Conflict in the workplace is inevitable, and learning how to create productive conflict resolution is a necessity. One of the most common causes of conflict among employees is miscommunication. The first step toward successful communication is identifying how your own behaviors affect the situation. The assertive continuum is…
We all know that popular hashtag. Was it the mini-caramel apple bites or the complicated Cookie Monster cupcakes, a 10 p.m. toddler temper tantrum or your fifth straight failed media pitch? #FAILs are sometimes posted in good fun, but other times, they can weigh on you for weeks.…
When I was in college, I lived with my sister in an off-campus apartment with reserved parking for each unit. While there were plenty of visitor spaces, our neighbor’s boyfriend always parked in our spots despite us asking him to move at least once per week. One time…
If you remember nothing else from what you are about to read, remember this: patients are customers. With that said, communication professionals who work with or for health care organizations must address them as such through messaging. Blame it on the cost of health care, government policies or…
It is no secret that digital content has gone from the new kid on the block to everyone’s BFF. The kings and queens of this digital age are the lucky individuals and companies who have produced content that has gone viral. Having the world at your fingertips can…
Author’s note: Spoiler alert! Season six plot details are revealed in this blog. If you’re a Downtown Abbey devotee like me, you’re aware of the budding relationship between Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes over the last two seasons. Last season’s proposal by Mr. Carson to Mrs. Hughes was…
In my first session of the 2015 PRSA ICON, entitled “Multi- Sensory Magic,” Mike McDougall addressed how scent, taste and touch will redefine immersive public relations. He laid the framework by sharing a few stats. Now most of us, especially professional communicators such as myself, would like…
Not long ago, I was in a security line at the airport. I was about seven months pregnant, so while it wasn’t really a secret, most people wouldn’t say anything unless I did. The guy in front of me didn’t think that way. He turned around and asked…
Being the new guy or girl around the office is always intimidating, but if you focus on learning quickly, you can shake off that newbie dust in no time. I learned this the hard way, keeping mostly quiet and observing at my first job. When I had the…