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“Words, words, words, I’m so sick of words . . . “sang Eliza Doolittle in the 1964 film version of My Fair Lady. The film, based upon George Bernard Shaw’s book, Pygmalion, posits the question of whether one’s ability to speak “the King’s English,” can transform a cockney-speaking flower girl into a lady. Whether the…
In this day and age of technology at our fingertips, methods, and modes of communication come in a variety of formats: emails, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and websites, including personalized websites, to name some of the many. The list goes on and on, and it’s growing in leaps and bounds. While technology is…
We, humans, are a bundle of many things: We are intellectual, rational, and emotional beings. A good rule to follow in the workplace is that “it’s okay to have emotions since we all do, and it’s okay to describe those emotions. However, it’s not okay to display those emotions or to act them out.” There…
Diversity is a wonderful thing. The benefits abound: a McKinsey study found that diverse boards of directors generate better returns and more money; a Tuft’s study concluded that diverse groups uncover more angles when serving on mock juries (which underscores the value all the more so); a combined study by Columbia, MIT, University of Texas-Dallas…
In her landmark 2013 article, Kelly Dickerson captured “8 Tragic Miscalculations and Miscommunications,” a few of the more consequential examples include: The 1977 plane crash in the Canary Islands that killed 583 people because of a miscommunication between the pilots and the air traffic controller; and, A miscommunication about what type of cold medicine to…
In an age of great volatility — fake news, diverse audiences, technology at our fingertips, and change at the speed of light, clear, concise and intentional communication is vital to successful human interaction. Add to that, the stresses and strains of a pandemic, the financial insecurity it wrought, a contentious political season…
As a child, I remember hearing the words “because I said so,” in response to questions asked of my parents. Of course, the questions were often why I had to do something I didn’t want to do. Rather than explain, the fallback was “because I said so.” I found that irksome and made a pledge that my children would never hear that phrase . . . and, they rarely did!
“Words matter,” have been on the lips and fingertips of many. My own response: “true that,” yet has the phrase been defined, let alone put into action? What does it mean anyway? For me, it means carefully selecting words and phrases that both reflect what is intended and will begin to heal the great divide in our country.
Having spent the better part of this nascent year reflecting on words, intentions and healing the divide, two examples of what not to communicate spring to mind.
Strolling – socially distanced and with my mask on – down a beach boardwalk this weekend, I saw a sign that read “first rule of 2021; don’t discuss 2020.” Although amusing, and many of us would wish that 2020 could go away. It won’t. We lived through it, and its after affects may live with…
Is it almost over with? Is 2020 yet “in the books?” Such a crazy year: first the pandemic, and then the very contentious presidential campaign. Both were all-consuming, and impacted the ways in which we communicated with one another. Time to rethink some of what we did, and didn’t do, and to offer up some…
In an age of volatility — fake news, diverse audiences, technology at our fingertips, and change at the speed of light — clear, concise and intentional communication is vital to successful human interaction. Yet, the September 2017 survey by Fierce Conversations and Quantum Workplace found significant gaps across all organizations. Some key findings: 1) only…
In her landmark 2013 article, Kelly Dickerson captured, 8 Tragic Miscalculations and Miscommunications. A few of the more consequential examples include: The 1977 plane crash in the Canary Islands that killed 583 people because of a miscommunication between the pilots and the air traffic controller. Miscommunication about what type of cold medicine to take left an…
The business rationale for developing strong communications competency was made by David Grossman, who surveyed 400 companies with 100,000 employees each. These companies “each cited an average loss per company of $62.4 million per year because of inadequate communication to and between employees.” Communicating intentionally, accurately and clearly, while avoiding miscommunications is vital. Let’s review.…
“Why bother holding my employees accountable, you can’t terminate them anyway.” That statement, or a variation on the theme, is repeated by numerous supervisors and managers, who labor under the false impression that “you can’t terminate employees.” Of course, supervisors can hold employees accountable and terminate them, when warranted. It’s not if, it’s how. An…
So, I admit it, I am one of those drivers that talks to all of the others on the road, and it’s usually not very kind. This could be, in part, because I live in the greater LA area, where driving has become – practically – a blood sport. Cars (usually trucks, dare I say)…
It’s rather ironic that I am posting this blog on what would have been my dear old dad’s birthday: He and I often didn’t see eye-to-eye, and were in conflict on many issues – from the rather mundane, as in what time I needed to be home at night – to the more profound –…
The fight or flight instinct that undoubtedly was instrumental to the survival of our species, is the same response that frequently holds us back today. . . that is, when we “speak first, and think second.” The physiological reaction (in response to a perceived harmful event, attack or survival), is real, biological, and when unchecked…
A good facilitator makes it look easy-breezy, which is part of the magic. If the facilitator has accomplished this feat, then she is good! When one goes and graduates from “facilitator’s training school,” as I have, the first lesson is that “it takes twice as long to prepare, as it does to deliver.” Fortunately, over…
In a September 2016 Forbes magazine article, a well-known recruiter (Jorgen Sundberg) was cited as saying that the cost of onboarding an employee is $240,000.00. The Department of Labor indicated that the cost of a bad hire was 30% of her or his annual wages. The article went on to state “while the financial impact…
Articles abound as to why individuals don’t – or won’t – delegate. Whether in the Harvard Business Review (July, 2012), or the Huffington Post (August 2015), or a variety of blogs and posts, leadership trailblazers cite numerous reasons, numbering from as few as five to as many as nine to 10 to 14. All are…
1998 was a banner year for sexual harassment matters: Five cases were heard by the Supreme Court, all five of which are foundational for the journey that continues today. The two that are relevant to employee investigations are Burlington Industries vs. Ellerth, and Faraghar vs. the City of Boca Raton.While both cases discuss the offending…
This blog addresses Part II of the ABC’s of investigations – an important, timely and fact-filled topic. As a refresher, in last week’s blog, seven items were set out on what the employer should consider: The investigation must be undertaken soon after the complaint is made; The investigation must be neutral; A decision on how…
Internet communication can be a wonderful thing. I just reconnected with a friend who was formerly employed in a large consulting firm, and is struggling to make it on his own. His LinkedIn post to me: “wow, finding new clients is a full-time job.” My response, which is the nuts and bolts of this blog:…
Communication is something we do 24/7. Whether we know it or not, and whether we like it or not, that hackneyed phrase from an era gone by “first impressions are easy to make and hard to break” rings true today. During those initial encounters’ communication occurs: When we meet someone– Did we make eye contact?…
In the play Hamlet, Wm. Shakespeare immortalized that famous phrase: “To be or not to be, that is the question.” While on the Peterson-More annual family trek to the Eastern Sierras, one has an opportunity to read, hike, fish, indulge in all variety of flora and fauna (excluding, thankfully, snakes – altitude too high…
As the Peterson-More annual family trek to the Eastern Sierras – a vacation filled with hiking, reading, fishing, playing cards and board games, contemplating and just plain old relaxing (being vs. doing) — comes to an end, I would be remiss if I failed to point out some excellent communication tips from Louise Penny’s New…
The late, great Gerald Rosen, a contracts professor at Loyola Law School, used to say, “If you can’t get them on the merry-go-round, get them on the swings; if you can’t get them on the swings, get them on the slide; if you can’t get them on the slide, get them on the monkey bars.”…
Whether it’s called an ice breaker or a warm-up exercise, we facilitators have a number of them in our bag of tricks to engage – immediately – the audience. One of my favorites is a trifecta; it can be used to demonstrate in real time, structured brainstorming, diversity, and teamwork – and all in a…
Diversity is a wonderful thing. The benefits abound: a McKinsey study found that diverse boards of directors generate better returns and more money; a Tuft’s study concluded that diverse groups uncover more angles when serving on mock juries (which underscores the value all the more so); a combined study by Columbia, MIT, University of Texas-Dallas…
Repurposed from Diana’s Amazon #1 Bestseller, Consequential Communication in Turbulent Times, a Practical Guide to Leadership We humans are a bundle of many things. We are intellectual, rationale, and emotional beings. A good rule to follow in the workplace is that “it’s okay to have emotions, since we all do, and it’s okay to…
In this day and age of technology at our fingertips, methods and modes of communication come in a variety of formats: emails, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Twitter, and websites, including personalized websites, to name a few. The list goes on and on, and it’s growing in leaps and bounds. While technology is handy, it can…
In last week’s blog, the focus was on the very human impulse to respond to social media in the moment – often without thinking first. We might even experience the high of “getting it off our chest,” and later – upon reflection – regret what we said, and/or how we said it. Simply stated, we…
“Words, words, words, I’m so sick of words . . . “sang Eliza Doolittle in the 1964 film version of My Fair Lady. The film, based upon George Bernard Shaw’s book, Pygmalion, posits the question as to whether one’s ability to speak “the King’s English,” can transform a cockney-speaking flower girl into a lady. Whether…
While employed as the Human Resources Director at Times Mirror, a former holding company for a number of media groups – newspapers, television stations, radio stations, magazines, book companies and training companies – I had the good fortune of becoming a certified Zenger Miller facilitator, which company was considered the lead Times Mirror training organization…
Before becoming an organizational development and leadership consultant, and while in my corporate career, I relied upon others working in this important field for sage advice. One can liken these practitioners to “workplace psychologists,” offering must-have leadership tips, whether through one-on-one coaching or team building, all with the aim of improving workplace relationships, motivation and…
“Be brief, be brilliant, be gone,” is oft-quoted and less frequently followed. The quote is often attributable to President Woodrow Wilson; however, several other luminaries have spoken to the theme. Here are a few of my favorites: “Be sincere; be brief; be seated.” Franklin D. Roosevelt. “Courage is what it takes to stand up…
Unless it’s a birthday party, marriage proposal or a public display of gratitude by a boss, most of us don’t like to be surprised. Some don’t even like to be surprised with those three happy events! What about unhappy or negative events, situations or circumstances in the workplace? Many of us are shy about divulging…
People meet, date, mate, get married, and break-up in the workplace all the time. After all, we are humans: We are attracted to others, whether at school, in social settings, or at work. And, although it’s true that some organizations have policies strictly prohibiting any form of fraternizing, these policies rarely work: dating and mating…
The ability to delegate is a key leadership competency. Yet, many supervisors and managers on the road to becoming valuable and valued leaders fail to do so. When asked why they don’t delegate the most common reasons are: “It’s easier to do it myself.” “It takes more time to explain what I want someone else…
Communication happens all the time, whether we know it or not, and whether we like it or not. And, whether intended or not, our communication is perceived by others – positively or negatively. Rarely is communication considered neutral by others. How do you want to be perceived? Having adopted a dog from my daughter…
Remember the family sitcoms of yore when the Father would come home from work, and the balance of the clan ran to greet him, eager to talk about their day’s accomplishments, ask questions, or seek advice? The Father always had a smile on his face and willingly engaged in the conversation (while Mother brough him…
In these turbulent times,* fear and stress can be our constant companions. This blog focuses not on whether we experience fear and stress; rather, how we communicate with others when feeling these emotions. *Last year, when I wrote Consequential Communication in Turbulent Times, a Practical Guide to Leadership, little did I know we would be…
Communication can be touchy to say the least in the era of Covid-19. The expression “take foot, put in mouth,” comes to mind. All of us can be too quick to retort with something we later regret. This blog tackles some tips for avoiding the “lizard brain.” Research Shows . . . That since…
A reader graciously posted the comment “Diana is the Great Communicator,” on the Amazon site adjacent to my book: Consequential Communication in Turbulent Times, a Practical Guide to Leadership. I was, as the saying goes “pleased as punch.” One can never be too smug in these matters, though, particularly because last week I violated one…
Thirty days ago, many of us were just learning to communicate virtually. Fast-forward one month, and we’ve all become experts! Maybe not experts; however, the comfort level has risen dramatically, and our once unscheduled days have become full of GoToMeetings, SKYPEs, Zooms, Google Chats and the like. I, for one, have three standing virtual meetings…
Virtual meetings abound in the covid-19 era. If the truth be told, I’m listening to one while writing this, with my video off. For better or for worse, I turned the video off, and kept the audio on because I wanted to hear what was being said, and was distressed by the chaotic nature of…
Whether we realize it – or not – and whether we intend to – or not – we communicate throughout our waking hours. Consider the following: how we dress and wear our hair; how we walk, sit, and stand; how we present ourselves—whether we make eye contact or meet another’s gaze. Do we sit with…
“Words, words, words, I’m so sick of words . . .“ sang Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. In that work of art, the use of words and enunciation consistent with the so-called “Kings English,” were used by Professor Henry Higgins to take what he called a “gutter snipe” and transform her into a lady…
It may sound overly formal, however “assuming facts not in evidence,” is a common term used in the practice of law that has resonance in our daily communications. In a trial, the term involves a witness answering a question relying upon a “fact” that has yet to be established in the trial. Thus, the witness…
It has been noted that there has been a deafening silence of thought leaders on the topic of Black Lives Matter. Never one to walk away from a challenge, my initial response was pondering how to change hearts and minds, which – for me – is at the root of the problem. We consultants deal…
Communication Counts – moment-by-moment, hour-by-hour, day-by-day. This is truer now in these turbulent times – an international pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement and “incoming” on social media. Uncertainty abounds, sensitivities are heightened, virtual meetings are ubiquitous, and the opportunities for miscommunication are multiplied. This presents an opportunity to assess how we communicate, what we…
Communicate, communicate, communicate and over-communicate: Do whatever it takes to break through in these “very interesting times.” Whether it’s the global pandemic, the daily bombardment of “news,” fake or real, or just the discomfort of adjusting to a new normal, it’s vital that we understand first, and are understood second. So much in society today…
Under any circumstances, receiving positive feedback is both wonderful and motivational. During these uncertain times, all the more so! And, as pleasing as it is to receive positive feedback, it is equally exhilarating to give it. This is the sixth in a series of blogs offering communication tips for these turbulent times. The first focused…
During my morning walk with the dog, we often cruise through a local, bucolic park, which has become a haven for the homeless. As we passed an individual who was hunched over on a park bench and diving into some leftovers he found in the trash, I said “good morning sir.” He straightened his body,…
In a recent blog, I addressed the importance of spreading a little kindness through words and deeds in these turbulent times. Today, it’s time to discuss the corresponding response, or the importance of accepting kindness with a show of gratitude through words and deeds. Think about the number of times an appreciative friend, colleague…
It’s rather ironic that I am posting this blog on what would have been my dear old dad’s birthday: He and I often didn’t see eye-to-eye, and were in conflict on many issues – from the rather mundane, as in what time I needed to be home at night – to the more profound –…
Is it almost over with? Is 2020 yet “in the books?” Such a crazy year: first the pandemic, and then the very contentious presidential campaign. Both were all-consuming, and impacted the ways in which we communicated with one another. Time to rethink some of what we did, and didn’t do, and to offer up some…
Strolling – socially distanced and with my mask on – down a beach boardwalk this weekend, I saw a sign that read “first rule of 2021; don’t discuss 2020.” Although amusing, and many of us would wish that 2020 could go away. It won’t. We lived through it, and its after affects may live with…
“Words matter,” have been on the lips and fingertips of many. My own response: “true that,” yet has the phrase been defined, let alone put into action? What does it mean anyway? For me, it means carefully selecting words and phrases that both reflect what is intended and will begin to heal the great divide in our country.
Having spent the better part of this nascent year reflecting on words, intentions and healing the divide, two examples of what not to communicate spring to mind.
As a child, I remember hearing the words “because I said so,” in response to questions asked of my parents. Of course, the questions were often why I had to do something I didn’t want to do. Rather than explain, the fallback was “because I said so.” I found that irksome and made a pledge that my children would never hear that phrase . . . and, they rarely did!
In an age of great volatility — fake news, diverse audiences, technology at our fingertips, and change at the speed of light, clear, concise and intentional communication is vital to successful human interaction. Add to that, the stresses and strains of a pandemic, the financial insecurity it wrought, a contentious political season…
In her landmark 2013 article, Kelly Dickerson captured “8 Tragic Miscalculations and Miscommunications,” a few of the more consequential examples include: The 1977 plane crash in the Canary Islands that killed 583 people because of a miscommunication between the pilots and the air traffic controller; and, A miscommunication about what type of cold medicine to…
The business rationale for developing strong communications competency was made by David Grossman, who surveyed 400 companies with 100,000 employees each. These companies “each cited an average loss per company of $62.4 million per year because of inadequate communication to and between employees.”
Communicating intentionally, accurately and clearly, while avoiding miscommunications is vital. This blog focuses on three essential tips that can help you get the best and most out of others.
In this era of communication at our fingertips, social media with limited characters, and short, 80,000-word books, it’s imperative to make a point quickly, succinctly and with maximum impact. Our “lizard” brains are impatient: if we don’t capture another’s attention within a short period of time, we’ve lost our ability to make the case. This…
Mindtools.com published an article entitled “Coping with Change, Facing Fear and the New Normal.” Clearly, what we have all undergone this past year plus – a global pandemic – the article indicates, is one of “the hardest changes to understand and adjust to . . . (because it is) unexpected and out of our control . . .”
The fight or flight instinct that undoubtedly was instrumental to the survival of our species, is the same response that frequently holds us back today. . . that is, when we “speak first, and think second.” The physiological reaction (in response to a perceived harmful event or attack) is real, biological…
It’s not if we make mistakes; rather, how we handle them. All of us make mistakes, yet many of us fail to own up. Frequently, this failure to accept responsibility ends up with another’s hurt feelings.
The phrase “be brief, be brilliant, be gone,” has been attributed to many, including President Woodrow Wilson. Over the years, I’ve found it to be far more challenging to be concise than verbose – whether verbally or in writing. Another President, Ronald Reagan, used to ask that all recommendations be presented on a single 8…
A good facilitator makes it look easy-breezy, which is part of the magic. If the facilitator has accomplished this feat, then she is good! When one goes and graduates from “facilitator training school,” as I have, the first lesson is that “it takes twice as long to prepare, as it does to deliver.” Fortunately, over time and with practice, the preparation time is cut down considerably.
Parents are wont to have expressions that are oft-repeated to their offspring and sound quaint, thus unbelievable. In thinking of some of those expressions from my dear old ma, two directed at communication come to mind: First, “if you don’t have something nice to say…
Communication is something we do 24/7. Whether we know it or not, and whether we like it or not, that hackneyed phrase from a bygone era “first impressions are easy to make and hard to break” rings true today. During initial encounters, numerous forms of communication occur. Did we meet the challenge? When we meet…
Like all parents, mine used catchy phrases to teach lessons. I remember rolling my eyes and thinking, “they don’t know what they’re talking about.” Upon reflection, and as a parent and now a grandparent – and in all likelihood, the recipient of those rolling eyes – I can appreciate many of the lessons my parents…
All too frequently, supervisors and managers avoid delegating because “it’s easier to do it myself;” “it takes too long to explain,” “I can do it better anyway;” and, “isn’t it my job to do this?” These are four of the most common reasons managers give for sidestepping delegation.
Over the many years whether working as a management employment lawyer, human resources executive or consultant I have read proposed disciplinary letters that include phrases such as “You are being given a verbal warning for unprofessional conduct;” or “your ongoing inappropriate behavior is unacceptable and if it happens again, you will be terminated,” among others. All come from a place of authenticity: the supervisors have observed conduct that is unacceptable in the specific workplace. However, something is missing: the underlying facts that led to those conclusions.
In a September 2016 Forbes magazine article, an internationally known recruiter (Jorgen Sundberg) was quoted as saying that the cost of onboarding an employee is $240,000.00, while the Department of Labor indicated that the cost of a bad hire was 30% of her or his annual wages. The article went on to state “while the…
In this era of communication at our fingertips, social media with limited characters, and 50,000-word business books (or 126 pages, and some say that’s too long), it’s imperative to make a point quickly, succinctly, and with maximum impact. Our “lizard” brains are impatient: if we don’t capture another’s attention within a short period of time,…
As someone who commenced facilitating sexual harassment prevention training long before it was required in California, and who conducts sexual and other workplace harassment investigations – I am in the throes of two as I write this post for two separate companies – it’s always a good idea to remember the “how-to’s,“ and where they…
Last week, we covered three How-tos for employee investigations. This week’s blog addresses Part II of the “ABCs of investigations” – an important, timely, and fact-filled topic. Because of the criticality of this topic, and the detailed conversation in this post about how to proceed, it is long. Be sure to have time to read…
As 2021 is nearing its end, and we are all thinking of our New Year’s resolutions for 2022 (in addition to “lose weight,” “exercise more”), how about adding one more: adopt two or three of the phrases that inspirational leaders have lived by, and emulate to do the same. My three quotes to focus my…
“The most wonderful time of the year,” can also be filled with stress. For me, this year, the so-called “great communicator,” encountered miscommunications that led to hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and three less for a family holiday dinner. What happened and whose responsibility is it anyway? Over the years I, like many trainers/facilitators have developed numerous…
Communication is something we do 24/7. Whether we know it or not, and whether we like it or not, that hackneyed phrase from an era gone by “first impressions are easy to make and hard to break” rings true today. It is more important than ever to make an effort each workday to improve communication.…
Last month, we posted “Three Tips to Implement Now to Improve Communication On The Job.” Today, we’re adding three more to the list, recognizing that many of us are transitioning back to the workplace, or at least transitioning to a hybrid-working environment. Intentional, clear, and effective communication can always be challenging. However, never more so…
Whether it’s called an ice breaker or a warm-up exercise, we facilitators have a number of them in our bag of tricks to engage – immediately – the audience. One of my favorites is a trifecta; it can be used to demonstrate in real-time, structured brainstorming, diversity, and teamwork – and all in a matter…
Internet communication can be a wonderful thing. I just reconnected with a friend who was formerly employed in a large consulting firm and is struggling to make it on his own. His LinkedIn post to me: “wow, finding new clients is a full-time job.” My response, which is the nuts and bolts of this blog:…
As an avid mystery reader, consuming a series from beginning to end, I return to the first in Louise Penny’s series featuring Armand Gamache, a complex detective that steals one’s heart. Among his many, and diverse qualities, his wise counsel on the human condition is distilled into four communication tips that say it all. Introduced…
In 1956 when Dr. Carl R. Rogers and a fellow psychiatrist coined the phrase “active listening,” were they prescient? Did they know that 65 years later the skill would be needed more than ever? Did they have a crystal ball, enabling them to see how communication – the basis of all human interaction – would…
Diversity is a wonderful thing. The benefits abound: a McKinsey study found that diverse boards of directors generate better returns and more money; a Tuft’s study concluded that diverse groups uncover more angles when serving on mock juries (which underscores the value all the more so); a combined study by Columbia, MIT, University of Texas-Dallas…
We, humans, are a bundle of many things: We are intellectual, rational, and emotional beings. A good rule to follow in the workplace is that “it’s okay to have emotions since we all do, and it’s okay to describe those emotions. However, it’s not okay to display those emotions or to act them out.” There…
In this day and age of technology at our fingertips, methods, and modes of communication come in a variety of formats: emails, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and websites, including personalized websites, to name some of the many. The list goes on and on, and it’s growing in leaps and bounds. While technology is…
“Words, words, words, I’m so sick of words . . . “sang Eliza Doolittle in the 1964 film version of My Fair Lady. The film, based upon George Bernard Shaw’s book, Pygmalion, posits the question of whether one’s ability to speak “the King’s English,” can transform a cockney-speaking flower girl into a lady. Whether the…