“Can I give you some feedback?” Rarely do we meet an offer like this with eagerness, curiosity or excitement. Our reaction might be more aligned with concern, skepticism or even fear. However, feedback is essential in all aspects of our lives. We need others to shine a light on our … Continue reading
“Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.” – Frank A. Clark A few months ago, as Decker was wrapping up a series of programs with a large pharmaceutical company, an L&D leader surprised us with his takeaway, stating, “This program made … Continue reading
My boys (10, 12, 14) are loving Greek mythology right now—from Percy Jackson’s books to any movie reference. Lately, Achilles is having a major moment in our household, popping up in Coldplay lyrics and in post-NBA finals discussions on Kevin Durant’s recovery. Achilles also happens to be trending in the … Continue reading
When I was a kid, my family moved around a lot. Each move heralded life-changing transformations and experiences. Our first big move came with the Sandinista Revolution in the late 70s. Leaving Nicaragua and settling in Mexico City was the most exhilarating experience of my childhood. And, as our new … Continue reading
When my niece was two, she pointed to the alarm bell button in her building’s elevator and yelled “Taco Bell!” At a very young age, she could recognize the iconic symbol thanks to years—and millions of dollars— they’d spent developing their brand. As a business leader, it’s just as important … Continue reading
Last week, I shared what not to do on a video conference. Here’s some tips on what TO DO to ensure a great experience, every time. For most of us, the challenge with video calls is treating them like in-person meetings. It’s important to remind the audience that they matter … Continue reading
Webex GoToMeeting Zoom BlueJeans Google Hangouts You’re probably using one of these and if you’re not, you should. Here are some tips to make any and all video conferencing better: If you look at every video call as an experience, you’ll want to make each one that much better. Avoid … Continue reading
It’s undeniable that the way your voice sounds has a lot to do with how you come across. As reported in the Wall Street Journal, people who hear recordings of rough, weak, or strained voices tend to label the speakers as negative, weak or tense. While people with strong voices … Continue reading
How do you put a price or value on connection? On being present? Jay-Z is a genius and talent in music who is practically unequaled. As I watched him as a guest on David Letterman’s Netflix show, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, I was fascinated by the subject matter … Continue reading
As Guy Kawasaki says, don’t be afraid of the crow’s feet. That’s right, the most sincere smile is a Duchenne smile (named for French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne) that lights up your eyes and shows off your pearly whites. Guy is a powerful influencer and speaker – and his Duchenne smile … Continue reading
