Can’t we all just be friends?

Can’t we all just be friends?

Sometimes people have an expectation that when you work together as a team, everyone needs to be friends — buddies who go out and do things together outside of work time. Many teams do function like that, and that’s fine if it works. But not all teams have to function...
Thinking about getting a writing assistant?

Thinking about getting a writing assistant?

Every once in a while I’m asked by colleagues about my writing assistant, Tara. It’s been a huge time saver for me to have someone to help me write my books, prepare presentations, design training materials, and even write these blog entries. Sometimes people ask me...
Open vs closed questions

Open vs closed questions

I’ve noticed that people who ask closed questions are most often trying to lead the other person, trying to anticipate the answer, or trying to validate their own perspective. Essentially, they are trying to control or steer the conversation to a predetermined...
Getting there early

Getting there early

One way to practice treating people with respect is by getting to appointments on time or early. When you leave for an appointment, always leave enough margin for the unexpected—which will often happen. By the same token, always bring something with you to do or to...
Intuitive leaders in 8th grade

Intuitive leaders in 8th grade

An 8th grade girl I know had the following conversation with her mom: Daughter: “I think now that I’m going into high school next year, there might be enough kids in the church youth group for them to start having a separate group for the high schoolers. They could...
The intentional leader

The intentional leader

Here’s one thing I have discovered about leaders in any culture: They’re just a bit more intentional and strategic than the other folks. I watched a leader in Honduras who had a very relaxed way of making connections with people. He’d drop by, talk for a while. In the...