Feedback and criticism are integral parts of personal and professional growth. And, the impact of feedback can vary widely, sometimes hitting us like a grain of salt and other times feeling as heavy as a boulder. Understanding why this happens and how to navigate these varying impacts is key to harnessing the power of feedback effectively.

The Grain of Salt: When Feedback Feels Manageable

When feedback is constructive and delivered thoughtfully, it often feels manageable—like a grain of salt. In these instances, the feedback is usually:

1. Specific and Actionable: Clear, targeted suggestions that offer a path for improvement can feel empowering. Knowing exactly what to work on makes the feedback feel like a helpful nudge rather than a daunting challenge.

2. Delivered with Empathy: When the person providing feedback shows understanding and compassion, it softens the impact. A supportive tone can make even critical feedback easier to digest.

3. Aligned with Personal...

Aging is an inevitable journey we all embark upon (thankfully), and along this path, we encounter a myriad of experiences that shape and define us. The choices we make and the attitudes we adopt significantly influence the people we become. It's often said that as you get older, you either become your worst self or your best self, (or like your parents). I think everyone has had a vision of themselves in socks and sandals on the front lawn yelling to the neighborhood kids “Get off my lawn!” This dichotomy captures the essence of how our character evolves over time. 

The Path to Becoming Your Worst Self (DO NOT FOLLOW THIS PATH)

Becoming your worst self is a gradual process that stems from neglecting personal growth and allowing negative traits to dominate your life. Here are some common pitfalls:

1. Complacency: It’s easy to become set in our ways at any age (hello toddlers). This rigidity can lead to stagnation, preventing us from adapting to...

In our rapidly evolving world, effective communication stands as a cornerstone of personal and professional relationships. Yet, despite the numerous ways we can connect—whether through speech, writing, or digital media—trust remains a precious and often elusive commodity. The adage "actions speak louder than words" resonates deeply in this context. For trust to flourish, our actions must consistently align with our words.

The Essence of Trust in Communication

Trust is the bedrock of any meaningful relationship, whether between friends, family members, colleagues, or organizations and their stakeholders. It fosters a sense of security and confidence, enabling open and honest exchanges. And, trust is not granted automatically; it is earned through consistent and reliable behavior over time.

The Disconnect Between Words and Actions

One of the most significant barriers to building trust is the discrepancy between what people say and what they do. We've all...

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, the pursuit of growth is constant. Whether you're a start-up aiming to establish your foothold or a seasoned corporation striving to maintain your edge, the quest for progress is ever-present. Amidst this pursuit, one strategy stands out as a beacon of success: good communication, specifically cascading information throughout the organization.

Effective communication lies at the heart of every thriving enterprise. It's not merely data exchange; it's about fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and shared understanding. When information cascades seamlessly from the top echelons to the grassroots level, it fuels alignment, empowers employees, and drives organizational agility. And yes, even my company falls prey to the busyness of “work”, and we sometimes lapse in our strategic growth planning. And when we do get together regularly, and information is disseminated throughout the organization and wins are celebrated...

In the world of business, entrepreneurs often face challenges that require strategic thinking and resilience. Whether it's due to economic downturns, industry disruptions, or personal circumstances, there may come a time when a business owner needs to make difficult decisions. Facing tough times in a business doesn't mean failure, it’s part of the risk of being a business owner. And let’s face it, “good times” hide a multitude of sins. So, when tough times come around the corner it can be a great opportunity to make necessary changes that have been put off for too long. In this blog, we’ll explore some strategies business owners can adopt to navigate challenges successfully and improve their growth outlook.

1. Assess the Situation Honestly

The first step in any challenging situation is to assess it honestly. This means taking stock of the business's financial health, market position, and growth prospects. It's important to objectively evaluate...

Wow, now that was an eclipse! This awe-inspiring phenomenon has captivated humanity for centuries (I mean how do they know exactly when and where?!?). Beyond its celestial spectacle, a solar eclipse offers valuable lessons applicable to various facets of life, business, and communication. In this blog, I will share with you how the recent solar eclipse got me exploring how it served as a metaphor for business strategies and communication practices.

Embracing Change:

Just as the moon momentarily blocks the sun during a solar eclipse, businesses often face periods of disruption and change. Rather than resisting change, successful organizations embrace it, adapting their strategies to navigate through uncertain times (hello covid). Whether it's a shift in market trends, technological advancements, or personnel changes, businesses that remain agile and open to adaptation are better positioned to thrive in dynamic environments.

Strategic Alignment:

A solar eclipse occurs...

In the realm of communication, we often find ourselves entangled in a web of misconceptions that hinder our ability to effectively connect with others. These misconceptions, or lies, can subtly influence our approach to communication and impede our growth in both personal and professional spheres. Let's debunk three prevalent lies about communication and unravel the one absolute truth that reigns supreme.

Lie #1: "I'm better if I 'wing it'"

If I had a nickel for every time we heard someone boast about their ability to improvise speeches or conversations without any prior preparation, I would be a bazillionaire and wouldn’t have to write these blogs (kidding, I would still spread the good communication gospel).

While spontaneity can indeed be valuable in certain situations (questions anyone?), relying solely on "winging it" is a recipe for disaster. Effective communication requires thoughtful planning, understanding of the audience, and clarity of message. Without these...

This is about as “girly” as I get, and seeing as its International Women’s Day On March 8^th, it’s as good a time as any to post about a subject I am passionate about. My sisterhood circles of women.

From ancient times to the modern era, women specifically have formed tribes, communities, and sisterhoods to share experiences, uplift one another, and navigate the complexities of life. I can hang with men every day, all day and, when I get the chance to be with one of my circles of women friends, the hang is on a whole other level. In a world that often emphasizes comparison and competition (especially amongst women), the support and solidarity found in the company of like-minded women is an essential and undervalued aspect of life. In this blog, we'll delve into the significance of finding your tribe of women and how it can positively impact your personal growth, well-being, and sense of belonging.

The Power of Connection

International Women's Day serves...

In the realm of idioms and proverbs, few phrases are as widely known and used as "never cry over spilled milk." This simple yet profound saying encapsulates a universal truth about the human experience: sometimes, things don't go as planned, and it's essential to understand that there are things you can’t control, the only thing you can control is how you react. Accepting and moving on rather than dwelling on things you cannot change is really the only move.

While it may seem like a straightforward piece of advice for handling life's minor mishaps, the wisdom behind "never cry over spilled milk" extends far beyond its literal interpretation, reaching into the realm of communication.

Communication is the lifeblood of human interaction, permeating every aspect of our personal and professional lives. Whether we're conveying thoughts and emotions to loved ones, negotiating with colleagues, or presenting ideas to an audience, effective communication is crucial for building...

In any workplace, there can occasionally be individuals whose behaviors and attitudes poison the atmosphere. It only takes one “bad apple” to spoil the bunch and negatively impact team morale, productivity, and overall company culture. These employees may display toxic traits such as constant negativity, gossiping, manipulation, or bullying, making it challenging for their colleagues and managers to maintain a positive environment.

Addressing toxicity within a team requires a delicate balance of assertiveness, empathy, and professionalism. In today’s blog, we'll explore four communication strategies to effectively deal with toxic employees while preserving harmony and productivity in the workplace.

Identify the Behavior:

The first step in addressing toxicity is to recognize and understand the specific behaviors causing issues. This may involve keeping track of incidents, privately gathering feedback from other team members, and observing patterns in the...