Clearly defining the problem you want to solve is an important step in the problem solving process. However, individuals and teams often rush through or ignore this step. In doing so they make some common mistakes that result in a variety of negative outcomes including wasted time, confusion, and low engagement from decision makers. This article provides insight about how you can improve your communication by framing problems clearly and in terms that matter most to your audi

In my first full-time job after I graduated from college, I inherited an event planning process that had been in place for many years. The process required five professionals to take turns staffing an office for three hours every afternoon where students who wanted to plan an event would visit and complete a series of paper forms. Staffing the office was a significant time commitment, and the process resulted in a good deal of data entry mistakes when the information was late

The uncertainty brought on by difficult experiences triggers fear in our brains. From an evolutionary perspective, this has helped our species survive. However, in modern times, the fear can lead to anxiety, panic, and poor decision making. Leading in difficult times requires leaders to have high self-awareness, regulate their emotions, and monitor their reactions. A leader’s behavior in these high-stakes situations can determine the fate of their organization. When others ar

Students and executives arrive in my classes and workshops with a desire to improve their communication skills. Without exception...

One of the primary reasons so many people fear public speaking is they are uncertain about how the audience will respond to their...

When given the opportunity to present our ideas, we all want to perform well, and most of us have heard public speaking advice that...

An introduction is an important part of any presentation. The speaker must capture the attention of the audience or risk having audience...

Managing email is a source of frustration for most business leaders. According to a McKinsey report, the average professional spends 28%...