Having recently been interviewed by The Pittsburgh Business Times, my insights were published in their article, "Communication, Valuing Employees Keys to Becoming Best Place to Work." I'd like to take this article a step further where the keys to success at work are the same keys for success at home. It would be titled, "Communication, Valuing Loved Ones Keys to Becoming Best Home to Live". Imagine a professional or personal relationship without communication and appreciation for one another. What do you get? A superficial relationship that's taken for granted.

At the end of the day, most people whether at work or home, want to be appreciated for doing a good job. Work is a job, and a relationship is work. There are great rewards for having both in life, if they are fullfilling and empowering. There are many ways to offer employees praise without a raise. Just as there are many ways to show a loved one gratitude and appreciation. Why is expressing gratitude so difficult for many? Is it too time consuming for our fast-paced society or perhaps it's too hard to make someone feel good about themselves when we're not feeling so grand about ourselves.

What happens when we do not share our expectations and needs with one another at work and home? Not only do mistakes occur, false assumptions, frustrations and dissappointments become the ways of working and living. Why is communicating our expectations and needs so difficult for many? Again, is it too time consuming for our fast-paced society or perhaps we've never found the courage to learn how to be an assertive communicator. Everyone deserves to get their needs filled and be happy. Face your fears of conflict to speak your truth and concerns.

Losing an employee usually costs a company one and a half to two times a person's salary. Losing a loved one, costs the greatest gift of all, love. I hope you do what it takes to have your organization and home become the best places they can be.

Have a Grateful Day!
Nancy