“Intention vs Impact” is a common concept in both conflict resolution and communication. As a quick overview, the impact others feel from our words and actions are not always, or usually, the same as what we intended. This can cause conflict, hurt feelings, misinterpretations, and sometimes ruined relationships. I was recently talking with the first […]
Intention vs Impact: Time to take a closer look Read More »
A few months ago I was introduced to the idea of “Civic Dinners” by Atlanta-based community activist Jenn Graham. Her Ted Talk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NRD92FUwwI) captured her journey of transforming her Atlanta community from one of division and polarization to that of collaboration and mutual respect. Conditions she described in Atlanta mirrored much of what I see
Tired of our political divide? Using civic dinners and conflict styles Read More »
Spring fever is definitely in the air! It’s the end of March, the end of the semester is near, and nervous energy is creeping up for students planning on graduating in less than two months. Here are some things I have found effective over the years for dealing with stressful times such as these. May
Stress relievers that won’t stress you out Read More »
Feedback ombuds often hear from visitors is, “You are a great listener.” This may be followed by a statement like, “I wish I could listen as well as you do. I need to work on that.” The truth is those visitors are in good company. The majority – about 90% – of people are poor
The silent art of listening Read More »
I recently went to the movies with a friend. We walked into the movie theater and I identified where we should sit while my friend identified another spot. They wanted to to sit in the front row in front of the middle walkway. I wanted to sit further up and on the isle. “Let’s sit
The basic conflict resolution tip you wish you’d known sooner Read More »
Tips for depersonalizing behaviors and minimizing conflict Last week I was loading the dishwasher at home when my husband came in and started rearranging the dishes, even turning all of the silverware so they were pointing up. Now, admittedly, I could have handled this better, but I told him ‘you seem to know better, you
Why Can’t You Do it the Right Way!!??!! Read More »
I remember as a child listening to the radio in my parents’ station-wagon as we drove cross country to visit grandparents in the Midwest. This was many years before satellite radio and the selections were limited. My sisters and I never had a say in which station we listened to during the long, long drive
The rest of the story… Read More »
If you use email for work and school you are in good company. In many organizations, email is a primary mode of communication. The good news is a well-written email is an efficient and effective method to convey information. A well-written email is easy for the recipient to understand your message as intended and respond
Recently, a friend struggling with some colleagues asked me, “What are the common traits you see in those able to build and maintain strong professional relationships?” “Humility and curiosity,” was my response. Since that conversation, I’ve thought a lot about what these traits, specifically humility, look and feel like – personally and professionally. On its
Humility as Strength Read More »
As we head into the holiday season, chances are high we will be faced with a friend or family member that makes our blood pressure rise and sends us spiraling into the emotional abyss. You might even be playing out potential conversations in your head with your more challenging family members. Does it feel like
The Power of a Good Story Read More »