Guest post by Maranda Gibson (learn more about Maranda at the end of this post) I was thinking the other day about how I’m addicted to multitasking. I was hanging out with a friend, just chatting, and suddenly I realized that I had checked my email about five times in a 20 minute span. Why was I doing that? We use email to communicate but when you have conversation happening … [Read more...]
Project Management 101: The Stages of Project Management
I remember when I picked up my first project management book. I was working as a low-level retail manager and thought it would be helpful. I picked it up, glanced through the table of contents, got terrified and immediately put it back on the shelf. The book was full of technical jargon, extensive charts and graphs, and appeared to be designed for someone who had a Ph.D and … [Read more...]
Thank You, Colin Firth, for Dropping (My Version of) the F-Bomb
Post and Video by Frances Cole Jones, contributing Women On Business writer The morning after the Oscars, the biggest conversation was Melissa Leo’s use of what commentators appear to have settled on calling “the F bomb.” It was, without question, beyond unfortunate- and that’s all that needs to be said about it. I was, however, deeply gratified by Colin … [Read more...]
Why is Communication So Darn Difficult?
Post by Jane K. Stimmler, contributing Women on Business writer It never fails to frustrate me when I believe I have been clear and precise in my communication - and it becomes evident to me that the other party hasn't gotten my message at all! Whether it's a business or personal exchange, communication is my business - so it is particularly painful to acknowledge that … [Read more...]
w Can You Make Your Resolution a Reality? It’s all in the Timing
Post by Frances Cole Jones, contributing Women On Business writer “Timing: the alpha and omega of aerialists, jugglers, actors, diplomats, publicists, generals, prize fighters, revolutionists, financiers, dictators, lovers.” Marlene Dietrich didn’t speak often, but in this instance it was worth waiting for. I bring this up today as it is currently the time of year when … [Read more...]
Making Your Communication More Effective
Post by Jane K. Stimmler, contributing Women on Business writer Let's face it - communication is complex. How many times you been present in a business conversation and were sure you got it all, only to talk with someone else who was there and find out their interpretation was totally different. Or you're listening to a speaker drone on in a meeting and really … [Read more...]
Work Drama Mimics Family Drama
“Can you believe it?” said the frustrated voice on the other end of the line. .. “She did it again!” the voice was getting louder. “I think it may be time for me to quit, I can never please her.” This was the essence of the frantic phone call from one of my coaching clients. “Real life is much more intriguing than fiction” was my thought as I began to dig into the drama … [Read more...]
What I’ve Learned from Radio: How to Listen
This week marks the first anniversary of my radio show, Head over Heels. Now, fifty two weeks later, more than fifty interviews later, and more work than I ever anticipated, the radio show has taken on a life of it’s own. One year ago, I was open to trying something new and learning new skills; how to conduct good interviews; how to find interesting topics and guests; … [Read more...]
In Praise of the Scripted Response
The boutique was packed, perhaps more than usual for even a Saturday afternoon due to the gray drizzle keeping everyone from the beach. My shopping companion, Julia, had found a pair of earrings she liked in a locked case. She asked whether someone could help her take a closer look. The reply was instantaneous. “We’re very busy helping some other people right now so it … [Read more...]
Bullying Leadership…to Sign or NOT to Sign
Performance management and documenting performance issues are a mainstay for any size business or company. In my experience, the majority of leaders effectively use the process correctly, constructively educating team members by engaging in two-way dialogue and course correcting actions, behaviors or allegations according to policy, procedure or company core … [Read more...]