Do you ever have trouble asking for what you want? “The ask” may be one of the most important, yet most unpolished skills of our professional and interpersonal relationships. John Baker is the author of the book “The Asking Formula” and has developed a whole curriculum on how to ask for things persuasively and effectively. Baker maintains …
Author: John Stevenson
Renewal
No matter where you are on the spectrum of faith, it’s Easter Sunday and Passover, times of hope, rebirth and renewal – both seasonally and spiritually. In 2013, columnist David Brooks was going through his own self-imposed, self-isolation that he fully admits was his own fault. He’d given in to the common lies that society …
Fine
It’s like a reflex. You ask someone “How are you?” and they answer “Fine, and you?” It’s a greeting, really, not meant to be a dialogue or a real question and real answer. It’s a courteous habit. But what if you sense someone really isn’t fine? Now more than ever, being an emotionally supportive spouse, …
Framing
How we perceive our options – framing – especially in a time of adversity, can make all the difference in staying productive and positive. It’s especially important when trying to find possibilities and opportunities in uncertainty, rather than retreating in panic. Framing – or re-framing – a challenge can make it easier to deal with. …
Unknown
Fear of the unknown is what most of us are dealing with right now. How long will this continue? How bad will it get? How will we recover? Our minds race. We feel a lack of control. The scarcity mindset constricts our thinking. So how do we get through? A few thoughts: Fear is normal. Accept …
Presence
In an over-scheduled day of breakfasts, lunches, meetings and phone calls, how can you stay present? For leaders, staying in the moment is not a choice, it’s a necessity. Important decisions and topics require focus and attention. You owe it to your people to be fully present and make the best use of the time …
Transparency
No one wants to be treated like a mushroom – kept in the dark, and fed a bunch of shit. This is just one analogy for obfuscation but feel free to use your favorite: “the cover up is always worse than the crime (or crisis)”; “you can’t manage a secret”; “the truth is the easiest …
No
Saying “no” is hard for most of us because “no” often feels like rejection. It’s a denial of a request. It can displease. And we routinely associate dissent with hostile disagreement. But turning things down or going against the grain is how you preserve your character and the shape of your life. If you don’t …
Optimism
We all have pessimists and optimists in our lives, and we likely fall into one category ourselves. There’s the guarded grouch who’s always warning of impending disasters. And there’s the glass-half-full individual who’s always brimming with positive enthusiasm. Pessimism runs in families but it’s also one of the most changeable character traits, according to Martin E.P. …
Herb
Herb Kelleher, the late founder of Southwest Airlines was famous for his straight talk and warm humor. Right up to his death last year at the age of 87, he was an unapologetic Wild Turkey drinker and cigarette smoker, who was still tickled by Southwest’s success over the years. Clearly, he had a feel for people and the confidence to …