A recent customer service experience reminded me why real empathy is so much more effective than rote empathy, and why we should all choose our words mindfully when we’re attempting it. The lessons in this case stretch far beyond the help desk to anyone in a services role.

My mom turns 93 this week (go, Mom!) My interactions with her over the holidays reminded me of a critical lesson for those of us in the business of being influential. It’s what a mentor of mine once labeled, “Being committed, not attached.”

I’m taking time off to enjoy a little year-end down time. In the meantime, I’ve curated some Weekly Tips for the diehards. The most popular ones seem to be the most humbling for me, so here are a few oldies but goodies to close out the year.

I’m taking the week off to enjoy a little year-end down time. In the meantime, look for inspiration for your 2020 intentions in the free and no-strings-attached Get Real manifesto poster and eBook.

It’s that time of year again. The holidays are in full swing and year-end celebrations are approaching at lightning speed, which means a high probability you’re dreading being with a certain family member. Or two. This week’s tip is being reprised by special request, and with some new resources.

Funny how within a few days of writing my Weekly Tip on rebuilding lost trust I wake up to a very angry email from a client, directed right at me, so I get to practice what I preach. Yay. I learned a few things from applying my own six-part process. And it just so happens a lot of this went down via email, so in sharing I also get to fulfill last week’s promise on how to rebuild lost trust in writing.