By Steve Adubato, PhD
I recently conducted a communication seminar for a group of educators and in the process met Jaymie Kosa, who is the associate director of “Storytelling Arts, Inc.” (www.storytellingarts.net)
Jaymie’s work focuses on helping educators and others more effectively use stories as a communication and leadership tool. Stories can be fascinating. They can inspire, illuminate and paint vivid pictures, but they can also fall flat and miss the mark.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
There is nothing like seeing yourself on video to give you a clearer and often sobering look at how you are perceived by others. One of my coaching clients specifically requested that he not be videotaped while giving a presentation in a seminar. His logic, as well as that of countless others, is that videotaping makes him nervous and just feels “unnatural.” Some pressing questions.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
Are you verbally abusive to the people you work with? What exactly is verbal abuse? What impact does this toxic communication style have on workplace morale and productivity?
Further, are some professionals being overly sensitive when a manager or colleague communicates with passion or frustration and then are too quick to call themselves “victims” of verbal abuse in the workplace? Some questions.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
Last week’s column explored an insurance executive named Bob who has a need to win debates and gets into unhealthy arguments. Yet, Bob’s communication mindset is only one of the many causes of unproductive workplace conflict. Effective leaders understand these conflict triggers and work to minimize their impact and address the problem before it gets out of hand. They also have solid communication skills and tools that come in handy when dealing with and resolving conflict.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
Bob is a top level executive with a major insurance company. He is smart, articulate, and well respected by most of his colleagues. Only one catch—Bob has a habit of arguing and debating people on his team and others who say things that he either finds incorrect or as he says, “off the mark.”
By Steve Adubato, PhD
Frank Luntz is the author of a new book, “Words that Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear” (published by Hyperion) that explores words that connect with people and those that fall flat. Luntz uses a compelling example to make his point that the key to successful communication is understanding other people’s perception and interpretation of what you say. It goes back to 1984 and a report that CBS News reporter Lesley Stahl wrote that was highly critical of President Reagan. Stahl said; “I was worried that my sources at the White House would be angry enough to freeze me out.”
By Steve Adubato, PhD
The late Russ Berrie was an extraordinary salesman and an exceptional communicator.
In 1963 with $500 Berrie started what would become a global toy, novelty and stuffed animal company. A decade ago Oakland-based Russ Berrie and Co. had offices and distribution centers in several countries and employed nearly 2,000 people with a sales force of 600.