Communication Playbook

Have you ever said or done something you regret or that is inconsistent with what you meant to say?  There is a biological explanation for this.  During stressful times, difficult situations or challenging conversations, our body releases a neurochemical and hormone called cortisol. Cortisol redirects brain communication from our prefrontal cortex to our limbic system. The prefrontal... Read More

With the election upon us and families conversing safely over the holidays, politics will certainly be on our minds. Yet, in today’s world it can be a discomforting subject. When is it appropriate to discuss politics? How do we do so productively and respectfully? These are important questions to consider before you are in the middle of a difficult political conversation.  From the... Read More

In their book Primal Leadership (2013), Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee outline that laughter and smiling create an irresistible response from others to share in the laughter and smiling with others. This is a fancy way of saying that smiling is contagious! However, it is not often discussed that laughter and smiling builds trust and rapport and reduces defensiveness and hostility.... Read More

From the Playbook: We are always giving and receiving feedback. Sure, we give feedback formally in evaluations or on project debriefs, but we are also giving feedback in our daily communications. Your wife asking if “you’re really going to wear that” to a visit with her parents might communicate she hopes  you change your clothes. A genuine smile from a... Read More

From the Playbook: We all understand the value of non-verbal communication. Yet in today’s age of Zoom meetings, it can be a challenge to pick up on it. Some meetings may require video. But what can we do when they don’t? Here are things to consider if you want to encourage non-verbal communication in Zoom meetings: Ask for help and ask in advance: If you are facilitating a... Read More