“Knowing I’m a weak person, my mom advised me that whenever I felt scared or fearful, that’s exactly the right moment to jump in head first to face the monster by looking him in the eye. And I’ve found that when I get that close to the “monster”, I stop being afraid because I lose […]
Virtual Collaboration e-course helps you make a difference
November 5, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
I’m feeling ok. My e-course, Virtual Collaboration: Effective Communications, Strategies and Tools for Working Together from a Distance, is ready and shipped. Get it here. Ever since I first read Stafford Beer’s ‘Designing Freedom’ (created for 1973 CBC Massey Lectures) over 30 years ago, I have taken a cup half full view on technology. Sure, technology frustrates, infuriates, […]
AM-FM: A Formula for High-Context Virtual Communications
October 10, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
With all the time you spend online, wouldn’t it be nice if you could communicate more in ways that don’t leave you feeling that you sold out, stooping to the lowest common denominator? I’m talking to you – high-context communicator. How can you feel more authentic, real, in your virtual communications? The high-context virtual communications […]
The Price of Convenience: Loss of Connection and Relationship
September 18, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
With a few keyboard strokes, you have it; whatever it is. A book, groceries, someone to clean your home… And, at such a convenient price,too! What’s the rub? How about loss of connection and relationship? From a Washington Post article last week about Homejoy (h/t to Jarche for the link), a cleaning services web start-up. …That’s the […]
Writing tips for storytelling from Billy Wilder
September 9, 2014 by · 2 Comments
Summer is always a good time to vary perspective. On the book front this summer, “Conversations With Wilder“, by Cameron Crowe, offered me some new perspectives on story. Billy Wilder (1906-2002) was a legendary Hollywood movie writer and director. (Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard, Some Like it Hot, The Apartment and many more). Conversations with […]
Offering a Continuum of Choices is a Trusted Collaborative Problem Solving Technique
August 25, 2014 by · Leave a Comment
When we’re stuck on a problem, and filled with negativity, the options lean to either/or. When we articulate the spaces in-between, new possibilities emerge, a continuum of choices. A continuum of choices reduces the risk of either/or, win/lose, and encourages collaborative problem solving. Offer a continuum As a contract court mediator with Mediate BC, […]
