Sloppy communication is everywhere. It creeps into workplace conversations, casual check-ins, and even crucial project updates. It’s that vague, non-committal response that leaves everyone assuming things will get done—until they don’t. If you’ve ever dealt with a situation where tasks keep falling through the cracks, you’ve probably been a victim of sloppy communication.

Snow More Sloppy Communication

Recently I was speaking with a client, and he gave a perfect example of sloppy communication. The manager of his building company had delegated snow removal, and the conversation went something like this:

Manager: “What’s happening with the snow removal?”
Employee: “We got it handled.”

Fast forward to the next snowfall (because in Canada there is always a “next”), and low and behold, no one was removing the snow. Why? Because “we got it handled” is not a plan, it’s not a commitment, and it’s certainly not an actionable response. It’s a vague assurance that gives the illusion of pro...

Words shape our reality. The language we use in everyday conversations—whether with employees, customers, or even ourselves—has a profound impact on our mindset and emotions. One small and powerful shift in language is how we use the word "need."

The Energy of "Need"

When you say, "I need to do this," where does that energy come from? Need is rooted in fear. It comes from a sense of lack, a place of contraction, and a focus on what is missing. It’s backward-looking, tied to worry and scarcity.

Think about how often you use the word "need."

Each statement carries a sense of pressure and obligation. It’s as if something bad will happen if the "need" isn’t met. But fear-based language doesn’t create—it constricts.

Shifting to "Will" and "Intend"

Now, let’s reframe the same statements with a different energy:

At Connect To The Core, we believe that the most powerful communication starts from within. We’re not simply another communication coaching company—we are on a mission to help individuals and organizations find their authentic voice and connect with others in meaningful ways. Our name, Connect To The Core, reflects our philosophy and approach: connecting deeply to the values, drivers, and essence of who you are will allow you to easily and authentically connect with others.

Why "Connect To The Core"?

The name of our company is more than a label; it’s a guiding principle. To connect effectively with others—whether it’s your team, your target market, or your community—you must first connect with yourself. What are your core values? What drives you? What are the fundamental beliefs that shape your approach to life and work? Understanding these things is not just a individual journey; it’s the foundation of effective communication in your business as well as your personal life.

He...

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 Goals: If the...

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 encountered situations ...

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 we are all bet...

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 elements, ...

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 as a global reminder of the...

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 relationships, ...

Are you feeling the weight of the January blahs settling in? The days are short, the skies are gray, and the chill in the air seems to seep into your bones. Perhaps your New Year's resolutions are already buried under the layers of cozy blankets, and motivation is playing hide-and-seek. Fear not! It's time to take control and turn the tide on those winter blues. Here are three strategies to implement immediately and reignite your energy.

Strategy One: Control the Things You Can

Winter often brings gloomy weather and shorter days, and dwelling on things beyond your control won’t brighten your mood, or the sky. Instead, focus on the aspects of your life that you can influence. Take charge of your routine, set achievable goals, even if the goal is as simple as make your bed everyday this will help to create a positive environment around you.

Embrace the darkness by incorporating warm, soft lighting into your loving spaces. Surround yourself with uplifting colors or add touches of gr...