One author’s journey to write a book

by Lynn Dessert

I met him several years ago when he was a client of mine. When he left the corporate world to start his own business, he called me up and asked for some advice and support. Today, Mike Dalton is a successful consultant who just wrote his first book – and he contributes to Elephants at [...]

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“I hear you” is Profitable

by Beth Sears

A consultant approaches a CEO and suggests, “If you improve your employees’ as well as your ability to listen, you will profoundly impact your bottom line.” Can you hear the response? “They just need to do as they are told,” or “We just invested in the best equipment money can buy, they just need [...]

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26 Mind Mapping Tools to Get More Productive

by Lynn Dessert

Last year, I attended a mind mapping seminar. If you do not know what a mind map is, go here for a quick summary or scroll down to the bottom of the post for a video.
Mind mapping is a powerful tool, which appeals to both right and left-brain thinkers. It is allows you to become [...]

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What is the best method of communicating with your unavailable boss?

by Lynn Dessert

“When is it appropriate to handle issues by e-mail versus in person? Some people are very busy and don’t have time to sit and talk.” This is a follow up question from a reader on this recent post.
I wrote back to ask some questions about whether or not they were the boss or subordinate, here [...]

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When selling your new idea is your constraint

by Michael Dalton

In a recent Fast Company article and video on Open Forum, Dan & Chip Heath, co-authors of Made to Stick, look at how to explain new ideas – what your innovation is and what it does. If ideas aren’t readily accepted, they can die quickly, and there’s often a lot riding on getting it right – [...]

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How to have a difficult conversation with someone

by Lynn Dessert

“So you are saying even being direct was not getting through to this assistant. I think asking them what they think, and if they heard what the problem is can make sure the other person heard this issue” is a follow-up comment by the reader who prompted this blog post.
In this particular blog post, the [...]

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To Socialize or Not

by Robert Whipple

I am often asked by students if it is a good or bad idea for a leader to socialize with subordinates outside of work. There are a lot of tradeoffs, and this is a complex question. I break down the variables in this article.
It is often a quandary for leaders to know whether to socialize [...]

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Finesse can get in the way of effective communication

by Lynn Dessert

“I am usually very honest and tell it like it is at work. Honesty is the best policy. However, you have to have a certain finesse when letting someone know they need to improve on their skills”, was a recent comment received by email on Why Being Real is so Difficult.
The point she is making [...]

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Brand yourself through blogging: Basic lessons

by Lynn Dessert

Last week I commented on Alan Collin’s Blog, Success in HR. The article was Blogging to Advance your HR Career: Part One.
I was excited when I read the title hoping to find some pearls of wisdom that Alan would share with his readers. After all, I have only been blogging a little more than a [...]

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Why being real is so difficult

by Lynn Dessert

I have decided what my New Year’s resolution is this year. I do not usually make one, nor is it in my nature to broadcast it. This year is different.
My resolution is to be real.
Some of you may think that being real is so easy to do, that I am taking the easy way out. [...]

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Why connecting with others works…in more than one way

by Lynn Dessert

The great thing about sending a holiday message to clients, colleagues, friends and family is hearing something back from them. It keeps you connected and is a sign you may have made a difference in their lives.
I want to share an update I received from someone who asked for some advice this past summer. A [...]

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Resources to Make Your New Year’s Resolution

by Lynn Dessert

Why do people believe in making New Year’s resolutions? Do we have to find a day to justify making time to reflect what is important in life?
Why is it so difficult for us to assess if we are on track with our work, personal or family goals? Is it the realization we might have to [...]

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Lacking a Degree May Not be the Problem

by Lynn Dessert

“How does someone overcome on paper (her resume) the fact that she does not have a college education?” is a question posed by a reader.
Overcome. It seems like an ominous word.
“One of my biggest regrets is that I never went to college. I graduated in 1976 and got married immediately (big mistake)! I am a [...]

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