A couple of years ago, I wrote a post that had an overwhelming response. The premise was that when people fail to meet our expectations, it is usually not because they aren’t trying or don’t care, rather because we haven’t clearly defined what it is we expect. (If you haven’t read it, check it out here.) Last…
What are your hot buttons? No, not that kind of hot button. Get your mind out of the gutter! We all have them. They are the triggers, words, phrases, facial expressions, or comments that make your blood boil. I remember when I was growing up, the one that killed my mother was “What-ever (insert eye…
This Wednesday I’ll be speaking for the Austin Association of Women in Communications. The topic, managing up, is one that most of us likely have had, are having, or will have experience with at one point or another. Dozens of books and articles have been written about this topic. Working with You is Killing Me: …
My mom’s fiancé, my soon to be step-dad, was kind and cruel enough to volunteer to help us put an in-ground sprinkler system in both our yard and my mom’s (she lives next door to me when she’s not with her hubby to be in Houston). Last year after our stay at the hospital I…
Ouch! That’s a little rough, but hey, sometimes the truth hurts. Now, more than ever, I come across people really struggling with their boundaries, both personally and professionally. Why set boundaries? Because you can’t protect and take care of yourself if you don’t. For some, this is more of a personal issue. Not being able to…