Four Steps to Effective Listening

My writers group could use a class in listening. Last night we were in a restaurant reading a scene from a fellow screenwriter's script. When we were finished, the writer said, "I'll take any suggestions on the ending."

Everyone spoke up at once. It was chaos—everyone talking over the top of each other to be heard.

Four Easy Ways to Show Respect in the Workplace

Overheard a conversation during a conference...OK, maybe I was eavesdropping a bit—but it went something like this...

First Guy, "I'm thinking about quitting. I don't get the respect I deserve there."

Connecting Quickly in Business

I just spent a week on jury duty. For two days a group of 70 of us were questioned by attorneys to see if we had any attitudes or biases that would make us unfit jurors on a criminal trial.

Attorneys can no longer grill potential jurors individually, so they use more of a "Donahue style" approach—walking around, asking questions like Phil Donahue used to do in his talk show, getting the audience to participate.

Four Ways to Inspire Your Employees

I have a friend who is looking for a new job. When I asked what was prompting the move, she said "My job review."

"Really?" I asked. "I thought you were doing great."

"I am. But my supervisor said that my talents were being wasted there. And he didn't have a position that would allow me to grow. He said, he would hate to lose me, but in all honesty I should find another job."

Three Improv Skills that Can Better Your Business Communication

I knew I had problems communicating when I blanked out during a local commercial shoot. I was in high school and was asked to say a few things about our county fair. I remember smiling and the camera light coming on. But then the next thing I remember is me wrapping it up, saying "Oh God, yeah. That's the county fair all right."

Attracting with Attitude

Have you ever walked into a business and felt within seconds that you wanted to leave?  That is your natural "flight" response kicking in.  The sad fact is that even though some employees may intentionally send that "Get out of here!" or "What the h#*! do you want?" signal, most employees are unaware that they are repelling the very people they depend on to keep their jobs.

11 Warning Signs Your Employees May Be Ripping You Off

Are your employees stealing? The warning signs of possible theft or other criminal activity aren’t always easy to spot. Sometimes there’s no forewarning. But, internal theft is different. The warning signs are almost always right in front of us…if we’re paying attention.