Tag: professional
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The Problem with Your Good Intentions
Well, I meant well. Recently a friend of mine was getting ready to celebrate a milestone birthday. This friend is awesome. She’s just so good at knowing what to say to you and how to care for you and which kind of munchy snack to bring when you’re feeling blue. And so, a group of…
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The Unexpected Lesson from Six Legs on Southwest
So last week was a Southwest Airlines extravaganza. We began the first of six legs at the start of the week, flying up to northern California for work, then back home to San Diego. Two days later, a presentation brought us to Providence, RI and back (plus a layover each way). Let me say now…
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Why You Must Consider the Other Option
Recently I needed a favor. I was working on a new project, and I was stuck. Really stuck. I needed advice on how to “unstick” from someone who’d been there. And I knew who that perfect someone was. Martha Martha was awesome. She’d done something similar to what I was trying to do and she’d…
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The Big Small Talk Mistake
“You get to do the conversation if this one is chatty.” These are actual words I said to Hubby as we awaited our Lyft Driver at 4:45AM last week. We were about to fly out of town and were ready to roll. All we needed was to get to the airport. Which is when we…
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A Request to PLEASE Do This Important, Simple Thing Already
So I’ve noticed a trend lately, and it’s not a good one. In fact, it can be hurtful for all involved. I being with a few examples from just the past few weeks. See if you notice a pattern. Friend #1 recently won a major cooking competition. When I excitedly told him how proud I…
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The Two Letters that Can Ruin Any Relationship
So I came across an interesting nugget the other day. It was about a favorite actor and performer of mine: Nathan Lane. Even if you’re not as smitten by Nathan as I am, chances are you’ll still be somewhat compelled by one of his first official gigs: delivering singing telegrams. Even more compelling? The reason…
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What to Do About the Snark in Your Life
I had a bad moment the other day. It made me look bad. It was potentially damaging to my reputation. And it was 100%, without a doubt, my own fault. I had emailed a colleague to confirm a phone call we’d set up for the next day. I told her I would be expecting her…
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The Ick of “No”
Ah, the word “no”. How does such a simple word get so complicated? So ominous? Behold…a brief tale to illustrate my question. Last year I stepped into a volunteer leadership position for an organization. I did my best with it, but I really didn’t feel useful. Nor did I enjoy it at all. And so…
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The Truth Behind Your Guts
I had an awkward moment this week. We’re all prone to them at certain times in our lives. Mine happened while meeting with a potential client who wanted me to provide some trainings for his staff. When he asked me if I knew anything about his company, I knew I had to fess up. So…
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The Messy, Imperfect Blog Post
Well, this stinks. With just a few days left in Paris and a blog post coming due, I desperately want to write something inspired…something that beautifully sums up my time in the City of Lights and the lessons that have come along the way. There have been a lot of them, believe me. Not only…
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The Right Thing To Ask When Something Feels Wrong
Today’s post begins with a tale regarding a beloved topic: food. Before arriving in Paris there was lots of dreamy anticipation about the pending French cuisine. Those decadent, creamy sauces…those exquisite pastries…that bread… Okay yes, the bread is pretty incredible. But now that I’m here I can say that the rest of it…well…I’m just not…
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How to Handle the Other B.S.
Well, my current city of Paris and my beloved, Italian mother just collided. I invited her to visit after experiencing some of the best things Paris has to offer. While Mama was excited about exploring both the culinary and non-culinary wonders of the City of Lights, her enthusiasm was accompanied by another emotional phenomenon: the…