Mouthing Off! It feels as if firing off a verbal barrage has become socially acceptable, especially among politicians (“He’s a Mexican”, “You’re fired”, “He’s Deplorable”…he did that, she did that…). CBS responded a few weeks back to a “mouthing off” episode by dismissing the errant employee (“I’m actually not even sympathetic (to the Las Vegas … Read more
It’s intimidating to enter a room as the new employee or guest when people already know one another. Conversation is buzzing and you look around wondering how to make a graceful entrance. There doesn’t seem to be a place to sit other than at the end of the table! You don’t want to interrupt. “Breaking … Read more
At a recent cross-cultural, cross-faith event, hosts enthusiastically met each attendee at the door. Guests were coming together from different religious backgrounds and we wanted our greeting to put them at ease. For some it was the first time to be in a church. The sincere welcome created immediate comfort. How we invite someone “to … Read more
There’s nervousness in the air. People wonder if they’ll be liked. They feel nervous about being themselves. Even the most accomplished professionals and members of a team experience apprehension when gathering with co-workers and acquaintances. Like shiny toys we acquire, the list of our professional accomplishments tells a small part of a “success” story. Our … Read more
Gifts can come from strange places. My husband recently suffered a second injury within ten months of tearing his Achilles tendon. Despite the pain, he doesn’t complain. He’s focused, instead, on recovering and living! His calm demeanor has helped me stop my own complaining and settle into a new temporary routine. Eliminating the incessant, fretful … Read more
Ahead of strategic planning for a new year, we assess last year’s successful or not so fruitful endeavors. We check in with our partners and decide if and how we might move forward. Usually this happens before the year ends. In my case, I’m reviewing partnerships now. The quickest way to start the conversation is … Read more
What we talk about with others defines the relationship: “The conversation is the relationship.”[1] Does this ring true for you? How we show up in our exchanges determines whether some sort of kinship develops or continues to grow. “Showing Up” means demonstrating a willingness to be honest, kind, and authentic with whomever you share your space. … Read more
This week is the TEDxMileHighWomen, “It’s About Time” conference and I can’t wait. Although my excitement stems partly from offering A Table In Time’s “Conversation Café’” at the conference, I’m super psyched to feel inspired and learn from the many dynamic speakers on stage, bringing us their “ju-ju” and smarts! Admittedly I have nervous energy, … Read more
The initial reaction to my proposal was quiet. Dead silence. Then one board member jumped in, asked a few questions and signed the agreement. With some apprehension I wondered whether the board’s reticence equaled resistance. Was this organization a good fit for my services? Gulp. With an attendance goal of fifty guests, we hoped to … Read more
Every person can create and engage in thoughtful conversation around the table. When glancing around a friend’s back yard last weekend, filled with 24 guests for a “Summer Send Off “ party, I was amazed: each guest was fully participating in dialog with someone else. No one was quiet! Guests seemed to glide easily around … Read more