“Hire for attitude, train for skills” can be useful advice, but only up to a point. A person still needs the baseline knowledge and ability required for the role. You would not place someone in a specialized position simply because they are likable and enthusiastic. At the same time, a candidate who checks every technical … Read more
This is the last video in our series on building trust through language choice. In our first segment, we explored choosing your language. Then, in part two, we discussed leaning away from that choice as a means to connect. Today’s focus? Speaking the language of others. A first step is to work to speak the … Read more
This week, I’m introducing the topic of “building trust through language.” The words and mannerisms we use reveal a lot about our priorities and preferred communication styles. Depending on the “language” we naturally speak, it can either help us connect with others or potentially cause some misunderstandings. Connection leads to trust, so let’s make sure … Read more
One of my first experiences with Alan happened in October of 2018, when I enrolled in the Madison County Leadership Institute. During the class, Alan taped a large piece of paper on the wall and asked everyone to write down words to describe a good leader. The list included the following words: I admit I … Read more
An equation I’ve shared before: p=P-i If the product (p) we get is our potential (P) minus the interference (i), it’s helpful to identify the interference. One example of that is how some people react to being rushed to “think faster.” Except, hurrying doesn’t work for everyone. Have you ever been paralyzed when told to … Read more
Be bold. Strike out on your own. Chart your course. Do it first. Come out of your shell. Stake your claim. These sound natural in our culture, and you might see versions of them on posters in offices and locker rooms. They are meant to inspire and encourage hard work. But what about phrases like … Read more
Feelings play a role in every decision we make. We humans love to think of ourselves as fully logical and rational at our best, but we are wired to have emotions. And I’m glad we are. But, it’s also true that I don’t always make my best decisions when I’m emotionally charged. I can put … Read more
Earlier this year we conducted back-to-back DiSC sessions over five days for a single organization. While it was exhausting thanks to Zoom fatigue, it was also rewarding to see the proverbial light bulbs turning on above everyone’s head. In a breakout room, one participant even commented, “This is the missing piece I’ve been searching for!” I have never … Read more
Last week, we talked about why emotional intelligence is important in today’s workplace. We talk a lot on this blog about communication in the workplace and about the diversity of DiSC profiles. If you’d like to brush up on DiSC, check out this post, this post, this post, and this post. So, how does emotional … Read more
This post kicks off a three part mini-series about Emotional Intelligence (EQ). Emotional Intelligence is often defined in three parts:1) one’s ability to recognize and name their own emotional state (emotional awareness).2) one’s ability to use their emotional awareness to complete tasks and manage other life skills.3) one’s ability to manage their emotion (emotional regulation). … Read more