communication

Captain Major General Colonel

Here’s another set of words from a classic TV show, Mash: Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan: Colonel… Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan: Major Burns is ready to assist. Army Capt. “Trapper John” McIntyre: What do you think I’m doing? Stalling … Continue reading

Communication Funnies

A mother was showing her young son how to zip up his coat.  “The secret,” she said, “is to get the left part of the zipper to fit in the other side before you try to zip it up.”  Confused, … Continue reading

Water What?

Overheard in IFR Magazine’s “On the Air” While flying practice approaches at Sioux City, Iowa I heard: Tower:“Skylane XXX, cleared for the approach; caution, waterfall in the area.” [a short silence, presumably while the Skylane pilot questioned passengers on the … Continue reading

Deal or No Deal

I was watching reruns of “Deal or No Deal”  – what a show that robs the contestant’s minds of sensibility.  In this particular episode, the banker offered the female contestant $266,000 for her briefcase. To tempt her more, he offered … Continue reading

"I trust you" to do what?

How many times do you hear what you want to hear, or understand someone else’s words from your own perspective?  In a leadership course I led, ‘trust’ was an interesting topic.  That is one of this company’s core values, and … Continue reading

Reliable Distractions

Do you know the purpose of the magician’s lovely assistant?  It’s usually a “she”, wearing a form-fitting outfit, showing a lot of leg …. you get the picture. Her primary purpose is to focus all of your attention on her, as … Continue reading

How long is 'forever'?

I had ‘frozen shoulder’ and am reminded of it when I travel.   I won’t check my suitcases, and can usually put it in the overhead bin by myself.  There are times, however, that I cannot raise my arm and have the strength to push … Continue reading

Triggering the emotions of others

Many people ‘wander’ through life not cognizant of the effect they have on others.  Others simply do not care – they are who they are and they will not change their people-interaction-skills or techniques for anyone.  They believe it is … Continue reading

New Year's Resolutions

So here we are, about six weeks short of 2010. How have you done with your 2009 Resolutions, or the goals you have set for yourself this year? Or do you not set them because you lose interest in them? … Continue reading

Sarcasm or Intentionally Forcing Happiness?

Remember this scene from “The Sound of Music” … It’s Maria’s [Julie Andrews] first evening dinner with the Captain and the children.  Earlier that day the children placed a frog in her dress pocket.  Instead of chastising them, she took … Continue reading