5 Signs You’re Making Someone Uncomfortable … and what to do about it. While waiting for a drink at a coffee shop, I noticed two women in conversation. I was mostly staring off into space, but then something caught my attention. I couldn’t hear the discussion;...
3 Times to Ignore People Your undivided attention is a priceless and meaningful gift. In this age of overwhelming distraction, even a few minutes of focused attention can build rapport, trust, and connection. Because your time and attention are so valuable, be...
How to Build Trust (Even When Remote) “Our leadership team is floundering,” the woman told me over a video call. “We’re hybrid right now—everyone works part-time in the office and part-time at home. But even though we’re not fully remote anymore, our leaders...
How to Conquer Pre-Performance Nerves As a pianist in my younger days, I experienced debilitating stage fright. Even the idea of playing in front of friends and family terrified me. I usually managed to get through the performance, but would often end up crying...
One Way to Reduce Others’ Resistance to your ideas and decisions When my girls were toddlers, I discovered the power of presenting options. If I said, “Put on this shirt” or “It’s time for bed,” rebellion inevitably ensued. But if I asked, “Which of these two...
7 Phrases that Make You Sound Passive-Aggressive Hopefully, you work in a healthy workplace culture and live in a strong, positive family where people are free to state their needs, opinions, and feelings directly and no one, including you, would ever dream of...