How to Stop the End of the Year Craziness

Are you overwhelmed yet? Do you need a break from wrapping up the year, preparing for the holidays and thinking about next year? I do. Before we lose ourselves in the craziness of the next few weeks, can we take a few minutes to just pause and breathe? Here’s a better question

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Dealing with the Unpleasant and Unexpected

What to Do When Your Good Day Falls Apart Been to the ER recently? I have. After presenting to a crowd of human resource professionals and seeing long-time friends at one of my favorite conventions, I left to meet with a potential client. On the way to the parking garage,

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Risking Embarrassment to Get What You Want

Would You Risk Looking a Little Foolish? Earlier this month was the 50th Anniversary of my alma mater Berkner High School. Alums were invited to participate in the Homecoming pep rally and game. Former members of my drill team, the Bandoleras, were asked to perform a dance at the community

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How to Deal with Office Bullies

Have you heard about the Florida fourth grader who was bullied at school for wearing his homemade University of Tennessee shirt on college day? His story has a happy ending. After his teacher posted the incident on Facebook, his story went viral and resulted in a swell of support, a

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Have You Ever Had Stage Fright?

Presenting with Power Ready for a great example of someone who knows how to Ask Outrageously? Recently, Jordan Ramirez wanted to surprise his wife Dani Austin, an Instagram and blogging sensation, with something unique. He wanted a speaking coach to help her feel more comfortable with her upcoming presentations. Guess

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Why Women Have a Hard Time Negotiating

One of the bonuses of my work is hearing reports of how others ask for and receive outrageous results including promotions with pay increases, new jobs, donations for non-profit organizations, new clients, and deals on big purchases. In a recent email, Mariann shared her results and insights from asking: Linda

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How Wonder Woman Manages Drama and Why You Should Too

This year my Mother’s Day gift was to meet Lynda Carter, the Wonder Woman from my childhood. Do you remember her invisible plane or “Lasso of Truth” that forced others to tell the truth? Wouldn’t that lasso be handy at times? My friend Elizabeth and I, with several hundred others,

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Opposites Attract Except in Negotiating

Years ago, Gregg and I had to convince our premarital counselor that our wedding was a good idea. Our counselor was deeply concerned about our results on the “Are You Compatible” assessment. He boldly asked us, “What exactly do you two have in common?” We weren’t worried because the assessment

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When Should You Walk Away From a Negotiation?

In the news recently we witnessed Amazon pull out of discussions with New York for an office in Long Island, and the President walked away from conversations with North Korea. While there are several reasons why these powerhouses didn’t come to an agreement, there is a bigger message for us.

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How to Negotiate with People You Don’t Like

February is usually the time we focus on the people we love. February is also Presidents’ month. No matter your political affiliation, do you “feel the love” coming from DC from those we elected to serve us? I don’t. And they certainly don’t show love, or even respect, for each

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Negotiating the New Year: Quit Making Resolutions

It’s been a week since New Year’s Day. If you made resolutions, are you upholding or ignoring them? Remember those homemade goodies you devoured? Are you neglecting your workout equipment at home? Did you look the other way as you drove past a fitness facility? Is there a project at

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Negotiating a Change You Didn’t Want

A few weeks ago I received some unexpected news. My business manager of seven years, Zan Jones, told me she accepted an incredible full-time medical sales position. Frankly, I was torn between my excitement for her and concern about how my speaking business would be impacted. Although I show leaders

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