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Blog – Articles & Podcasts

Christy
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Day 16 – Difficult People – Strategies & Solutions (#31days)

I started at 9:00am sharp, and the title of the seminar kind of said it all, “Dealing with Difficult People.”  This seminar usually drew people looking for creative ways to establish a more healthy work environment.  I was looking forward to a fun, interesting and challenging day helping these people work out solutions and strategies. In…

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Christy
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Day 17 – Difficult People – Strategies and Solutions Part 2 (#31days)

Yesterday I gave you a few questions you could ask to get your mind into the right place when dealing with difficult people.  They were: Will this matter 5 years from now? Who is getting the power here? How can I respond with the unexpected? By asking these questions, you will remind yourself to respond,…

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Christy
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Day 15 – 3 Ways to Say NO, Nicely. Part 2 (#31days)

Did you try the 3×5 No?  If so, good for you!  If not…well, here are 2 more ways to say No, nicely.  Maybe one of these will work for you. 2.  The Priority No.  This is the one you use with your boss.  When she comes running to you and asks you to drop what…

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Christy
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Day 14 – 3 Ways to Say NO, Nicely. Part 1 (#31days)

I got the call right when I was packing for a trip.  I was familiar with the question even though I barely knew the speaker.  “Can you come sit on our committee?” she asked.  And silly me.  I fell into it for a whole bunch of reasons I’ll save for later posts.  I heard myself…

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Day 13 – How to Squash the Negativity Bug (#31days)

“Oh no, that project will never work.”  “Why do they always expect us to do the impossible?” “You know the clients will hate it.” “He’s so sick, he’ll probably die soon.” Have you heard any of these phrases lately?  Negative, energy sucking, relationship tearing, and motivation zapping phrases seem to be all the vogue.  And…

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Christy
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Day 12 – A Widespread Plague Part 2 (#31days)

What gives you the right?  That’s the question I challenged you with in my last post as we talked about giving Unsolicited Advice.  Do you have the right to comment?  If not, then don’t.  If you do, however, as when I asked “what gives you the right to tell your husband how to trim the…

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Christy
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Day 11 – A Widespread Plague (#31days)

I only have to say one word and you know exactly what I’m talking about.  Immediately you picture all the pain, sorrow and fear this word evokes.  I really don’t even need to say “Ebola” because you already know what I’m talking about.  It’s bad news in its every crevice. Did you know that in the…

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Day 10 – Active Listening: Following and Feedback (#31days)

I want you to stop right now, close your eyes and picture the person you would consider to be the best listener you know.  What are the characteristics that come to mind?  My guess is that not only do they give you their intent focus, as we talked about yesterday, but they also do the two…

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Christy
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#026: Lori and Steven McClure and Learning through Weakness (Podcast)

Today I’m excited to interview a couple, Lori and Steven McClure.  They are the authors of a new book, 15 Ways to Make Love Impossible. I know you are going to enjoy both of them as they share honestly and transparently about their journey. Key Ideas: Part 1:  Interview The importance of being proactive with…

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Day 9 – Active Listening: Focus (#31days)

It was the summer of 1984 and I was an intern in Washington D.C.  My job included weekly briefings at the White House, research that would be presented to the Supreme Court and now this!  I, along with 3 others were waiting to be ushered in to take a private meeting with Congressman Jack Kemp.  Former professional…

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Day 8 – The Power of Positive (#31days)

My girlfriend is a kindergarten teacher in a local charter school.   Several years ago she was really having trouble with one little guy.  So in early October she pulled him aside and said, “Buddy, I need your help.  You are the smartest kid in this class, and I need you to help me show the…

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Day 7 – Flourish (#31days)

Do you know you are a gardener?  Every day you have the opportunity to cultivate a relational garden that will flourish.  A flourishing garden is a safe environment and it promotes clear, honest and productive communication.  Take the mini-quiz and see how your garden is flourishing: Quiz: Has anyone ever told you they “didn’t know how you would take…

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