The Art of Clearing
Sometimes your thoughts don’t help. Psychology researchers at the University of Chicago wondered what would happen if students took a few minutes to jot down all their worries just before taking an exam. They idea was to clear the working memory of anything that could...
Hey, Mom, what can I help you with today?
Recently a friend was lamenting to me about how the younger generation does not seem as inclined to help out around the house. Upon reflection, I can see where that might be the case, especially since young people today are socially more connected and have access to...
Q&A with Dr. Wanda Wallace of Leadership Forum, Inc.
Dr. Wanda Wallace and I have a lot in common – we’re both authors, we both devote our time to helping organizations succeed, and, perhaps most importantly, we both care deeply about establishing and maintaining productive relationships. Dr. Wallace does this as...
Q&A with Len Friedman: Healthcare Leaders Are Relationship Managers
Len Friedman is Director of the Master of Health Services Administration program and a Professor in the Department of Health Services Management and Leadership at George Washington University. He is an expert on the mechanisms of organizational change and strategic...
Do you make mistakes with your family members?
If so, you probably don’t need new skills—just a different perspective. Often the way we relate to our family members isn’t very inspiring. Why? Because we take them for granted. It’s human to take things for granted, but there is a cost in doing so. Whenever we take...
Four favorite ideas for being productive
Sometimes it's the simple ideas that can most powerfully drive personal effectiveness. Here are four of my favorite ideas for being productive: Get started Bird-by-bird Three accomplishments each week One thing a day to maintain momentum Get started We all have places...
On June 26th, Forgiveness Day, Forgive Yourself
Traditionally, forgiveness is thought of as something you apply to someone else—someone who has wronged you or hurt you in some way. But there is another, very empowering perspective—forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Harvard social psychologist Ellen Langer has...
June 29th is National Hug Day – Show Someone You Care
Physical contact is something that makes humans human. Whether it’s a pat on the back, a friendly handshake, or a big hug, this contact has always been a unique way for us to express our emotions and our connection to one another. And science has pointed out there’s a...
Mom! It’s not my first rodeo!
Recently, I had a conversation with 12-year-old Sarah, who was visiting. We were awaiting other guests when she told me, “My dad is going to be whispering in my ear to socialize more. I'm working on it, but I’m just not comfortable around people.” Later I had a chance...
Let’s read! It’s essential to your children’s success
“Children ultimately learn to love books because they are sharing [reading] with someone they love,” says Professor Barry Zuckerman of the Boston University School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics. He led a study on the benefits of reading to young children....