The 7 main problems with role-plays and how we can do better
Role-plays simply don't do the job we'd like them to do When you’re running a workshop, would you like to see people’s eyes glaze...
Two things about failure we should accept
The other day, someone told me they don't use the word 'failure' in their house. No one is ever a failure they said....
How to tell someone their behaviour is unacceptable: the FEWER script
Being Diplomatically Assertive is the key Sometimes we need to tell someone their behaviour wasn’t acceptable – what they did was against the rules,...
Put-Downs: How to respond to them
Put-downs can hurt "If your brains were dynamite, there wouldn't be enough to blow your hat off." (1) How’s that for a put-down? Not bad....
FREE Video Series: the 11 Essential Non-Verbal Communication Skills
Yes. It's FREE! Most of us have heard plenty of stuff over the years about how important our non-verbal communication is. And in particular, how...
The customer is always right. No they’re not.
Some customers are a little annoying The simple reality is some customers are a little annoying and frustrating. Some can't make up their mind,...
How to give a good apology: a three-step formula
Apologizing is a tricky business In case you’re wondering, yes, I agree. We shouldn’t have to help people give a good apology. But the...
How to Master Tough Conversations. The Golden Rule: Only Use Facts. (It’s harder than you think.)
First, the video (It has captions so you can watch it without disturbing others.) Second, the transcript. What's the one thing? Hi, I'm Mark McPherson. After...
What to ask instead of: Where are you from?
Where are you from? and Where were you born? Have you ever heard someone ask ‘Where are you from?’ Or perhaps ‘Where were you...
The Complainer: one of the 52 types of difficult people.
#41: The Complainer We've all complained about something, right? Have you ever said to someone you’re unhappy about something? And gone on to say you...