National Association of Catering Executives Sugarcreek Country Club

A politician recently said “Americans have a right to expect success.” Now I agree with this concept; what I disagree with is their definition of ’success’.  Even though ’success’ is not one of those ambiguous words we discuss in my communications seminars, people’s definition of ’success’, much (more…)

The H1N1 infection is small compared to the most recent ‘germ’ to affect us.  Yes, it’s true.  There is something that can spread more quickly and have a greater affect on mankind …. it’s contagious and, to make matters more difficult, people don’t have to touch, sneeze or cough to (more…)

At a recent Leadership workshop I facilitated, we opened the session sharing our ‘lessons learned’. Three had to do with listening and 12 had to do with effective communication. Among the responses were “check for understanding”, “avoid being judgmental”, “quick and constructive feedback, “daily communication” and “management by walking around”. (more…)

Words can comfort us, excite us, or set us off. There is a one in five chance that our message will be misunderstood. When we use words that immediately raise the defenses of the receiver of our messages, these words can be called “Fighting Words”. For instance, (more…)

Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce Thursday, August 13 Breakfast at 7:00 am Memorial Herman Northwest Hospital at Ella and 1635 North Loop West.

I recently facilitated a leadership seminar. The attendees were first and second line supervisors, having been in that position for up to 10 years. We were talking about staff members being focused on the success of the team and the company, and a bell curve as a (more…)

I emailed a vendor to explain why, at nearly 9 pm on Sunday, I did not answer the phone. I told her that Sunday evenings I typically relax and write letters. This may sound clear, but to anyone that has received one of my handwritten notes, this (more…)

As I was watching my two dogs …  a 58 lb. 10-year-old basenji-shepherd-touch-of-lab that is not very assertive. and a 40 lb. 2.5-year-old female corgi-terrier mix.  I thought about how well they get along now … and how it was not always that way!

Think of the last time you welcomed a new baby, dog, cat or other animal. You expected some disruption in your schedule. You prepared your environment for the newcomer. You thought you were ready. At least I did.

I was not prepared for her possessiveness. Logically I understood that she had been in the shelter for six months. My vet mentioned ‘shelter mentality’. Rationally I understood it. It stayed ‘on the surface’ of my brain.

Friday I caught an episode of The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. He was talking to owners and what he said resonated with me: “Look at it from the dog’s perspective…”

The light bulb went off! I immediately understood ‘shelter mentality’. I understood what she might be thinking, what she might be experiencing, what mindset she might be in. Once I did that, things became clear: why she was possessive, why she not only scarfed down her own food but went for my other dog’s food, why she felt she had to defend her ‘turf’.

So let me ask you …. Whose eyes are YOU using?