How to Fix Passive-Aggressive Communication Direct, affirmative communication promotes peace and power. Passive-aggressive communication kills both. When you want something from someone, expect resistance, and then try to circumvent it by going covert with your...
The 5 Laws of Listening If your listening is effortless, you’re doing it wrong. You probably take listening for granted. To many, it doesn’t even seem like a skill—it’s something that just happens without even trying: Noises come out of a mouth in recognizable...
The Antidote to Resentment & Contempt If you see a good deal remarkable in me I see just as much remarkable in you. Why, what have you thought of yourself? Is it you then that thought yourself less? -Walt Whitman I don’t read poetry very often...
How to Make Small Talk Less Awkward I hate small talk. At least, I used to. In social interactions, I used to plaster on a fake smile, fumble my way through uncomfortable questions and answers, and secretly wish I could be shoving toothpicks up my fingernails...
7 Essential Ingredients for Honest Conversations Obviously, there are actually only two truly essential ingredients for an honest conversation: Have a conversation. Be honest. But being honest is a bit complicated, isn’t it? If your experience is anything like...
3 Tips for Delivering Feedback Considering most people want to do good work and meet expectations, delivering constructive feedback sure can feel like picking your way through a minefield of misunderstanding, hurt feelings, defensiveness, and conflict. And with...
