We’ve learned about listening the past two weeks (if you missed them, check out part 1 and part 2), and great listeners are willing to ask questions. Why is it important to ask the right questions? How does this impact our work in coalitions and teams? In my experience, there are many reasons it’s important to ask the […]
Ask the right questions: Why? Read More »
Last week, we began our conversation on listening with Dr. Larry Prybil’s powerful story on how he learned how to become a good listener as well as the first two key characteristics – Focus and Interaction. This week, we are continuing the conversation with two more key characteristics and a call to action! Over the years, in teaching graduate students
Studies in many sectors over the years suggest that many, perhaps most, people believe their listening skills are “above average.” However, their family members as well as co-workers and subordinates in the work environment often have a different view. Research suggests that most people forget about half of what other persons have said right after their conversation
Happy Memorial Day! I don’t know about you, but I’m particularly humbled today because we are celebrating those who are no longer with us who gave their lives for us. Wow…how often do we stop and reflect on that gift? I know there are many things that are dividing our country right now; however, these
Remember, reflect and rest Read More »
Over the past two weeks, we have highlighted why we should become friends with our colleagues and how we can become friends with our colleagues. Sometimes your work friends, just like any other friends, can let you down, disappoint you, cause dissension among the group or even betray your trust. What happens then? Can your
What do you do when your work friends have let you down? Read More »
It seems like we are always striving for that “work-life” balance. Although we don’t want to spend our whole lives working, why do we think we need to keep our “life” out of work? This is particularly true when it comes to friendships. We spend a lot of our days, weeks, months and years at
3 reasons to be friends with your colleagues Read More »
When something really good happens, are you quick to talk about it? What about when something bad happens? When someone is kind and helpful, do you acknowledge it? What about when someone is critical and negative? It’s so easy to see the negative and to complain about what is wrong. And when we start complaining,
Compliment rather than complain Read More »
You may be thinking this is a terrible way to start a blog post about how we can work better together; however, unfortunately, sometimes in the process of working with others we face opposition and struggle. We may have taken action – or in action (see last week’s post) in order to help our team
No good deed goes unpunished Read More »
As leaders, we have a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to help our teams and partnerships thrive. As we talked about a few weeks ago, it’s critical to get clear on your priorities as well as “who is doing what” within the team. It doesn’t stop there. Our actions – or inactions – can make a huge difference
Are you helping or hindering your team? Read More »
As we discussed last week, it’s critical to get clear on your essentials and move in that direction. What you say is essential and then what you do about it can be two very different things. I encourage you to really reflect on what is essential – and important – and then truly set boundaries
Why am I overwhelmed and exhausted again?! Read More »