Communication and the Importance of Understanding
Different people hear and understand in different ways. A major part of the miscommunication that occurs in our lives and businesses is in assuming the way we speak is enough to create understanding in everyone. The truth is that different people often speak different languages, even when they are all “speaking English.” If you don’t take […]
What is Your Purpose?
A beautiful video my son shared with me today that I believe does speak strongly to living life from purpose. Let me know what you think.
For Learning and Change, Listen to Your Language
Words mean so much — the words we say to each other and the words we say to ourselves. Most of us are aware that there is a constant ongoing dialogue in our heads. Many of us do not realize the effect this dialogue has on us and that we can change it. As a […]
The True Nature of Motivation
“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration; the rest of us just get up and go to work.” –Stephen King I was on a coaching call with an attorney once. “I need to get motivated,” she said. And I knew there were so many directions we could go. I could follow her down this path […]
Creating a Culture of Feedback
Because we are not usually encouraged to give feedback, it can be helpful to develop a culture in which feedback is freely given and received. There are two main reasons for the lack of desire, willingness and/or ability to give and receive feedback: (1) we don’t talk about it and we usually don’t do […]
Is Feedback Good or Bad?
There is a neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) pre-supposition that says “there is no failure; there is only feedback.” And yet most people characterize feedback as “positive” or “negative”; “affirmative” or “constructive.” In this way, they are changing feedback from a neutral piece of information to “success” or “failure.” Obviously, most people will be excited to hear […]
A Brilliant Woman on Accountability
A very very short blog post today – you are welcome. Get back to your weekend! “What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.” –Maya Angelou
Are You Kidding Me?! How to Give Feeback (and not)
I have been blogging for a couple months now on feedback and the most effective ways to give it. Today I will give an example of the type of feedback often given and the type that is more effective. You will see the difference. I have been a member of a particular gym for many […]
When is Your Experience of Another Person Valuable as Feedback to Them?
Can Non-Factual Information be Offered Effectively as Feedback? We have thus far offered a formula of effective feedback that is outlined by the acronym INFO. Under this model, feedback must be desired (Inquire), Neutral, Factual and Observable. We have stressed that effective feedback is not a matter of opinion, but a mirror held up to […]
Offering Feedback, Tips to Guide You
Having outlined the model for giving effective feedback (http://www.mclarencoaching.com/how-to-give-feedback-part-i/ and subsequent blogs), let me sum up and offer a few more tips. Further tips on giving effective feedback: • Give specific information – factual, observable, quantifiable. • Give facts and data to emphasize objectivity; do not give your opinion. Your opinion is not feedback. • […]