Gossip and rumours may seem like harmless whispers at the time, yet can often spiral into hurtful tales, damaging reputations and relationships. So, why do we engage in gossip? Here are eight common reasons, any sound familiar to you? Alleviating Tension: Gossip can provide a temporary release from stress and anxiety, therefore making us feel […]
Set Boundaries. Take Back Control.
How do you allow others to treat you? Are you clear on what’s ok and what’s not ok? Where do you draw the line? And are you over-committing to too many things? Saying yes to everyone’s requests? Taking responsibility for other people’s feelings? Set clear boundaries in your relationships and in your life, and take […]
The Art of Communicating Effectively
It’s in these periods of crisis and change that communication is needed more than ever.
Skills of Listening: Part 1
Experts tell us that 60% of effective communication rests on our ability to listen. How good are your listening skills really? And why does listening play such a big part in our ability to communicate effectively? Our ability to listen relates directly to our capacity to understand each other. Understanding is essential if we want to […]
Communicate with Confidence
Communicating with confidence is being able to express yourself and articulate how you feel, positive or negative, in a respectful and loving manner. A tall order? Not if your communication is grounded in a healthy self-confidence, which is built on self-esteem and self-respect. When there is fear of judgment or embarrassment you won’t be able […]
The Art of Conversation
We’ve all met someone who has the knack of creating a good conversation. They’re able to talk with ease about anything in a relaxed and interested manner. We know the difference between them and the interrupter, the over-sharer, the one that goes on and on, the one-upper or the one who asks deeply personal questions […]
Stop Yapping. Start Communicating.
“Yap yap, you’re talkin’ too much, mmm yes far too much… you know you talk too much yeah yap, yap, yap, its driving me down…” – ‘Yap Yap’ by Keith Richards Are you guilty of talking too much? Are you communicating? Are you long winded when you speak? Why? Sometimes it’s because we’re nervous or […]
Are You Being too Vague?
Welcome to the wonderful world of vague communication! Here’s where we speak in vague generalities. At times we are intentionally vague. It’s just easier to ‘small talk’ in a friendly way. It saves time in a conversation. It also stops people interfering in our life. Believe me, some people can be so inquisitive, wanting to […]
The Relationship Equation: A + E = C
Attitude Our attitude is created by our thoughts and influenced by whatever is in our memory. Our attitude determines our outlook, how we interpret what we see and how we act. 2 primary attitudes: 1) The attitude of taking (wanting.) Here our mind is thinking ‘I want…’ all the time. As a result we are […]
Change: Be Part Of It
Would you actually like it if things never changed? Isn’t it rather the accelerated speed of change that we are experiencing today and its unpredictability that leaves us feeling that we want to put the foot-break on. It feels like ‘what will happen next!’ Everything (climate, economy, families) seems to be going haywire. Change that […]
Power of Listening
When I am listening it is my heart that hears; hearing I understand. A management trainer gave the following exercise to 100 people. He asked them to draw a diagonal line across a blank piece of paper and write their name at either end. He repeated this instruction twice and then collected the pieces of […]