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

How to Find a Mentor and Foster a Mutually Rewarding Relationship

By Caroline M. Cole The first recorded use of the word “mentor” appears in Homer’s epic tale The Odyssey, which focuses on the final days of Troy and Odysseus’ attempt to return to Ithaca after the war. Readers learn that … Continue reading

Carve Out Time to Be Consciously, Purposefully Grateful

By Caroline M. Cole Signs were evident in mid-August. Subtle in some stores and on full display in others, Christmas decorations were making their appearance among the costumes, ghostly embellishments, and bags of candy meant to welcome trick-or-treaters—one of many … 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

The Power of Words, for Bad and Good

By Caroline M. Cole Last week it was Rebecca Ann Sedwick, age 12, but there have been others: Erin Gallagher, 13. Bart Palosz, 15. Katie Webb, 12. Amanda Cummings, 15. Ryan Patrick Halligan, 13. Audrie Pott, 15. Phoebe Prince, 15. … Continue reading

Early, Prompt, Fashionably Late, or Rude? Punctuality as a (Slippery) Virtue

By Caroline M. Cole Colleagues walking into a meeting mid-discussion. Classmates strolling into a lecture in progress. Patrons looking for a seat once the movie or performance has begun. Patients checking in after scheduled appointments. Guests showing up as others … Continue reading

The Art of Introduction

By Caroline M. Cole Poking others on Facebook and sending connect invites on LinkedIn, we have more opportunities to extend our social and professional networks. Yet while connections and interactions increasingly take place online, there are times we need to … Continue reading

R.S.V.P. and Enhance Your Reputation

By Caroline M. Cole Those familiar with Jane Austen novels have inevitably read about the importance of an invitation. Whether to a private ball, a wedding, or an afternoon tea, invitations were a token of the sender’s esteem for their … Continue reading

Connection, Communication, and Intimacy Among Strangers

By Caroline M. Cole A yeshiva student with his hand on the wrist of a fish market worker, who’s touching the student’s shoulder. A young African-American male wearing a yellow bandana and baggy clothes clutching a Caucasian bride. A towering … Continue reading