May 19, 2012

People Skills

Name Calling Is The Sign Of A Weak Argument

debate

I love to have friendly debates.  It’s a great way to “flesh out” the details of an issue and to get a glimpse of an issue from another’s vantage point.  The problem is that not everyone can engage in a “friendly” debate.  Too often, the debates turn into heated arguments and deteriorate from there.  This [...]

Tips For Dealing With Difficult Coworkers

Picture of co-workers arguing.

Have you ever had to deal with a difficult coworker?  You know, someone who just flat out gets on your nerves? I’m sure you have if you’ve been in the workforce very long.  If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, don’t worry.  You will.  How do you deal with coworkers when you really don’t like to be [...]

Does A Bed Of Nails Have A Right Side?

Photo of a bed of nails

Have you ever had one of those days where it seems like almost everyone you meet not only “got up on the wrong side of the bed,” but they were also sleeping on a bed of nails to begin with?  That’s the kind of day I had recently.  Everywhere I turned, I ran into people [...]

Tips For Dealing With A Micromanaging Boss

Drawing of a worker at a desk with a manager looking over his shoulder.

Have you ever worked for a “micromanager?”  You know, the kind of boss who claims to delegate, but actually hovers over even the smallest detail and gets downright ‘bent out of shape” over the smallest mistake.  Chances are, if you’ve worked for one, you know it! In the nearly thirty years I’ve been in the [...]

7 Steps To More Effective Listening

A photo of a gentleman and two ladies engaged in conversation.

Today’s topic deals with one of the most vital, yet hardest to  master communication skills in existence… effective listening!  We all know how to “hear,” but we’re not usually as good at really listening to what people are saying.  I know that this is a skill that I’ve struggled with and still have to work [...]

Looking At Life Through Another Prism

Light divided by a prism.

Did you ever notice that two people can see the same event, or read the same news story, yet they come away with completely different opinions of what they just saw?  I’m sure you have.  If  not, start a conversation revolving around politics or religion and you’ll soon see what I mean. One huge reason [...]