assert, assertiveness, speak, listen, feedback, manage conflict,
Psychologist, Marg Wolf trained many helping professionals, including me. We were interns in the ten-week domestic violence prevention program called, You are Not Alone. Marg provided clear and helpful feedback that made the process easy, doable, repeatable and empowering. Indeed, her performance feedback improved our skill levels! Not once did I experience criticism. I experienced […]
Ready to self-promote? Why would you? You will need to self-promote if ever you want to move up a career ladder or move into a desired position, or land a job or sell your services or product. How do you do it? Self-promotion is the ability to let others know your strengths, capabilities, and accomplishments. […]
Nancy Loraas, a Calgary-based executive, leadership, and communication coach, sent me a request to fill in a communications questionnaire. As I was filling it in I began to think, “My answers might be helpful to my readers; those interested in effective communication skills.” Consequently, I am sharing Nancy’s questions and my answers. Nancy’s Communication Skills […]
Just as water is home to fish, our conversations are the context or home to our relationships. Sharing and listening are keys to making relationships work. Good communication that creates mutual understanding is even better. Effectively Speak Let us begin with speaking with honesty, kindness, authenticity, and sometimes assertiveness. You have control over the words you choose. […]
American reporter and humorist, Franklin P. Jones (1908-1980), wrote, “Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance or a stranger.” Like Jones, you may dislike receiving criticism. Logically then, we should also be cautious about giving criticism. I was once given twenty-seven criticisms in the guise of feedback. […]
Conversation can take a nasty turn of misunderstanding.
Rebecca Eckler, a reporter with the National Post, interviewed Patricia Morgan about her workshop, Gag Your Nagging. They discussed why, when and how women nag.
You can only do your best with your fifty percent of the conversation. There is no guarantee how the other person is going to respond or react.
Drama Triangle–The model describes three unconscious and habitual behavioral habits as “roles” which people often play in relationships.
The Empowerment Triangle: There are three healthy alternatives to playing victim, persecutor or rescuer from the Drama Triangle. They are the creator, the challenger and the coach.
It is best to reserve “I feel proud of you” for situations when one person has invested significant amounts of time, energy and expertise into the success of another.
Have you ever been involved in an email message bushfire? It starts with one person feeling hurt, dismissed or angry about an email communication. The recipient then reacts with a one up slamming or defensive message. Electronic communication is ripe for communication easily and quickly going sideways. Just look at Susan and Mary’s interchange: Example […]