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Diversity: Embracing our DifferencesMost people would agree with the basic premise that we are all different. Just like snowflakes, no two human beings are exactly alike. While we may share common interests, characteristics or habits, every one of us remains unique. Even identical twins grow up as separate individuals with distinct personalities...[html] [pdf]
Reinforcing Change
One of the greatest challenges inherent in any change initiative is ensuring the subsequent retention of new behaviors. Understandably, it is easy fall back into old familiar habits soon after a change has been undertaken. What is not as clear is why, after weeks, or even months, newly established patterns can be knocked off track and old habits resurface...[html] [pdf]
Role Models and ChangeThere are a lot of factors that contribute to successful change in an organization. Research tells us that role models are one of the most influential. There are a number of potential role models in any organization. Those we think of most readily are the traditional leaders - the CEO, other executives, managers and supervisors. These are the people...[html] [pdf]
BootstrappingSo you are facing a challenge: a change in your life that is not going quite the way you expected. Perhaps you initiated the change, or maybe life dropped you into it with little warning. Regardless of how you came to be in this state of transition, you are now caught in its current, struggling to maintain a measure of control over your direction and destination...[html] [pdf]
Communicating Under StressAs if dealing with the direct effects of stress were not challenge enough. When we are in a stressful environment, everything seems to take extra energy and effort. In times of crisis and high stress, we have to take particular care with our communication efforts. In situations that are emotionally charged or controversial, anxiety levels soar and communication becomes both more complicated and more important than ever....[html] [pdf]
The Communicator's AdvantageIf you believe strong communication skills are vitally important, you are in good company. For over fifty years studies have consistently shown that managers rank the ability communicate effectively as the number one indicator when assessing a candidate's probability for promotion. Stephen R. Covey wrote in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, "Communication is the most important skill in life. We spend most of our waking hours communicating". A survey conducted in 1995 by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) asked 259 employers to rank the importance of a list of skills they seek when hiring. The skills identified as most important, in the following order, were: oral communication, interpersonal communication, teamwork, analytical skills, flexibility, leadership, written communication, proficiency in field of study, and computer skills. During this study, corporate leaders also stressed repeatedly (sometimes sharply) that "there is no excuse for graduates who cannot communicate effectively …."...[html] [pdf]
Healing the Leper OrganizationTwo thousand years ago leprosy was feared as a deadly, horrifying condition and its victims were ostracized from their communities. It was disfiguring and destructive; insidious and incomprehensible. But today we know that Leprosy, or Hansen's Disease, is caused by the bacteria mycobacterium leprae and for the cost of about $275 in medication, it can be treated...[html] [pdf]