When I first started speaking in the early ’90s I was flattered to hear from some audience members that I reminded them of Jim Carrey. “You definitely bring the energy!” I loved hearing that. My world crashed back down to earth real quick when former students were tested after class on the content. The organization wanted to […]
I bet you didn’t think I’d drop that deep question on you so early in the morning! Don’t worry, I’m not going to get all philosophical here on you. Pondering an answer to this question could take a couple lifetimes! So, let me tell you why I bring it up… It’s the foundation for anyone in […]
I was asked to deliver the eulogy at my Grandmother’s funeral yesterday. She taught so much through her actions. She was a leader of the family without being the loudest voice. Here is how I said goodbye. My Grandma Ardelle was genuine. She was authentic. In many ways she was a typical awesome grandma. She cooked […]
My class asked for an example so I stepped to the front of the room, paused for a moment, and then… “Every day in the Greater Houston area, 300,000 children under the age of 5 go to bed hungry each night because their parents can’t afford to put food on the table.” Then I pause for […]
Let’s take a break from work. Take a break from focusing on communication as leaders and sales professionals. Let’s focus on something much more significant today. My prayer for you is that your year has been one of lessons learned, relationships mended, and joy discovered. May we all be blessed by being a blessing to others as […]
Conflict was the next topic for the class. I asked for a volunteer to stand next to me and make a fist. With no other directions to my volunteer, I made a fist and placed my knuckles directly against his. Slowly I pushed my knuckles into his with greater pressure. As I leaned more into his fist […]
This past election cycle brought out the worst in many of us, including the candidates, at times. One observation I had is the candidate’s use of rhetoric to persuade. One logical fallacy they both used was presenting opinion as truth. The truth may hurt, but unchecked opinions can mislead. Both Hillary and Trump (as well as the […]
My student pulled me aside during our break to ask me a coaching question with regard to her recent classroom presentation. “When I was speaking, did you notice anything peculiar about how I was speaking?” When my students present for the first time, I often pick up on distractions in speech or body language, but doing […]
My brother’s favorite hunting buddy wasn’t me. It was his golden retriever, Dakota. This past week Dakota passed away peacefully at home. After my brother got home from work that day, Dakota greeted him as usual but wasn’t the same. After Dakota got to see his favorite hunting buddy for the last time, he went […]
On that horrific day 15 years ago, we were focused on one thing… saving human lives. Just like so many other life-changing moments, I still remember exactly where I was when it happened. I’m sure you do too. Each year on this day several thoughts weigh on my mind. They serve as a reminder to […]
