By Steve Adubato, PhD
Last week we explored why people in positions of authority break promises and commitments. We also talked about the best ways to communicate that a promise can no longer be kept. But what do you do if you are the one who has had the promise made to you and then broken? A raise, a new office, that extra staff you've been asking for or the big sales deal. It doesn't matter what the particular promise was, all that matters is that the promise was broken and now you are out in the cold. What's worse, the person who broke the promise is now aloof, distant and non-communicative. You are not only frustrated, but you are angry. You are thinking, "what's the deal here? You're the one who made the commitment to me. Just tell me what's going on."
By Steve Adubato, PhD
In 1985, Yogi Berra managed only 15 games into the baseball season when he was fired by Yankee owner George Steinbrenner because the Yankees had a losing record. Only months before, as the previous baseball season ended, the often impatient and volatile Steinbrenner communicated to Yogi that he would be the Yankees manager for the upcoming next season no matter what. But that's not what happened. In fact, not only did Steinbrenner fire Yogi, but he didn't do it himself. He had one of his people give Yogi the axe. Yogi, a Hall of Famer and baseball icon, was devastated. He vowed never to return to Yankee Stadium. Yogi would later say it wasn't that he was fired that upset him most, it was how the situation was handled. It wasn't until Steinbrenner publicly apologized to Yogi in 1999 that Yogi finally returned to the stadium.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
It's okay to start laughing at work. Laughing and having a sense of humor is in no way disrespectful to those who died so tragically on September 11. Conversely, being overly serious, bordering on morose, isn't helping anyone. Laughter is one of the most powerful tools of communication. When we laugh, we open our hearts and often our minds to new ideas and new people. When we laugh, we create a more positive environment in which to work and interact with others. When we laugh, we reduce tension and anxiety and are often more productive.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
Received some great letters in response to last week's column on the confusing and often contradicting communication coming from the federal government on the anthrax situation. The question asked of readers was; Exactly how would you want the government to communicate and share information at this particularly challenging time? This is what some readers had to say.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
The information communicated by a variety of public health professionals and other government professionals has often been confusing and contradictory, particularly when it comes to anthrax. Clearly this is not an easy job to communicate to an especially anxious audience in the midst of a crisis-real or perceived. While this case involves government professionals, the lessons are relevant for others in business and the non-profit sectors.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
Last week I talked about how difficult it has been for a variety of professionals in the personal service and sales related fields to conduct "business as usual" since the World Trade Center tragedy. This week, some additional suggestions on how to deal in these difficult and challenging times.
By Steve Adubato, PhD
President Bush says we should try to get back to normal. Others say we should get back to "business as usual." A laudable goal, but for some professionals that philosophy is easier said than done. This is particularly true for people who are in the business of selling, marketing or pitching products or services. So many things have changed since September 11.