How do you show appreciation? I was recently reminded of the impact of truly expressing gratitude—it goes a long way!
Watch this video to learn more about meaningful appreciation.
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Enhance your presence
Heading to your next conference? Resist the urge to stick with your usual crew! Step out of your comfort zone, introduce yourself to someone new, and see where the conversation takes you. You never know what opportunities might come from that first hello! Watch this video to learn more...
Want people to remember your name? Train them to do so! It’s easier than you think. Watch this video to discover how.
What's the REAL challenge for you here?
What's the real CHALLENGE for you here?
What's the real challenge for YOU here?
Did you notice how the emphasis changes the meaning entirely? How we deliver our words can shift someone’s perspective—or even our own. Sometimes, the right tone and focus are all it takes to unlock deeper insights. Watch this video to learn more...
I just watched someone transform a scripted message into something personal and engaging—it was fascinating to see! It’s a simple technique we can all use. Check out this video to learn how.
Are you operating on a vertical or horizontal plane? Alfred Adler spoke about superiority vs. inferiority—challenging us to consider if anyone truly holds more value than another. When we see everyone as equal, we navigate life and work with a fresh perspective. Let’s aim to build relationships that reflect respect and equality. Watch this video to learn more!
Confidence is the key to truly serving others. It’s about believing in yourself, your skills, and the value you bring to the table. When you’re confident, you’re not just focused on yourself—you’re focused on how you can help others. In this video, I share practical tips on how to project confidence during meetings, so you can engage more effectively and make a lasting impact.
We often critique presenters, but what about the audience? Next time you're in the audience, consider this: How can you show up fully? Your engagement, attention, and energy are just as important to the success of the experience. Watch this video to learn more and let me know what you think!
Ever been caught off guard by someone saying something uncomfortable and felt like you needed more time to respond? As a slow thinker myself, I've found that taking a moment to pause and gather my thoughts can make all the difference. Instead of feeling pressured to respond immediately, try these approaches that I share in the video below. Let me know what you think!
It's easy to fall into the trap of making assumptions about what our colleagues or teams need without verifying. But are these assumptions accurate? Are we truly delivering what's necessary to support their success? The solution is simpler than you might think: Just ask! Watch this video to learn more...
Recently, I had the privilege of witnessing an individual demonstrate exceptional professional integrity and skill in their field. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that dedication and mastery can have, not just on the quality of work produced, but on inspiring those around them. Watch this video to learn more and let's discuss how we can all apply these principles to enhance our work and inspire our teams.
Notice your inner expert by listening to your audience. I noticed something about a group I was working with recently that hit me in the face, and in the heart.
After my presentation, a few came up to me to thank me and then they went into an extended description of what I did that apparently was especially meaningful to them. I was touched and I discovered a bit of what they experienced from me, my inner expert.
It reminded me to do the same when I am in the audience. A simple “Thank you” is certainly very nice. However, a “May I tell you what you did that helped me, touched me, encouraged me…?” is much, much better for the one telling and the one receiving.
Do you live and work on a vertical level with those ‘above’ and others ‘below’? Some marriages are like that. Some corporate teams operate like that too. The one on ‘top’ as somehow superior to the others. Some even relish this superiority. Those ‘below’ understand that this set up is meant for obedience and conformity, to be careful, stay in line, don’t rock the boat.
Other teams operate on a horizontal level: with each person being respected as ‘social equals’ who are contributing to the whole. Not all are the ‘same’ but all are contributing with collaboration and mutual respect.
How is it where you live? Where you work? In your family of origin? What I find interesting about the vertical set up is that the real power belongs to those below: if they move, guess who falls!?
When you present your facility and its people to the Board of Directors, your city council, or your state representatives remind yourself that they will remember the feeling you portray, not the content alone. Your statistics need to have heart as well as head in them.
Not only stories about patients but perhaps people telling the story, willing patients and families, doctors and housekeepers, nurses and maintenance. What would it be like to have them present? Interview them, bring the face and feeling of your place to the meeting. This is what they will remember long after the meeting is over. This brings excitement about your place to your audience’s understanding.
I challenge you to embrace the power of presence. Whether it's a meeting, a conversation, or any moment of connection, bring not just your head, but your heart and all of your energy into it. Truly engage, listen deeply, and fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Let's transform ordinary interactions into meaningful connections. Are you ready to bring your whole self to every moment today?
When we dive into conversations, it's tempting to jump in with our thoughts and solutions. But here's a powerful approach I've been practicing: Ask First!
Before sharing your ideas, take a moment to ask questions. This simple step can transform your interactions. It helps you gather more information, truly understand the other person's perspective, and tailor your response effectively.
Asking questions demonstrates your genuine interest and commitment to understanding their needs or challenges. It creates a space where both parties feel heard and valued, fostering stronger connections and more meaningful conversations.
Next time you’re in a discussion, pause and ask. You might be surprised by how much more insightful and productive your conversations become!
What are some of your favorite questions to ask in a conversation? Share below and let's learn from each other's approaches!
Ever thought about the difference between praise and encouragement? The problem with praise - "You are a great student" or "You are the best at this" - it's often easily brushed off with a simple "I'm not that great."
But what about encouragement? It's about recognizing effort and resilience: "I noticed how hard you worked on that assignment" or "I felt inspired by how the team came together when Shanita was in the hospital." Encouragement speaks to the effort, movement, strength, and faith in the person. It's even impactful in the face of failure. Think about Olympic beach volleyball players - they high five after every play, regardless of the outcome.
Imagine saying to someone after a great presentation: "Nice job, great speech." Now compare that with: "I must tell you how much I liked the way you emphasized the importance of nurses collaborating with physicians in the ICU last week."
See the difference? Encouragement is specific, genuine, and resonates on a deeper level. It's not just about what was achieved but how it was achieved.
Let's shift our focus from general praise to specific encouragement. It can make all the difference in motivating and uplifting those around us. Share your thoughts or experiences with encouragement vs. praise!
Ever caught yourself sounding like a sports commentator in meetings? You know, those moments when punctuation seems to vanish, and words just keep rolling out non-stop.
It's time for a little self-awareness check! Are you the one doing all the talking in meetings? Here's a pro tip: Try tossing a question into the mix and then... wait for it... actually pause for the answer! It's not just about sharing your thoughts; it's about fostering a two-way conversation.
Let's turn our meetings from monologues into dialogues! Your team will thank you for it.
“Is it an oasis or a mirage?” is a quote from the movie, The Way Back. Set during World War II, the plot follows the incredible 4,000-mile on foot journey of a few escaped prisoners leaving Siberia, ending up in India. The quote was conflict for them since the ‘oasis’ was going west (or east!) when they needed to continue south. In the end, one brave soul simply started walking and others followed.
Firstly, how do we know? Secondly, how do we REALLY know? For some of us, we want 100% certainty before we take a step, for others 80% is plenty to make a decision with. Still for others, we are very, very happy when someone else makes the decision!
This is the point where courage, bravery as it were, comes in handy. When all eyes are fixed on one thing, what would happen if you moved your eyes to another and openly wondered? “I wonder if….” or “Could it be….” or “What would happen if…”
The conflicts and arguments are often about one thing with eyes fixed to see what they want to see. The leader in you - indeed, the brave in you - can muster a discussion, a conversation, instead of a heated argument with lasting mini resentments. After all we are not in the desert, just thirsty to be heard! What are your thoughts?
Last week a member of a meeting mentioned the following about a physician that was not present, “He’s a really good surgeon, but…” Immediately a nurse spoke up with, “If you have to put a ‘but’ after his name…he’s not that good!” Awkward silence began!
Do you know some terrific people who have those three silent letters, ‘but’… after their name? True or not, deserved or not, even perfectly descriptive or not, that ‘but’ after their name not only hurts them, it hurts you: how you interact with them, speak about them, and judge them. Our presence is fully dependent on how we enhance the other’s presence.
If instead we add three letters, ‘AND’, after their name then the fullness of the life of the person, despite their flaws, enriches us with full presence.
Listen to how the word ‘but’ is used with people and ideas at meetings and how disconnective it can be. Do you have any examples you can share?