You choke up with sadness, and your friend sits with you without words. You bubble with delight that you got the new job, and your friend comes for a late-notice glass of wine to celebrate. You grind your teeth in confusion about your relationship, and your friend talks it through with you without judgement. Friendships are… Read more
On Love, Death, and No Regrets
Have you ever lost someone important in your life? Someone you loved dearly. Who one day was there, and then just…gone? It’s a hard thing to bear. Every little thing reminds you of them – from a song to a television programme, to a certain kind of shirt. From an accent to a model of car… Read more
Who’s in Your Corner? 7 Ways to Connect With Kindred Spirits
Have you ever been to an event, or been involved in an activity, where you felt surrounded by people who shared your values? People who were focused on similar goals, or felt like truly kindred spirits? People who really ‘got it’? A couple of weeks ago, I went to Portland, Oregon, USA to attend WDS2015 –… Read more
Why Are You Avoiding The Moment?
You’re chatting with a friend, and they head to the bathroom. You pick up your phone and play candy crush. You’re waiting for the train, and you’re early. You take out your tablet and look at Facebook. You’re in the queue at the supermarket checkout, and it’s lo-o-o-o-ng. You take out your phone and flick… Read more
Managing Relationships with Colleagues Who, Frankly, Just Aren’t That Good At Their Jobs
A frequent conversation I seem to have with, basically, anyone who works, is that at least one – maybe more – of their colleagues is just not that good at their job, and there follows a discussion of all the hassle and frustrations this creates. When I was working in a big organisation, I used to… Read more
8 interactive tips to understand – and improve – your impact on others
On a plane recently, a very loud man several seats away made me consider how, and indeed whether, we understand our own impact. Did he realise that he was talking about confidential issues in a voice the whole plane could hear? Managing your impact is something I discuss a lot in one to one development sessions with others… Read more
8 helpful tips on giving feedback that really makes a difference
When did you last give someone feedback? Useful, constructive, positive feedback that could improve your relationship with them, or help them do their job better? Feedback is a scary topic. The subject of many management training sessions in the workplace, and at the same time, one of the things we’re (particularly in the uber-polite, sometimes slightly… Read more
9 tips on how to receive feedback gracefully
Done well, giving feedback is a critical part of setting boundaries and being assertive, as well strengthening relationships and building trust. Done badly, it’s a nuclear explosion. We’re often taught to give feedback – we’ve even written a post on it. But has anyone ever told you how to receive feedback? I remember having this discussion… Read more
