Come clean: It's National Honesty Day!

April begins with a day that celebrates falsehoods – April Fool’s Day. End it with a day that celebrates and acknowledges the importance of honesty – Honesty Day. Honesty does not need to be a lonely word, or celebrated only once a year. Truthfulness can increase trust and strengthen relationships and make them more productive.


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When I realized that this month is celebrate diversity month I decided to write a blog about it. The problem I encountered, though, is that the word diversity has many meanings, depending on context and experience. It also has negative connotations because some look at it as if you are for diversity, you must be anti-white male.

It should not be that complicated! Here is the thing, humans are ALL different and diverse. So, instead of getting caught into the whole controversy about diversity as mandated, encouraged, trained, etc., I decided to candidly share what it means to me.

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Why leaders need brain awareness

This past week was International brain awareness week. Many leaders coast through life on automatic pilot and never stop to become aware on how they can optimize the power of their brains tp be better leaders.  

It turns out that the brains of effective leaders exhibit similar electrical patterns. Subjects rated "inspirational" by their employees generate high levels of coherence in the right frontal part of the brain. That's the region which is responsible for interpersonal communication and social relationships. It's the region where language and interpersonal capabilities such as empathy, co-operation and strategizing happens.

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4 Common Barriers to Effective Conversations and how to break them

We all know the frustration of hitting a barrier, a roadblock while traveling. It prevents progress. It usually means a stop in traffic that can extend for miles. In conversations, it's not uncommon for barriers to arise when opinions and worldviews clash. We are human, and because of it, we have an innate need to protect and affirm our beliefs and opinions. Many times this can result in defensive behaviors and uneasy situations. Learn how to overcome your communication barriers.

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On March 8, numerous countries around the world – from Algeria to Vietnam, from the USA to Australia – will observe International Women’s Day. Although great strides have been made, and 2017 saw the #metoo movement bring abuse issues to the forefront, and the need for more equality more urgently felt, recent studies project that we are far from reaching equality.

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How Leaders Can Build Relationships at Work

Leaders who try to go it alone seldom accomplish much. Only until they build productive relationships with the people they lead can they begin to tap into the true potential of the group. But what does it take to build those relationships at work? On this blog post Dr. Ada is summarizing the most relevant findings from recently published research. It includes specific ideas on how to build relationships. 

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Your social brain on leadership

make my own mind.” “That’s my own opinion.” “That’s how I think.” But social neuroscience teaches us that the human brain is a social organ, intimately connected to other brains. Learn what are the implications for your leadership. 

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Ada Gonzalez Comments
To change or not to change. . . that's NOT the question

But what needs changing, and how to change — that is.

There are not too many people that like change. As humans, we typically hate change. We would rather stay the same than dive into the unknown. What you don't know feels scary. Even if not desirable, you feel safe in doing what is familiar.  You tend to be  more comfortable in environments and relationships that you are used to than in those that require a shift. This is true even if what is familiar is unhealthy or unfulfilling. Learn how to become more honest with yourself about change.

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Ada GonzalezComment
Only 8% of people make changes. Are you one of them?

Let me guess: You want to lose weight in 2018, or just eat healthier. Perhaps you want to spend less money or spend more time with your friends and family. Maybe you want to stop procrastinating and finally start your own business. Whatever it is, Self-improvement, or at least the desire for it, is a shared American hobby.

Estimates say more than 40% of Americans make New Year's resolutions.  But for all the good intentions, only a tiny fraction keep their resolutions. University of Scranton research suggests that just  8% of people achieve their New Year's goals.

You can be included on that 8%. This blogs explains how.

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