Blog

Changing behaviour for a different outcome: How do you break free of the same old patterns?

How much do you really think for yourself? I mean really question…

In the days after the death of Margaret Thatcher I’ve been struck by the enormous depth of feeling about her and her policies that many people still demonstrate on whichever side of the political fence they sit.

So clearly we don’t forget…or do we? You’d think the apparent high level of emotional response and political argument her death has generated would signify a clear memory of that era and the decisions made.

You’d think that as a nation and as leaders in the workplace we could learn from the triumphs and disasters of history to build a bigger and brighter future for all.  Read more

opposing chairs across a negotiating table

Conflict Resolution: How to minimise conflict and get more of what you want…

For many reasons we can get exasperated with people as we try desperately to get them to do what we want.

The workplace can easily seem like a bloody battleground as wills collide over what needs to be done and how it should be achieved. Although some people thrive on conflict and actively seek it out – the majority of us find it stressful and exhausting.

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.

This wise quote is often attributed to Harry S Truman but actually Bob Woodruff said similar and rumour has it so did Eleanor Roosevelt – so, ironically, let’s leave who gets the credit for this as an open door…

Whatever the case, it seems that the neediness of our fragile egos can trip us up on a regular basis when it comes to influencing and negotiating effectively. The good news in conflict resolution is that much of this hassle is completely unnecessary.

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Effective communication

That’s not what I meant! 3 steps to effective communication

It may surprise you to know that miscommunication is the norm.

We’re often surprised when someone misunderstands us. Situations where:

  • What I say and what you hear are different
  • I have a thought and think I’ve told you but I haven’t
  • Despite being told many times, you still don’t remember what I said
  • I don’t understand what you say, but don’t tell you
  • I read more into your body language than is really there
  • You don’t understand where I’m coming from and vice versa
  • I think you’ve agreed to do something but you haven’t.

The list goes on and on!

So what can we do to make our communication clearer and more memorable?

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