Conversations are at the core of what leaders do. Thoughtful, constructive conversations around questions that matter are the heart of leadership--which makes possible the other business processes needed to create positive results.
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Father’s Day always provides a great opportunity to reflect on the kind of Father you had growing up and what you learned from him. I recently visit my father, Israel Gonzalez, in Altamonte Springs, FL and remembered anew the many lessons I learned from him. Today I want to share some of those lessons with you 
It’s very easy to get into an argument! There is a certain satisfaction in stating your position and trying to convince the other person (or group of persons) that you are right. In this blog you will learn a few easy strategies that can take you from arguments to effective conversations.
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The words you write or speak to others can leave a huge impact and create a lasting memory--either good or bad. It's super important to recognize the power of words and choose them wisely. You see, words can make or break a relationship. Your choice of words, and the way you express yourself, can accelerate or kill your career. Words have power!
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Most people I meet think they know how to listen. What can be more basic than listening? Even if you think you know it all in theory, are you really doing it? Do you really listen to the people around you? Learn 5 ways to be a better listener.
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Some leaders have a knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Can you imagine how many problems you could avoid or easily deal with if you keep your mouth shut? Today we are going to see when it pays to follow this sage advice: “If you’re wondering whether or not you should keep your mouth shut– you should.”
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June is the month of effective communication, and July reminds us of the importance and price of freedom. Today I decided to mix the two and reflect on freedom of speech in organizations.
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June is Effective Communications Month! Last week we shared the first three of 7 communication mistakes that derail effective communication. This week we will consider the last four: making assumptions, wrong environment, negative focus and contrary purposes.
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Effective business communication costs very little and the results can transform both you and your business. Communication and interpersonal skills are at the top of the list of what matters most today in leadership. Yet there are costly communication mistakes that are behind some of the worst problems leaders encounter. By learning to correct them, you will save time and money, your influence will increase, and you will have better relationships.
Today I'm going to share the first 3 and next week the next 4 mistakes.
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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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Nice words, ugly words, kind words, curse words, thankful words, sad words, positive words, negative words. . . What kind of words you use, said with what tone of voice, at what time, and how many of them. . . it all matters. Whether the environment of your business is productive and uplifting or negative and miserable depends, in great measure, on the words you use.
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