Using a Helicopter View to Improve Our Writing

By Caroline M. Cole Wanting to improve their writing, many people look online for guidance and find countless resources offering information such as the “4 Habits of the Most Successful Writers,” “Best Ways to Reach an Audience,” “Seven Steps to … Continue reading

How to Mentor with the Greatest Impact

By Caroline M. Cole The post “How to Find a Mentor and Foster a Meaningful Relationship” discusses how we might find and work with mentors to achieve professional and personal goals with greater ease. On occasion, however, we may find … Continue reading

Strive for Excellence, Not Perfection, in Communication

By Caroline M. Cole A beautifully plated appetizer, justifying a chef’s reputation or a restaurant’s multi-star rating. An elegantly designed smart phone or tablet that prompts consumers to wait in line for hours or even days. An impeccably executed pas … Continue reading

To Enhance the Flow in Our Communication, We Need More than Transitions

By Caroline M. Cole “It sounds choppy… .” “Something seems to be missing… .” “It needs more flow… .” These and comparable observations emerge when people ask for feedback about their writing. And while students may be the greatest recipients … Continue reading

How to Dazzle During an Interview

By Caroline M. Cole Many applicants know what they should do during an interview, and most can identify what they should not to do. Unfortunately, the conventional do’s and don’ts list applicants use when preparing for interviews configure these discussions … Continue reading

Setting Boundaries to Increase Productivity, Sanity, and Good Will

By Caroline M. Cole You’re working on a report that’s due by the end of the day and the phone rings; it’s a client you haven’t talked to for a while, wanting to discuss an idea for a new campaign. … Continue reading

Bypass Slogans and Develop a Mission Statement to Build and Pitch Your Reputation

By Caroline M. Cole DeBeers claims a “diamond is forever,” Exxon wants to be “a tiger in your tank,” Timex “takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” Energizer “keeps going and going and going,” and “Like a good neighbor, State … Continue reading

The Best Advice You Can Offer

By Caroline M. Cole It can be a commencement speech. Perhaps a greeting card sentiment or yearbook inscription. Maybe it’s a banquet toast. Possibly it’s an informal conversation in the kitchenette or around the photocopier at work. It can even … Continue reading

“No, really. After You…”: The Door-Opening Ritual

By Caroline M. Cole In 1983 Marilyn Frye, professor of philosophy and feminist theories, published an essay in which she examines the use and misuse of the word “oppression.” Drawing examples primarily from male and female interactions, Frye examines what, … Continue reading