Tag Archive: Communication

12 Things Smart Leaders Don’t Say

#1. I should have. ‘Should have’ is backward facing. Do your best to speak into the future. Instead of shoulding-yourself, say, “Next time.” #2. You should have. Why didn’t you? See #1. ‘Next… Continue reading

Don’t Erase a Good Compliment with a Stupid But

A ritual gone bad: I have a ritual question I ask my wife. Sometimes I want the grandchildren to hear. The ritual begins when I ask, “Do you know what I like about… Continue reading

10 Things Leaders Never Say Unless They Want Trouble

What you do is more important than what you say, but stupid words erase right action. It doesn’t matter how skillful you are if you’re careless with words. Words are… Words are troublemakers.… Continue reading

It Doesn’t Matter What You Do if You Get This Wrong

Doing the right thing doesn’t erase saying something stupid. “Watch your thoughts. They become words. Watch your words. They become deeds…” Frank Outlaw, late president of Bi-Lo Words are hinges between thought and… Continue reading

The Power of Talking to Big People like they’re Children

“That tuna sandwich looks magnificent,” I told my wife. She laughed. It was a basic tuna on wheat. But I was test driving a crazy idea. I spoke to her like I speak… Continue reading

Do Less of This and You’ll be More Successful

You’re not as interesting as you think. If you’re long-winded, the people around you wish you were short-winded. Talk less. Succeed more. 5 Reasons people talk too much: Thinking. Extroverts think while they… Continue reading