They say, “Honesty is the best policy,” but all policies need an implementation plan. Here’s how to be honest in a way that promotes growth and relationships. Obviously, there are actually only two truly essential ingredients for an honest conversation: 1) Have a conversation. 2) Be honest. But being honest…

You can include and exclude people nonverbally — often inadvertently! Here are seven ways to avoid excluding others. “Now that we’re back in the office part-time, I love seeing everyone interacting again,” a coaching client told me. “But a few people who were hired remotely during the pandemic still hang…

Ever feel like you’re drowning in words? Emails? IMs? Endless circular debates in meetings? Use nonverbal communication to say more with less. I’m reading a book called Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less which, ironically, uses an astounding number of words to say, “Use fewer words.” My…

To make sure your message gets across in the way you intend, pay attention to a few key nonverbal skills. Considering most people want to do good work and meet expectations, delivering constructive feedback sure can feel like picking your way through a minefield of misunderstanding, hurt feelings, defensiveness, and…

Don’t waste the valuable resource and useful tool that is always with you. When you speak, others may hear and notice what you say, but not nearly as much as how you say it. The way you use your voice can and does convey an astounding array of emotions and…

When you understand these four components, you can promote a more inclusive culture and take steps to ensure your own sense of belonging. “Everyone here looks down on me.” Over a Zoom coaching call, the executive assistant at a large global corporation hunched over and looked downward, hugging herself. “I’m…

Words are powerful. So is silence. Awhile back I wrote I wrote a blog called “3 Times to Shut Your Mouth” which was — surprise, surprise! — about the nonverbal messages you send by literally closing your mouth. And while it is useful to know when to physically keep your…

Which of these ten tips do you already do consistently? Which do you need to start doing? As a young child, I was outgoing, confident, and friendly. I would approach strangers without a second thought (much to my parents’ dismay), boss my friends and siblings around, easily make new friends…

and boost your mood — January sucks. And I say that as someone who really looks forward to getting back into a routine and doubling down on goals and intentions after the fun, chaos, and self-indulgence that mark the last six weeks of the year. It’s a relief (for me, at least) to leave that…