When someone is saying something, just listen. When someone is asking something, just listen. Let them finish. Count to 2. 1....2.... THEN, speak. Respond to what THEY said instead of initially inserting your idea. This is how it might sound. Them: "I am thinking about how to approach this project. What do you think?" You: THINK this: 1....2....maybe 3. THEN, you can say: "Tell me about your ideas." When you invite someone to talk about their ideas

Usually, I insist that we shouldn't assume,   because assumptions are not facts.   That still holds true even while   I suggest we should assume this:   positive intent.   What does that even mean?   When someone says,   "You did that wrong,"   we respond to the perceived attack   with a defense.   Instead, assume they mean well,   and respond with a question such as:   “How would you approach it?”   Your curiosity will lead a conversation   instead of an attack & defend scen

Set aside time for nothing. The truth is the nothing moments are really a lot of something. Here is how it works for me. I schedule nothing time before a challenge. It might be the start of a project I don’t know how to approach. It can be when I anticipate a difficult conversation. My nothing time is when I don’t think about what is about to happen. Instead, I might be sitting in a comfortable chair, looking out the window, or staring at the wall. As I think about nothing, i

Have you ever said or heard these words? But we tried that already. But it won’t work. But they won’t agree. The "but" stops the conversation. Instead, be curious and ask a question. Try these edits: But we tried that already . What can we do differently? But it won’t work .  What changes can we try? But they won’t agree . What parts are agreeable? "But" closes the door. Questions open it.

Communication can be too much. It also can be ineffective. Did you know that miscommunication costs US Businesses $1.2 trillion* each year? So what can we do about it? 1. Try another channel. If you are in your 3 rd round of angry emails or texts, then it is time to pause. Try a phone call, a voice note, or an in person meet-up. It is important for the other person to hear ‘how’ you are saying it. 2. Check in. When you have a group meeting to describe a project, to identify

When 2 people are in conflict, they feel stuck. Their conversations tend to repeat. Miscommunication continues. When a 3 rd  person joins them, it can feel like magic. What really happens is communication. I have been that 3 rd  person. I listen to each of them. I ask questions. I summarize. They listen. Then, I will hear: “Wow, I had no idea they were thinking THAT.” They are finally listening to each other, without assumptions. That can feel like magic. BONUS: watch a short

When we have too much to do, much of it goes undone. To start 2026, here are 5 Essential TO-DOs. Intentionally choose one. Do it. Keep on doing it. When you don’t have to think about it, it is your new habit. Then, it is time to move on to the next TO-DO. No matter how long it takes, do these 5 essential TO-DOs in 2026. Happy New Year! p.s. Click each 'TO-DO' to read what to do. 😊