When you think about it, your life unfolds one conversation at a time. Therefore, the quality of your conversations has a lot to do with the quality of your life. Everyone involved in better conversations has a good chance of receiving these benefits: Feeling heard, affirmed, and appreciated, which leads to more connection; Experiencing clearer […]
We are going to show our age in this essay! We both grew up as Baby Boomers, spending hours playing and creating with our Etch-A-Sketch (if you don’t know what one is, click on the link). Using two knobs, you can create pictures and designs that get etched on the screen. When you want to […]
Watching a young toddler play the “peek-a-boo” game is such joy. It’s the laughter and connecting that elicits the giggles each time the toddler yells; “Do it again!” Wouldn’t it be great if you could take a “do over” moment when you have said something you didn’t mean, or you make a mistake you want […]
In a recent conversation, a good friend raved about the CEO in his global consulting firm. He said that the CEO had always been rather cold and aloof and rarely shared personal information, but everything had changed since the beginning of the pandemic. Now, that CEO sends weekly emails to all employees, not only updating […]
Dear Readers, This week we are republishing an essay from a year ago because we feel the topic is so relevant to today’s challenges. When you read the first paragraph you will chuckle because life is so different now, yet the core message can support you, your families, and co-workers through these times. Here’s to the Creator […]
We live in the Seattle area of the United States, which is where the Corona-virus first appeared in our country. For several weeks we have had time to make healthy choices and adapt to this new world, including canceling some of our programs and going virtual for others. We are witnessing extreme disruption to all […]
We have a friend who tells the story of driving one day and seeing a billboard sign advertising: “Self Storage.” As he kept driving, he thought, “Hmm… maybe that is where I stored myself!” What a distressing metaphor for what many of us do with our lives. We can easily hide or lock away the […]
We all have experienced triggers. Something happens, usually something small, and you suddenly feel flushed and a ball of nerves. It may have been a puzzling look from your boss, and you immediately feel your whole body react. Or, a speeding car cuts you off and you hear yourself shout an obscenity. All human beings […]
Do you feel uncomfortable when conflicts arise? If so, you may avoid a conflict like the plague and retreat, feeling powerless and victimized by the situation which, of course, places you in the Victim role of the Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT). A second way to deal with conflict may be your desire to control the […]
Do you experience drama in your work and life? Do turf wars or ineffective team dynamics exist in your organization? We all experience some level of drama. It is part of the human experience. The costs of drama — both at work and personally — can be tremendous, as described in David’s new book, 3 […]
