Communication

Tabby and Alan on “Attitude Versus Actions”

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Address specific behaviors, rather than general assumed mindsets, like “attitude” for more effective communication. Also, some of you pointed out last week that the 90-second burn is longer than 90 seconds.  It is, but the content portion is about 90 seconds.  You may skip the introduction, and the silliness at the end, but you’d miss … Read more

What if someone doesn’t accept an apology?

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A couple weeks ago, I shared the Quantum Apology Formula. Two days ago, someone asked “Yeah, but what if your apology isn’t accepted?” The short answer is: It’s mostly on them.  They have to stay “above the line” or “out of the box” to accept.  However, only YOU control YOU, so you can’t make someone accept. … Read more

Things Successful Leaders Avoid Saying (Part 6)

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Leaders avoid saying things that shut down discussion and communication; some of these are obviously intended to do this, so using them can damage your credibility also. Here are some examples: “…Enough said.” or the colloquial “‘nuf said.” “Last time I checked,”  followed by something like “this was still a free country.” “Just sayin’” “No … Read more

Leaders say sorry, and mean it: The Quantum Apology Model

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Dear friend, fellow educator, and previous guest blogger Matt Pries likes to share the following model, with is derived from the Quantum Learning school of thought: AcknowledgeApologizeMake it RightRecommit A mnemonic to recall this AAMR model is “All About My Relationships.” And it works. Teach this to others as an antidote to those empty “sorry” … Read more

The coolest thing I’ve heard lately… (and why leaders should hear it, too)

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I’m not going to let my worst experience with someone define my relationship with them. Isn’t that great? Sometimes we have a bad experience with someone and think “whoa, now their true colors are finally coming out!” — and that puts us on guard in the future. Once bitten, twice shy (we think). But we … Read more

Leaders stay sensitive this time of year

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This is a “rerun” from last year; some events of the last month have convinced me to share it anew: We’re just a couple weeks from the Winter Solstice, the shortest darkest day of the year. A contrast to the holiday season, it can exacerbate hidden internal sadness in those around us. I love Christmas … Read more

Group Dynamic Primer Chapter Four: Communication

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If there’s one skill that leaders must master and habitually improve, it’s communication. If you read this blog, you’ll see that it’s a pretty popular area of concern. So many dysfunctions, productivity concerns, drama, misunderstandings, and performance failures can be traced directly to communication mis-steps. It’s tough to summarize this, but here’s an attempt: Communication … Read more

Effective Leaders Know When to Ignore the Tone

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“Samantha, please reinstate the afternoon tea and coffee cart for the residents, starting in November.” Samantha [delivered with sarcastic tone and an eye roll] replies, “Well, sure, why not. Last time we tried it, Beth in 4C took 10 tea bags. AND when I wasn’t looking, some of the staff drained the second pot of … Read more

Effective Leaders Take 3 Seconds to Say…

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If the two-word definition of leadership is “Meet needs,” then you have frequent opportunities to be very explicit about that mission by taking three seconds to ask some variation of: “Is there anything I can do to help you with that?” This was referred to in a previous post as the “cherry on top” of … Read more