As we welcome and embrace this New Year, many of us have begun to develop a long list of resolutions.  No matter what’s on your list, I strongly recommend adding “coping with criticism” as a top priority.  Gary Vaynerchuk, social media marketing pioneer, recently made the following statement about criticism… “Of course it is devastating [...]

I recently participated in a very unscientific poll concerning grudge holding.  The results revealed that over half of the participants have been known to hold a grudge from time to time, while close to one third hold a grudge all of the time.  Wow, how sad is that?  I completely understand the desire to hold [...]

Over the past couple of months I must admit that I have joined the ranks of the communication connoisseurs; I’ve been trying to get my hands on an iPhone 4S.  After all, I was due an upgrade from my cell phone provider and I was simply becoming tired of my antique Blackberry.   Like everybody [...]

Over the past year I have come across multiple cases in which small- to medium-size businesses had not paid independent contractor services on a timely basis – or even at all.  I’m fully aware of the tough economic times we are experiencing in this country; however, it isn’t fair to take advantage of a one-person-shop.  [...]

This past month, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper illustrated the ease of negotiating a couple of big deals that would benefit the state’s bottom line.  The largest deal calls for the relocation of Arrow Electronics’ headquarters from New York to Colorado by the end of the year.  This move would not only generate new job opportunities [...]

Steve Jobs’ recent death has prompted me to contemplate the influence he had in this world.  Over the past week, people have posted his quotes across different social media outlets.  All of his words and thoughts are still impactful; they have definitely made a contribution to what and how we are living these days.  However, [...]

While watching the nightly news, I saw a segment about people’s most annoying habits.  At the top of the list was “arriving late”.  This finding didn’t surprise me; in the past month, close to half of the people with whom I met arrived late.  They entered the room very apologetically.  They had a colorful list [...]

While taking a much needed break from blogging, I was able to absorb what is really affecting and impacting our lives.  Don’t worry, I won’t be addressing the debt ceiling debate or how Washington is broke.  Instead I would like to focus on how people are communicating with their loved ones, especially children, on social [...]

In my last blog I emphasized the importance of embracing criticism, no matter the source.  I have since received several notes from you, my readers, indicating how the criticism you have received only included general adjectives, such as “mellow-ish,” “passionate,” and “flat”.  You expressed to me how you couldn’t really figure out what needed to [...]

One of the most important things I have learned from watching my 10-year-old daughter participate in dance competitions is the importance of embracing criticism.  Not only is it mandatory for dancers to attend award ceremonies where rankings and ratings are handed out, they also must review detailed judge evaluation forms full of criticism. Looking back [...]

Recently I watched a piece on The Today Show about how current graduates, as well as career changers are focusing on landing non-paid internship opportunities while waiting to receive a full time paid gig.  Although I think that is a great idea, I felt the story overlooked a couple of important issues regarding how to [...]

In my last blog I provided three venues (mental, physical, and verbal) through which to manage your anger.  I thought it might be appropriate to now address how to manage the situation when the anger is coming from your subordinates, colleagues, bosses, and/or family members.  It is one thing managing your own anger; however, when [...]

Unfortunately, these days it’s common to hear about famous people having to go into rehabilitation – not only for drugs and alcohol; but also for anger.  Take, for instance singer Chris Brown, an amazing talent gone terribly wrong.  What about Charlie Sheen and Lindsey Lohan?  And the list goes on.  I guess the anger management [...]

Although we continually hear that the economy is starting to recover, I have several students and colleagues who are struggling with their current salaries or trying to find a job that offers remuneration compatible with their skills and availability.  Recently one of my former students inquired as to how she could secure a salary increase [...]

How many times have you received an email that makes you wonder what the other person was thinking? In my line of work, I experience this almost daily.  I must admit that many times I just want to hit that “reply” button – but not before giving that person a piece of my mind!  However, [...]

No matter your profession, negotiation is part of your work.  Think about the last time you met with your boss to discuss projects, overall performance, or a raise.  What about a committee meeting to update your company’s strategic plan?  In these situations you have to engage in some level of negotiation; from setting the agenda [...]

I just love how social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter have changed our ways of communication.  Those of us who enjoy visiting these sites daily, hourly, or more often really embrace the sense of being part of a community that provides immediate feedback. Recently I have read several posts that make me ask [...]

The New Year is around the corner; the time of year when we think about making new life resolutions.  Some of the top New Year’s resolutions are weight loss, exercise, quitting smoking, and debt reduction.  But I once read an anonymous quote that touted, “A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one Year [...]

In my last blog I provided some tips on how to better understand the reasons why you perhaps weren’t selected for a particular job.  I received several emails indicating scenarios where the tips were deployed; however, calls weren’t returned.  If this happens to you, what should you do? For starters don’t assume you aren’t a [...]

Let’s face it – we have all, on occasion, dreaded the Holiday Season.  But this doesn’t mean we aren’t caring individuals!  It just means we experience higher levels of stress that may be making us react in a less welcoming way. How is it we could feel sadness, stress, and even disillusionment during the holiday [...]

Over the past few months I have been on several business trips where I have witnessed interesting behavioral interactions.  It is amazing how short-tempered we can easily become when a flight is delayed, when we aren’t assigned our desired seats, or when the snacks provided aren’t to our liking.  When I come across these experiences [...]

Over the past couple of weeks I have trained multiple audiences on the topic, “How to Negotiate a Win-Win Outcome.”  No matter the audience I was always asked, “How on earth can you reach a win-win outcome when you are sure that your approach is the correct one and the other party’s is not?”  I’m [...]

With election-day quickly approaching we all have seen an increase in the number of yard signs scattered across our neighborhoods.  And with yard signs come the issues of where they should be posted and how neighbors feel about seeing yard signs supporting an opposing party/candidate.  A friend of mine recently encountered this dilemma.  She proudly [...]

As you may remember in my last blog I offered five questions to ask in the first phase of an interview process.  I would like to add a supplement to that blog that addresses a few tips on how to move your job negotiation forward. Let’s face it – job searching is negotiation!  That’s right; [...]

Any job interview is difficult.  Nowadays first rounds of interviews are being conducted over the phone.  During these interviews you aren’t only trying to sell yourself as an ideal candidate, you need to gain the most information possible about the company.  Many times we don’t focus on the latter, since our goal is to get [...]

I know I’m the first one to advise clients, colleagues, and friends to be open about their expectations and needs.  However, I have to admit; it’s easier said than done.  Many times we don’t feel comfortable communicating these things since they may not be what others want to hear.  This is most prevalent when discussing [...]

As a consultant I have been involved with several clients’ strategic planning processes.  Their main hurdles go beyond simply balancing the budget; the core issue they have is examining the capability of their management teams to serve as effective leaders while acting as successful managers.  Unfortunately these days, managers in organizations of all sizes struggle [...]

These days interviewing skills are more important than ever, even if you are currently employed.  We go through our entire adult lives being interviewed for jobs, projects, assignments, etc.; therefore it is imperative we know how to interview correctly and effectively.  Let me start by saying that all of us can improve our interviewing skills [...]

Some of us enjoy public speaking more than others.  In today’s fast moving economy public speaking has become a necessity.  However, according to a variety of national surveys fear of public speaking ranks among Americans’ top phobias, surpassing fears of illness, flying, terrorism, and even the fear of death itself. Even with a college minor [...]

Many of us have served on non-profit boards.  This pro-bono offering not only provides us with pride and an outlet to giveback, but it also allows us to market our skills and hopefully expand our networks.  In other words, we serve in order to get something tangible back. I have served on multiple boards over [...]