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

7 Ways to Cultivate Trust

7 Ways to Cultivate Trust

Trust is the foundation of all healthy relationships.

Would you be a friend with, or do business with, someone you didn’t trust? Most people would say, “Absolutely not!” Ideally, people do business and life with those they know, like and trust.

Trust is the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. Respect, honor and integrity go hand-in-hand with trust. Trust should never be viewed lightly as once it is destroyed it may be impossible to regain.Continue reading

The Power of Social Capital

The Power of Social Capital

People do business with those they know, like, and trust. In fact, they will drive further and spend more if they know they’ll be treated well.

Business owners focus a great deal of time, effort, and finances on how they can attract new customers and increase their profits. But, have you ever noticed that slick ads and marketing gimmicks alone do not generate long-term business success?Continue reading

How to Teach Your Child Empathy

How to Teach Your Child Empathy

When was the last time you walked into a cafeteria and scanned the room for a friendly face? This is an everyday dilemma that children in schools face. While many look forward to the opportunity to connect with friends, others dread the ringing bell because they know they will sit alone and endure thirty minutes of painful gossip and, for some, physical attacks.Continue reading