Professional Development Blog
“Openness to learning and growing is partially achieved in how you deliver feedback in the moment, and partially in what you have done the days, weeks, and months prior to that moment.”
— Kristen B. Hubler | One on One 101
3 Minor Communication Adjustments that get Major results
Last week, I received a prescription reminder from CVS. For years, I have been getting text reminders like these from various organizations. If I'm being honest, I know I need them but have still always found them rather annoying. Leave me alone, I would think, I'll do it tomorrow. Therefore, on this particular occasion when I picked up my phone and checked the message, the last thing I was expecting to do was smile.
How to Ask for Feedback
Get in the Habit Series | Part 4
With a big smile on my face, I waited impatiently for him to look. The past hour I had spent researching and designing some table displays for upcoming book fairs and events I would be participating in. I was excited and wanted the closest person to me to share in that excitement, but I made the mistake many people make—I asked for feedback.
The Day I Decided to Quit
How to Make Difficult Conversations a Little Less Difficult | Part 3
A few years ago, right before I quit my job, I had a series of difficult conversations with the person I reported to. I was so angry because I had years of built up frustration. So many little things that I had chosen not to address because our organization had a culture to assume the best and give the benefit of the doubt. Which is great, and I wholeheartedly support it, but sometimes we swing too far in that direction and avoid having much needed, healthy confrontations. Looking back on the situation years later, I'm still glad I chose to leave. Fortunately, for my personal and professional growth, I did not leave the day I wanted to.
Stop Saying “so what I hear you’re saying is…”
How to Make Difficult Conversations a Little Less Difficult | Part 2
I have heard from many different people some version of the phrase So what I hear you're saying is…. It is a sentence that, when used in the right conversation, can be a good tool. On the other hand, when used in a difficult conversation, can destroy your chance of a positive outcome.
Using Affirmation When Giving Feedback
How to Make Difficult Conversations a Little Less Difficult | Part 1
When most people think about affirmation or self-affirmation, they might imagine someone looking into the mirror telling themselves they are strong and brave. I personally flashback to a Friend's episode where Chandler was trying to quit smoking and fell asleep to tapes reciting you are a strong, confident woman, and you don't need cigarettes. Which of course led him to wrapping a towel around his head and being more sensitive and prone to tears. Gender stereotypes aside, this is not what I'm talking about when I speak of affirmation.
Speaking to Make an Impact
Most people are surprised - and don't believe me - when I tell them I still get nervous in front of a crowd. I have been leading discussion groups, facilitating learning, and speaking in front of large audiences for over 15 years now. But I still get nervous. I like to tell people this, because when we look at those that appear confident, calm, and collected, it is very easy to put them in a different category than ourselves: I'll never be like that. We assume they have some natural talent that we don't have and will never have. While it may be true that we are all born different, it is also true that the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in front of an audience can be broken down into a few simple tips (and a lot of practice).