The Most Lethal Factor Affecting People in the Workplace (and Everywhere Else)
Only 30 percent of American employees feel engaged or inspired at their jobs and the vast majority of U.S. workers — 70 percent — are not reaching their full potential, a Gallup study concluded in 2013. In June, 2014 a report released by the Conference Board, reported in Forbes magazine, that 52.3% of Americans were […]
Two Essential Ingredients Necessary for Change – the Hallmark Secret
Tis the season for Hallmark holiday movies. I confess I have at least 10 of them saved on my DVR right now. It seems this time of year I gravitate toward these seasonal chick flicks. Nothing like a Hallmark “take me away” by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. Or perhaps a cup […]
When Chasing Your Tail is Beneficial
Sent to me by Fran Kenny, one of my Facebook friends, I share this piece of wisdom today. I have a slightly different take on some of these (imagine that!), and I also offer an eighth rule for your consideration . . . 1 – Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present. […]
Are You Just Being Too Sensitive?
“You’re just being too sensitive.” Perhaps. Often, however, these words are spoken by someone who’s actually . . . frustrated or afraid of your pain (or your anger). I’ve observed we have a tendency to minimize pain. We ignore it, dismiss it, or medicate it. We magnify fear, but we minimize pain. We mask anger and anxiety in […]
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 […]
