Work with whiners? When a co-worker approaches us and launches into the latest lament, here are five ways to respond. Use the strategies below that feel most comfortable for you. Set Boundaries: “I can give you my full attention for about 15 minutes, then I really need to get back to work.” Find out what they need: “Before you continue,…
In his quintessential keynote at the University of Maryland 2025 commencement, Kermit the Frog shared three points that he described as close to his heart. And I embraced them as well! I can’t even recall who spoke at my own college commencement ceremonies all those years ago. However, I’m incredibly proud of earning both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at…
Rephrase for better communication results. Making a few small adjustments in how we phrase things can increase our chances of getting cooperation and connection. Years ago, I arrived on-site to deliver a keynote for a corporate event. Surprisingly, it was my second year in a row speaking to this group. Typically, organizations bring in a different speaker each year, so…
It’s easy to work together better when things are going well, but inevitably there will be conflicts, confusion and miscommunication that need to be addressed. The words we choose can make or break the way we work—especially when things are not going as planned. What does that look like in real life? Communicate with Candor—And Kindness We work together better…
“People do business with those they know, like and trust,” according to the popular expression. As such, it benefits us to know how to use communication skills to make more meaningful conversations. I recently quoted those wise words when I was interviewed by Reader’s Digest Magazine for a communication article: How to Talk to Pretty Much Anyone. I also shared…
You’ve probably heard the expression “There is no “I” in Team.” That refers to the fact that the word TEAM does not have an I in it, but more to the point, it stresses that we can work together better when we focus on we, the team, rather than just focusing on what I want. As a twist on that…