How To Communicate Belonging

It’s Friday, Sept. 2nd, the end of the first week of school. I’ve been watching Rachel, my 7-year-old across the street neighbor get off the bus all week. But today is special. Jennifer, her mom is standing in the driveway holding balloons in her hand and looking in the direction of the approaching bus. Rachel steps off the bus, gets a hug …

How To Listen With Your Senses

Lynn and Daniel, her adult son, are sitting side-by-side. After mentioning his tubing trip, she asks, “did you go alone?” He enthusiastically answers, “yes.” “Were other people there?” she asks. He answers, “No, it was a very quiet day.” Silence. Daniel goes on to describe the water level and pace of the river. He missed it – Lynn’s real question. And she still hasn’t …

Be A Jerk? Or Be Human.

Today, after 6 decades of living in a home with a landline, I said good-bye to 828 658-1217. My Spectrum’s Customer Service experience was a blast – friendly conversation and laughter. Say, “customer service,” and you’ll see eyes rolling for good reason. You know these lines: “please hold,” and “let me connect you with the next customer service agent.” So, why …

I Made a Mistake!

While moving at lightning speed, from one detail to the next to organize and stage TEDx Asheville 2022, I made a big mistake. If it was a detail on the website – easy fix. If I forgot to arrange a projector, a call would right that wrong. This mistake required I apologize. Even with that creepy-crawly feeling of shame and embarrassment in …

How To Communicate With Difficult People

“I am grateful for all the difficult people in my life. They have shown me exactly who I do not want to be.”   There’s a person I dread speaking to. Before I call,  I take deep breaths. Predict the responses. Be ready for the “retort.”  Anticipate the conflict. You have that person in your life too. Right? The one where every conversation …