Thinking Out Loud

Planning for the Big Conversation

When contemplating having an important conversation, we tend to think of all the things we would like to say, as well as the negative replies we might hear. Important conversations, however, involve two people trying to come to an understanding in a dynamic environment, with no way of knowing how the conversation will unfold. This give and take experience is a process involving many skills: Read More

Leadership Hancock County

January-May, 2013—University College of Maine

I’ll be teaching three programs to the new Leadership Hancock County class of 2013. Of course they’ll be focused around communication in the workplace, emphasizing leadership skills development. This is my third year teaching for LHC. We’ve had eager, engaged participants, which makes teaching a real pleasure.

To learn more about LHC click here.

Devoting Resources

Change is tricky business, especially when it comes to relationships. First, there’s a challenge involved—acceptance, which is about a sober recognition of the way things really are. Acceptance is not acquiescence, but it is a starting point for “real” change. Without acceptance we tend to watch and wait for the other person to do the changing, and when they don’t it fuels our inclination to blame them . . . and blame, of course, does not encourage collaboration toward solutions or resolution. Read More

Reframing?

Lloyd is CEO of a small manufacturing company. He’s a master at figuring out systems to organize efficient processes. He loves the challenge—deciding on the best outcome and then analyzing tasks to achieve the goal. The employees respect Lloyd’s knowledge and intelligence, his work ethic, and commitment to the employees and the company. Read More