From the category archives:

Relationship Communication Skills

“I Hear You” is the new “I Love You”

January 15, 2012
Thumbnail image for “I Hear You” is the new “I Love You”

Have you ever wanted someone to truly feel that you are listening to them?  Have you ever wanted to lovingly acknowledge what someone was saying even though you didn’t agree with it?  How to you acknowledge feedback from someone, especially if you don’t agree with it?   People want to be Genuinely Seen and Heard As shared in [...]

Read the full article →

Actions and Reactions Speak Louder Than Words

November 16, 2011
Thumbnail image for Actions and Reactions Speak Louder Than Words

Have you ever felt like you were getting mixed messages from someone? Has someone’s actions, or reactions, ever surprised you? Have you ever wondered what someone was thinking? Thought Precedes Action To get insight into what someone is thinking simply look at their actions because thought precedes action.  What people do, especially over time, represents [...]

Read the full article →

5 Tips on How to Listen Effectively

February 27, 2011
Thumbnail image for 5 Tips on How to Listen Effectively

When you are talking, or thinking about what you are going to say, you are not 100% open to hear and connect with the person you are with.  Effective listening skills foster positive and productive personal and professional relationships.  5  Tips of How to Listen Effectively 1)       Close your mouth!  You cannot talk with your mouth closed.  As [...]

Read the full article →

Open-Ended Questions at Work

January 15, 2011
Thumbnail image for Open-Ended Questions at Work

Since “Open-Ended Questions Build Relationships” is one of our most popular blogs, below are some examples of open-ended versus close-ended questions you can use in the workplace. In many cases, you really do need to give or receive a specific piece of information or to gain commitment (yes/no); however, using open-ended questions facilitates enhanced levels of cooperation, shows respect and [...]

Read the full article →

Communication Checkpoints

October 15, 2010
Thumbnail image for Communication Checkpoints

Have you ever thought that someone didn’t like you because of the way they looked at you?  Have you ever received feedback that surprised you during your annual review at work?  Did you ever go to a movie with a friend and feel like you had seen different movies? Personal Filters Each of us sees life through our own [...]

Read the full article →

Open-Ended Questions Build Relationships

June 17, 2010
Thumbnail image for Open-Ended Questions Build Relationships

Did you do your homework?  Did you complete your business plan?  Did you get the job you wanted?  Did you take out the trash? Do you sometimes feel that someone’s question is really a statement, a request, a judgment, or a directive?   What is an Open-Ended Question? Unlike closed-ended questions, open-ended questions require more [...]

Read the full article →

Needs are Important…Really Important

May 16, 2010
Thumbnail image for Needs are Important…Really Important

We all have needs.  Are you afraid to express your needs because not expressing them holds a hope inside of you that there is always a chance that you will get what you want? Are you afraid to express your needs because they may not manifest?  Do you support or assist others in fulfilling their needs? Wouldn’t [...]

Read the full article →

Not All Upsets are Created Equal

March 16, 2010
Thumbnail image for Not All Upsets are Created Equal

An upset is anything that disturbs your peace of mind.  However, are all upsets created equal?  Is there a way for you to get ahead of your upset curve?  Can you laugh off some of your upsets when you see them coming? Wants, Needs, and Requirements According to Wikipedia, “Wants are often distinguished from needs. A [...]

Read the full article →

Silence is Golden…and Pauses are Too

February 14, 2010
Thumbnail image for Silence is Golden…and Pauses are Too

I invite you to pause and think about this: everything you say, you already know.  There isn’t anything you can say that you do not already know, or think that you know.  When you are talking, there is very little space for receiving knowledge, input or feedback from another person. Perhaps we were better off [...]

Read the full article →

Seeing from your Heart

December 27, 2009
Thumbnail image for Seeing from your Heart

What do you see when you look at someone?  Do you focus on their physical attributes, their clothes, their circumstances, their behavior or their beliefs?  When you see through “thinking eyes” it is easy to judge situations and people.   Thinking Eyes versus Seeing from your Heart When you see someone primarily with “thinking eyes” you [...]

Read the full article →