I made a mistake. Not a big deal- everyone makes mistakes. I’ve you’re a regular reader of this blog you know that mistakes are a-okay! I might- okay I have- even gone so far as to say there’s no such thing as mistakes, instead there’s just life. There’s learning, and growing, and living. Think of a small child learning to … Read More
The best lessons I learned (so far) in Toastmasters
Toastmasters is, by far, the most enjoyable and engaging professional organization I’ve had the pleasure to be part of. Every meeting I learn and grow with a lot of laughs and fun in the process! I’ve been a member of Toastmasters International for 1 1/2 years and in that time I’ve gotten so much more out of Toastmasters than I … Read More
How To Deal With Conflict
Conflict happens regularly in life. Conflict often arises when minor disagreements go unnoticed or unaddressed and become larger issues. In other cases we experience unnecessary stress over perceived conflicts because we have been conditioned to focus on negative experiences. How we deal with conflict has a significant impact on our health, happiness, and success in life. By overcoming emotional attachments … Read More
Give feedback that gives back
One of the most valuable skills I’ve learned in Toastmasters is how to give helpful and encouraging evaluations. I’ve learned the best feedback is constructive and motivating. Most of us have many opportunities to give professional feedback. Managers need to give feedback regularly (not just once a year!), as do committee members, project leaders, team members, and customers. We all … Read More
6 Things Not To Say In The Workplace
I read an article listing the top things never to say to your boss. It was a ridiculous article that focused on the boss’s needs and made employees sound like whiny self-centered complainers, which in my professional experience this is very rarely the case. The vast majority of people I’ve worked with throughout my career have been hard-working and dedicated … Read More
Complain The Right Way
If you want to live a happy life, you’ve got to stop complaining! But sometimes complaining is a good thing- if you complain the right way. Complaining can be an effective way to express yourself, spark positive change, and release your stress. Enjoying the benefits of complaining is all about complaining the right way- the right way to a happier … Read More
3 Awesome Benefits of Being a Toastmaster
When I joined Toastmasters International seven months ago I didn’t know how much I would grow and how much fun I’d have doing it! Toastmasters has been an amazing experience and I want to tell you just what’s so great about it. Toastmasters International is an educational organization that teaches communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. What I have gained … Read More
6 Email Rules For Good Communication
Email communication isn’t just about getting work done, it’s about building relationships and reputations. Effective email communication isn’t as easy as it seems and poor email etiquette is all too common in business, and life, today. The way you communicate with others not only communicates information contained in your email, it also contains information about you- who you are- your … Read More
How to deal with difficult people
Working with a difficult person can make you miserable! No one wants to be miserable at work- at least I don’t- and if you’re reading this article I imagine you don’t want to be miserable, either. Years ago I found myself miserable at work. I worked with the most difficult person I’ve ever met, and what was formerly a job … Read More
How to give constructive feedback
Maintaining positive, healthy relationships requires good communication and constructive feedback. Many of us shy away from sharing feedback, while others share it a little too freely. Giving constructive criticism appropriately is not easy for most of us- myself included! What is constructive criticism? Dictionary.com defines constructive as: 1. constructing or tending to construct; helping to improve; promoting further development or … Read More