs to be heard. Politicians are seldom fully present in the moment. I began to imagine […]
The Two Most Powerful Factors That Determine Success in Marriage
Statistically today, 3 in 10 marriages remain healthy and happy, according to “The Science of Happily Ever After” by Ty Tashiro. So what’s happening in the other 7? How do you safeguard and sustain a healthy partnership? And what is the number one factor that most brings down a relationship? In the 70’s, a significant […]
The Most Powerful Motivator in Business
Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, once said, “There are two things people want more than sex and money…recognition and praise.” I’m not sure that’s true, but it’s worth considering. What has been proven in research is that the one motivating factor at the top of most employee lists is appreciation. It is actually […]
Just Be There
Never underestimate the power of just being there for someone. Not doing anything, not fixing anything. Perhaps not even saying anything. Just being . . . . . . present. Available. Listening. I’ve had some loved ones going through some difficult times this past week. They had the courage to reach out on Facebook, without […]
How to Find Out What They Really Want and Close the Deal
Yesterday I was having a conversation with a potential landscaper/gardener. Obviously he was eager to impress me with his experience, skills, and pricing. He was a very pleasant man, appearing quite capable, with one annoying habit. . . . . . He kept interrupting or talking over me. I’ve seen this happen with professional interviewers. […]
Those Angel Eyes
You know that moment. You enter your door, and there are those adorable eyes looking at you with eager anticipation. Perhaps there’s even some bouncing and jumping going on. Perhaps a wagging tail or soft purring. Yes, it’s really an angel in disguise to remind you that you are loved, appreciated, and wanted – as […]
Does Size Matter?
“The size of your audience doesn’t matter. Keep up the good work.” Well it doesn’t, and yet it does. The size of your audience doesn’t matter if – You are living in private with the same integrity as you are presenting in public You are enjoying what you’re doing for the joy of the experience, […]
What is Ubuntu?
In the Ubuntu tribe of South Africa, when someone does something wrong, they take the person to the center of the village. There the tribe surrounds the individual for two days, while members of the tribe speak all of the good that s/he has done in their lifetime. The tribe believes each person is good, yet sometimes people […]
How to Deal With a Drama Queen
“Every time you feel yourself being pulled into other people’s drama, repeat these words… NOT MY CIRCUS, NOT MY MONKEYS.” Polish Proverb We all have Drama Queens in our lives – in the family, in the workplace, in the marketplace, and in our social circles. Managing a Drama Queen can be tiring and annoying. Understanding […]
One Essential Ingredient to Be a Rock Star in the Workplace
“Showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at the right time.” I recently fired a painter because he showed up an hour and a half late, with no phone call or text. He apologized when he arrived, and he pleaded with me to let him do the job. He knew he had “screwed […]
