Relationships


08Feb 2014

What is the Connection between Valentine’s Day and Appreciation in the Workplace? Not Much! (with one exception)

Valentine’s day is quickly approaching. It is a great opportunity to communicate your love to those close to you. Unfortunately, it seems many in the world of employee recognition try to link recognition and appreciation to any holiday (I can’t wait to see what they try to do with St. Patrick’s Day!) So let me state firmly upfront — there

08Sep 2013

Do You Communicate in Morse Code, FM radio waves or HDTV?

The fact that people have different communication styles in not news. However, I have found a “word picture” that seems to really help individuals get a better sense of how different they are from others, and also gives a clearer understanding on the challenges they have in communicating effectively with those close to them. There is a wide range in

22Mar 2013

Why “Everybody Just Get Along” Isn’t a Good Long-term Strategy for a Healthy Family

In working with family-owned businesses for several years now, I’ve seen one pattern of relating that consistently doesn’t work over the long term.  In many families there is a mantra that dictates the family members’ behavior, and that can carry over to the business as well.  It is: “Now let’s all just get along.”  While the “just get along” message

21Dec 2011

The Most Important Factor for a Pleasant Family Holiday Celebration

As we all approach the Christmas holiday weekend, many people’s anxiety level is rising.  Why?  Because we are starting to think about the upcoming visit with our family.  You may be going to your parents’ home (or your in-laws’) or family members are coming to your home, or you may gather at one of your (or your spouse’s) siblings homes. 

11Nov 2011

How to Avoid Holiday Burnout

“The holidays.”  Those two words are packed with memories, fleeting media images and mixed emotional reactions.  The Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year’s holiday season has begun, and if you are like me, with them come a rapid succession of excitement, anticipation, anxiety, wonder, and a sense of tiredness (and I haven’t even done anything yet.) We are planning the extended family Thanksgiving gathering

12Jun 2011

Damaged Personal Relationships Cost Businesses Money

Businesses are primarily focused on selling their products or services to customers and making the profit (or creating value in the business to be captured when the business sells).  That is the essence of business.  And that can be done in lots of ways — by treating your employees well or “using” them,  by providing quality products or by scamming

26Mar 2011

Taking the Time for Family Relationships

Most individuals and families I talk to report that family relationships are important to them.  This includes their marital relationship, their relationships with their kids, and also extended family relationships (grandparents, aunts & uncles, nieces & nephews, and cousins).  But like anything that is important to us, ultimately it comes down to “taking the time”.  (This can be true for

05Dec 2010

It's Time to Think about the 4th of July

Yes, I know it is winter and Christmas is approaching quickly. No, this isn’t about keeping warm by visualizing warmer weather. Now is the time to start thinking about a family “get together” next summer. If you want to have family events, a holiday weekend, or even a common family vacation, you need to start planning now. Many of us

28Nov 2010

Using Family Traditions to Transfer Family Values

A common issue for most of the families with whom I work is the desire to pass their core values on to the next generations (children and grandchildren). Utilizing family traditions, especially during the holidays, can be extremely impactful in this process. Let me share from our family’s experience — how family traditions can intertwine with reinforcing important family values.

24Oct 2010

Reflecting Reality — Sometimes Means Telling People Things They Don't Want to Hear

When working with people in my role as a coach or counselor, I often tell them that part of my role is to “reflect reality” to them — to give them objective and honest feedback on how I see their situation, and what choices they actually have (versus the choices they wish they have). Some examples include: *Helping family business

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