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 [...]

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 [...]

Each time I sit down to write a blog article, I try to focus on providing tips and insights that can inspire my readers.  For this blog I have decided to share a recent interview Oprah Winfrey conducted with Maya Angelou on her birthday.  Not only is she inspirational, she really knows how to really [...]

In a recent Facebook post I initiated a dialogue regarding the best advice you could provide a female colleague about working in Corporate America or a large company.  The advice ranged from “find a mentor”… to “run for your life!” I wholeheartedly believe women have the right to prosper in any career situation, be it [...]

I often have the “What is my ideal job environment?” conversation with my coaching clients.  It is amazing how they yearn for some type of description to which they can refer.  I would like to share a list of questions that will hopefully guide you through the process of creating such a description for yourself. [...]

Proud to be keynote speaker of Mi Casa’s 2nd Annual Be Anything Luncheon.  This luncheon is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 21, 2010 from 11:30 to 1:00p.m. at Denver Athletic Club.  For more information or to reserve a seat please call Cheryl at 303.539.5609 or email her at cbalchunas@MiCasaResourceCenter.org.  Hope to see you [...]

We have all felt as if we don’t have enough bandwidth. Our “To-Do” lists are ridiculously long yet we are expected to attend a mountain of meetings.  As the stress continues to increase our tempers become short – even our closest colleagues dread dealing with us!  Worst of all we’ve gotten into the habit of [...]

Recently I conducted an unofficial poll on Facebook asking for suggestions on how to manage conflict discussion with a boss.  Several excellent answers were offered, including one which indicated the importance of knowing when to use and not use email. In today’s digital world email has become one of the most utilized communication venues at [...]

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 [...]

Tragically, the number of my unemployed friends continues to rise.  Although I’m not able to provide them with jobs I do offer a sympathetic ear and, when asked, some tips on how to navigate the many aspects of the unemployment maze.  In these conversations I have come to appreciate the overwhelming degree of confusion that [...]

I am known for saying, “what goes around come around.”  Unfortunately, the times I am prompted to use this expression are usually due to negative experiences in dealing with somebody.  I would like to take this opportunity to share an amazing story sent to me by my older brother Oscar on how “what goes around [...]

As I continue to gain clients for my coaching services I’m noticing a common yet troubling reoccurring theme – how erroneous communication ends up in harmful misrepresentation and devaluation of my clients’ services.  Recently I provided council to my client Ann on this subject.  She had graciously offered to speak, pro bono, at her local [...]

Recently one of my conflict-coaching clients, Sofia, arrived at a difficult crossroads with her colleague Tim.  As a grant writer Sofia establishes partnerships with other grant writers to gain economies of scales.  Her partnership with Tim had reaped amazing returns…until a couple of months ago.  It had come to light that certain issues had been [...]

You may recall my first blog post of 2010 in which I shared how my remarkable team of professionals lost a six-figure government proposal.  Since that challenging experience I have witnessed amazing returns.  I have learned it does pay to ask the difficult questions when you are being rejected.  Based on the answers received you [...]

How many of us have ever experienced an earthquake?  Being raised in Puerto Rico I lived through a few hurricanes, but never an earthquake.  The devastation Haiti recently experienced from a 7.0 magnitude earthquake has been awful.  It is so hard to watch the images and videos of the location while the death toll continues [...]

Recently I assembled an amazing group of professionals to prepare and compete for a six-digit government proposal.  Our offering was solid; subsequently we were chosen as one of the three finalists.  Our team members spent hours organizing and ensuring our message was targeted and relevant.  Our hard work had paid off — or had it? [...]

Don’t you love how everyone on TV looks so happy during the holidays? Joy, peace, family, love, warm fireplaces, great gifts and lots of food. What’s not to like? We all know that TV views the holidays through rose colored glasses. For most of us, the holiday season brings increased stress levels along with all [...]

I recently traveled to Boston for a speaking engagement.  After a long day of work and a four-hour flight, I arrived exhausted. All I wanted was a warm bed.   I had reservations for transportation in Boston, and I knew that my final destination was a 30 to 45 minute ride from the airport. So [...]

The Three Cs for Employees No matter what kind of business they are in, many employees are feeling something they have never experienced before: the anxiety that accompanies an economy facing double-digit unemployment. Not since the 1980s have U.S. organizations struggled so much to remain competitive and productive. News reports only increase our stress levels, [...]

After spending a week with the family at Disney World, I have a new appreciation for the way that structure and awareness can be useful tools in creating a conflict-free environment. How can you get thousands of people from all over the world in a crowded amusement park and have no conflict? How does Disney [...]

I have a friend who lives far away. She likes to stay in touch by phone, and every time she calls, she reminds me “the phone works both ways.” As a conflict resolution professional, this notion comes up a lot. “Why am I always the one to call? Why can’t they call me once in [...]

It appears that everywhere we look, conflict is in the air. And it is only getting worse. After a summer of contentious town hall meetings ended with a Congressman heckling the President before a joint session of Congress, we moved on to ugly televised incidents involving tennis star Serena Williams and entertainer Kanye West. Is [...]