Twenty years ago this month, in September 2006, I introduced the A.I.R. Model in my first book, If You Can’t Say Something Nice, What DO You Say? It was my answer to this question: How do I tell someone that what they’re doing is a problem, without destroying the relationship? Two decades later, people are still asking that question. When…
You can dish it out. But can you take it? Most of us spend years learning how to give feedback well. We rehearse what to say, soften the delivery, and pick our timing carefully. But almost no one teaches us the other half of the equation, which is how to receive negative feedback without getting defensive. Why We Get Defensive…
“I appreciate you!” has become a common, perhaps overused, phrase. The real test is whether the person’s actions support that proclamation because appreciation is an action word. Here are three actions you can take to make sure your expressions of appreciation are well received, especially at work. Customize When I was a supervisor in university administration some years ago, I…
A.I.R. Model: A Three-Step Process for Constructively Conveying Concerns Difficult conversations are inevitable. We’ve all had those moments when we must voice concerns, address an issue, or share negative feedback. To make difficult conversations less difficult, try my three-step process for constructively conveying concerns: A.I.R. – A- Awareness, I- Impact, R- Request AWARENESS – Give the other person the benefit…
When it comes to teamwork, small actions can make a big difference. Over the years, I’ve discovered that the best teams aren’t necessarily the ones with the most talent, but the ones who consistently practice the basics of team collaboration. Here are 7 ways to keep your team on track and make teamwork work. This can also be used as…
Difficult conversations don’t have to ruin the relationship. Find out four ways to address the issues while keeping the relationship intact. We’ve all been there. A co-worker misses a deadline. A team member’s tone comes across as dismissive. A client makes a request that’s just not realistic. In that moment, you have a choice: avoid the issue and hope it…