10 Ways to Be a Good Neighbor

10 Ways to Be a Good Neighbor

Why bother making friends with your neighbor? After a busy day, time behind closed doors is a luxury and reaching out to neighbors may not seem worth the effort. But, creating goodwill with your neighbors can pay off in big ways.

Historically, a sense of community was a staple throughout most of America. The onset of the urban lifestyle, social media “relationships,” the breaking apart of the family unit and the need to stay busy has robbed us of the “real-time” connections we once had.

Truly connecting with neighbors creates a feeling of harmony, security and support. There is tremendous value in simply knowing that someone is nearby who cares and is willing to help if needed. Equally as important as a sense of community, being good neighbors benefits everyone when problems arise.Continue reading

Who Goes First?

Who Goes First?

We all desire to live in a world that is safe and allows us to experience positive relationships at home, at work, and in our community. We want to shop, eat, work and travel without fear. While we all desire this ideal, how do we achieve it?

Too often we diminish others based on their gender, race, political orientation, religion, intelligence, and socioeconomic standing. Technology has provided a vehicle for us to communicate with those we may never see face-to-face. Anonymity has created an environment where harsh, mean-spirited, divisive comments are made cultivating fear, mistrust, and prejudice.

When did we forget to look at others as fellow human beings and instead allowed the thinking of us and them to prevail? Once we see ourselves as better than others, we give ourselves license to treat them in any manner we see fit.Continue reading

Practical Ways to Communicate with Class

Practical Ways to Communicate with Class

A touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment—the smallest act of caring improves every interaction.” ~Deborah King

Although we have been communicating in some form since the beginning of time, never has such a common practice become so challenging. Communication today embodies more than the written word or the familiar face-to-face interaction—we also communicate through cell phones, email, text messaging and social media. Knowing which medium to use, and how to use them with class, is no small feat.

Today’s fast-paced, rapidly changing landscape requires each of us to refine our verbal, nonverbal, and technological skills to communicate with class. So, how do you resist falling victim to the many communication blunders that can tarnish your image and destroy your relationships?Continue reading

When Does Comfort Become Inappropriate?

When Does Comfort Become Inappropriate?

If others are distracted by your clothing or the lack thereof, your professional presence takes a negative hit. ~Deborah King

We live in an increasingly casual society — casual in our dress, behavior, and communication. Additionally, as Americans, we believe that our personal comfort trumps the comfort of everyone else. After all, I have a right to wear what I wear, do what I do, and say what I say. While I may have the right, should I?Continue reading

Practicing Savoir-faire in Life’s Most Memorable Moments

Practicing Savoir-faire in Life’s Most Memorable Moments

Few things can erode confidence like being invited to an event where you are clueless about what to wear or how to navigate a particular social setting. In fact, most people tend to turn down an invitation to an event that is outside of their comfort zone. Their assumption is that everyone else possesses the required savoir-faire. Nothing could be further from the truth. These skills, like any skill, are only learned through training and practice.

What is savoir-faire? Continue reading