Communication Skills & Relationships

Most people believe they are good listeners. Most people are wrong. Research by Zenger/Folkman suggests that the average person functions as a “Sponge Listener”—they passively absorb information, nodding along while waiting for their turn to speak. They hear the words, but they miss the signal. High performers and elite leaders operate differently. They are “Trampoline Listeners.” They absorb […]

Your heart starts to beat a little faster. You need to give constructive feedback to a colleague. You worry the talk will be awkward or defensive. You fear it might even damage your relationship. You are not alone. This is one of the most feared talks in the professional world. Most of us were never

What did your boss really mean in that meeting when she said, “I’m open to feedback,” but her arms were crossed and she didn’t make eye contact? What is your friend trying to tell you when they say “I’m fine,” but their smile doesn’t reach their eyes? The truth is, words are only a small part of

Have you ever left a 30-minute meeting realizing that while you heard every word, you retained almost nothing? You were busy formulating your next brilliant point, weren’t you? Or perhaps you’ve been in a conversation with a loved one, only to have them say, “You’re not even listening to me,” when you thought you were.

We’ve all been in that meeting. An hour of discussion, everyone talking, ideas flying across the room. Yet, when the hour is up, you walk out with more confusion than clarity, and no real decisions have been made. Or consider the performance review, where feedback given with the best intentions is received as a personal