Did you know there’s a difference between writing a ‘memoir’ and writing your ‘memoirs’? A memoir is a cohesive whole, with a story arc not unlike that of a novel, and often encompasses a smaller portion of the author’s life; memoirs usually refers to a more sprawling tome, covering several distinct sections of life. AsContinue reading ““Make One Point, Not Ten””
Category Archives: Language
Claiming Space and Creating Space
How often are you talked over by someone in a meeting? How often do you talk over someone else? How often do you find yourself listening to someone go on and on, with no real entry point to offer your own thoughts? How often would others say the same about you? Now think about aContinue reading “Claiming Space and Creating Space”
Why You Might Choose to be Translucent (Not Transparent!)
If you’ve worked for any length of time in a large organization in a position other than the very highest level of leadership, you’ve probably experienced being informed of – if not blindsided by – decisions made by others that effect your day-to-day work. You may have left that day wondering why you were notContinue reading “Why You Might Choose to be Translucent (Not Transparent!)”
“I Have No Opinion About This…”
Divisiveness is part of life in the 21st century in a way that it never has been before. The rise of the internet has led to an increase in tribalism – for better and for worse. It’s easier than ever to find people who share your experiences and your interests. Forty years ago most peopleContinue reading ““I Have No Opinion About This…””
The ‘Thought-Stoppers’ That End Conversation
How do you transition out of a conversation about an unresolved issue? Some of us do it more gracefully than others, but chances are you have a few stock phrases you use to signal that you’re ready for the conversation to end. Sometimes these phrases take the form of folk wisdom: “It is what itContinue reading “The ‘Thought-Stoppers’ That End Conversation”
“Teach Me Your Name”
In a few different workshop settings over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to take part in variations of the same activity. Whether in a group or in a partnership, each person has the chance to “teach me your name.” This starts off as a simple exercise in sharing your full name andContinue reading ““Teach Me Your Name””
“Less” or “Fewer”? What Does “Correcting” Language and Grammar Do?
“I think you mean fewer, not less.” “It should be compared with, not compared to…” When’s the last time you remember someone correcting your language or grammar? How often have you had this experience as an adult? Perhaps you use a cultural vernacular which seems to generate a particular reaction in your work community. IfContinue reading ““Less” or “Fewer”? What Does “Correcting” Language and Grammar Do?”
Futureproofing & Parallel-pathing – the “Garbage Language” We Use in the Workplace
“No matter where I’ve worked, it has always been obvious that if everyone agreed to use language in the way that it is normally used, which is to communicate, the workday would be two hours shorter.“ – Molly Young, “Garbage Language: Why Do Corporations Speak the Way They Do?“ Have you seen this piece from New YorkContinue reading “Futureproofing & Parallel-pathing – the “Garbage Language” We Use in the Workplace”
Building Bridges Leadership 