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
It’s almost impossible these days not to engage in discussion about current events. Some of us have even joined protests to find our voice. Yet, concurrently many fear recrimination and remain silent. Silence might be interpreted as acceptance of the new status quo. Unfortunately, we might never know. Talking about issues is the “Elephant in … Read more
So many demands…So many distractions…Too many options. We can feel overwhelmed with how to prioritize our time, including moments for conversation. Just the other day, I declined an invitation to stop in at my neighbor’s house: the car repair shop was waiting . What a miss! Even for a brief moment, saying “Hello” is the … Read more
Although adding cinnamon sugar to morning toast works deliciously, I’m not talking about bread! Rather, the occasion to raise your glass to those with you at the table. According to author, Paul Dickson, “a toast is a basic form of human expression that can be used to convey virtually any human emotion from love to … Read more
Joyous and difficult, two opposing adjectives concurrently describe Thanksgiving emotions. The recent negative, political discourse leads us further astray from feeling acquainted with what’s “good”. Despite our bi-polarized feelings, it’s still possible to “bring thanks into the light”[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” … 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
Whether for work or play, hosting a mealtime get-together is the same: an adventure, with guests to enjoy and get to know, at a restaurant or in our own backyard. Let’s go! Go local! Pick a date. Invite guests. Decide the menu. Set a table. Enjoy a cocktail. Here’s how to launch! The Guests: Think … Read more
An invitation to the member event was sent through an email. It would be sent a second time in another week. Board members planned to pass out flyers. Would this communication be enough for strong attendance? Five weeks ahead of the event, our communication had been rather “safe”. Despite crossing our fingers, most of us … Read more
Not too long ago, after stepping down as board chair of a local technology cohort, I sent a letter to my successor about transition plans. Although a strong leader, the success of our group relied on creating a cohesive membership experience. “As much as it’s important to have a plan with “next steps” and a … Read more
“Without my morning coffee I’m just like a dried up piece of roast goat.” – Johann Sebastian Bach[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][1] The Look of Conversation: Pausing over Coffee My favorite mug reads: “I’m in my happy … Read more