We just returned from our son’s company picnic in Wisconsin at Epic. Their company picnic was a BIG DEAL. At the #Epicnic, there was a wide variety of activities including games, fun food, and just a great time on the very unique, fun campus. Employees brought their families. At times,

You can’t do all it all by yourself, none of us can. ❓Which valuable relationships help you deal with your professional and personal successes and challenges? ❓Who are as committed to your own success as they are their own? Recently, I spoke on negotiations with GEMS which stands for Growth,

Have you ever thought, “I’m trying to negotiate with them, but it’s like we are speaking a different language. What’s their deal?” Maybe you mentally run through a checklist of how to improve your communication. Do they prefer:☑️more small talk to connect?☑️facts and details?☑️bullet points and the bottom line?☑️to keep

One of my most requested programs is How to Positively Negotiate Work Drama. People want to know how to stop complainers and energy drainers because they are exhausting and create unnecessary stress. The best ways to deal with the stress caused by negative people and work drama is to follow

On Friday, I had the privilege to be the graduation speaker at a leadership program. While working with these leaders and their predecessors over the past years, I’m impressed with their willingness to learn and openness to try very different approaches to improve their communication, leadership, and influence. We discussed

Negotiations involve more than objectives, strategies, and handling objections. There are people involved. People have different needs, interests, and ways of communicating. The way you approach one person can be absolutely the wrong way to deal with another. I polled my LinkedIn followers asking “What can get in the way

A few days back, my husband noticed our neighbor’s roof turbine was no longer on their roof. Instead, it had landed in our bushes with a windstorm. They were out of town for a few nights. With thunderstorms in the forecast, Gregg was concerned about the damage rain might create.

It was tough to sleep last night. Severe storms came through our area. Do you know when I also have trouble sleeping? It’s when I am worried whether I made a right decision or took the correct action. A while back I was given a video to review. The speaker

At 6:45 pm, several of our neighbors, including us, lost the power on our 220 circuit. That’s the line that provides power to the heavy electricity users like your appliances and air conditioning. It is hot in Texas (94 degrees yesterday). We managed for a few hours with extension cords

Most of us can point to someone who guided our values. My parents believed that you weren’t really winning if your efforts weren’t ethical. You didn’t cheat in games, were honest, and respected others. My mom knew when you weren’t telling the truth or acting with integrity. As a child,

Do you like to receive recognition? My husband, Gregg, insisted we purchase a trophy case to display my trophies, plaques, and items of recognition. The glass case sits at the top of my stairs, and I pass it on the way to my office. Gregg said, “Let’s stop storing those

There is a simple phrase you’ll often hear in negotiations regarding value. “An item or service is worth what someone will pay for it.” When negotiations are more complex, determining value often needs a broader discussion of what benefits and behaviors are desired by everyone involved. If parties understand what