…and how to avoid them. — …and how to avoid them. “Some of my coworkers are so clueless,” a coaching client complained recently. “I get accused of being condescending when I explain things. How do I give them the info they need without sounding obnoxious? I’m not trying to be a jerk.” If you have (or perhaps more importantly, if you…

… and what to do about it. — … and what to do about it. While waiting for a drink at a coffee shop, I noticed two women in conversation. I was mostly staring off into space, but then something caught my attention. I couldn’t hear the discussion; I could only see its effects. The two had been chatting pleasantly and then suddenly one of…

Ignoring people is rude… usually. Here are three times when it’s the most appropriate and helpful response, and how to do it respectfully. — Ignoring people is rude… usually. Here are three times when it’s the most appropriate and helpful response, and how to do it respectfully. Your undivided attention is a priceless and meaningful gift. In this age of overwhelming distraction, even a few minutes of focused attention can build rapport, trust, and…

The workplace has changed for good… or at least, permanently. Trust still requires the same three elements it always has, but how do you… — The workplace has changed for good… or at least, permanently. Trust still requires the same three elements it always has, but how do you convey those remotely? Here’s how. “Our leadership team is floundering,” the woman told me over a video call. “We’re hybrid right now — everyone works part-time…

Got a job interview coming up? Giving a presentation? Anticipating a difficult conversation? These tips will help you beat nervousness. — Got a job interview coming up? Giving a presentation? Anticipating a difficult conversation? These tips will help you beat nervousness. As a pianist in my younger days, I experienced debilitating stage fright. Even the idea of playing in front of friends and family terrified me. …

Instead of new year’s resolutions, discover what beliefs are shaping your behavior. Change your beliefs, and your behavior will change… — Instead of new year’s resolutions, discover what beliefs are shaping your behavior. Change your beliefs, and your behavior will change automatically. Here we are, a few weeks into a new year-for many, this is a time of hopeful changes and new habits. Most “new year’s resolutions” come down to this…

These are free to give and a delight to receive any time of year. And especially important during gift-giving season. — These are free to give and a delight to receive any time of year. And especially important during gift-giving season. Every time you interact with another human being you establish or reinforce two things: 1) Your reputation — how others see you, and 2) Your identity — how you see…

Some interactions are not worth the time and energy. Here’s how to handle them. — Some interactions are not worth the time and energy. Here’s how to handle them. ’Tis the season for parties! Office parties, cocktail parties, family parties… And parties mean conversations. Lovely! Thankfully, there are so many conversation topics to choose from, especially after the last year and a half: politics and…

As we approach the holidays, it’s not just food that affects health. Words can, too. — As we approach the holidays, it’s not just food that affects health. Words can, too. ’Tis the season for … food. And lots of it. I don’t even celebrate most of the fall and winter holidays, and yet I find it hard to resist the everything-pumpkin and everything-peppermint mountains at…