When someone asks me my advice, my first response  is always: "What's your intention in what you're doing?" Almost nothing matters more in one's actions or communications than understanding the intention. Most people do not take the time to analyze that simple question and they find themselves in trouble.

Let's take a simple example.  

You're upset by an action someone else did. Your feelings are hurt. So, you decide that you "need to talk to her." That's fair; and if done well, it's even "healthy." But if the intention isn't clear, you'll get in hot water because your attitude will communicate louder than will your words. You might be able to massage what you say, but it's a heck of a lot harder to adjust what you feel.

To read the full post, follow this link. 

(Note: the videos are not embedded in this email. To view them, click on the picture and they'll take you to a location at my blog where you can view them.)

Currently, we rate our attitude at 3.8 and the attitude of those around us at 3.4. Last January, the same numbers were 3.7 and 3.6 respectively. In effect, we tend to think our attitude is fine; it's the attitude of those around us that need work. However, it's important to remember that they're doing the same thing with us. And since attitude communicates, we have a pre-disposition to go into a conversation assuming the other person isn't as positive as we are. That can certainly bias our communication. To read the full report, follow this link. 

I have several engagements lined up for 2011. Once I'm "on the road," I like to maximize my time while traveling - so if you (or anyone you know) is in need of a lively presenter, I would be very interested in hearing from you.  (Although I am looking for paid engagements, I do a limited number of pro-bono presentations per year for qualifying organizations.)

What Do I Speak About?

My presentations are described as "a cross between attitude 101, group therapy, and a southern revival." They are extremely interactive, playful, motivational, and with a great deal of content that helps those in attendance:

• Improve Communication
• Reduce Conflict
• Lower Stress
• Increase Productivity
• Have Fun

If you would like to see a short video that outlines my style, you can click on the image below & it will take you to a 10 minute video. If you would like to see and read about my most-delivered topics, you can follow this link or click in the Quick Links section in the sidebar.

If you're interested in contacting me about a presentation for your organization for these dates and locations - or any others - click

here.

(Please note, I have been known to do a presentation in exchange for great quality chocolate or enough french fries - but I'll vehemently deny it if asked.)

The Four Steps to Improved Communication A Humorous Approach

It's important to be thankful, so at the end of my newsletter, I always try and express it publicly.  With that in mind, just some of the people to whom I am grateful include: Rich, Margie, & Jess; my local Mastermind Alliance; Humboldt Speakers; my friends at NSA (most notably Tim Richardson, Michael Lee, and Patricia Fripp who were all so helpful this month); Ken Braly for all he does on my website; NSA/NC for inviting me to be on a panel; Humboldt Internet Marketing Group for all the great ideas; Robert Gluckson and Good Cause Marketing for the great class at HSU; the Northcoast Small Business Development Center, Weight Watchers International, and all my local clients, who continue to hire me; the folks who have signed up to be coached and supported by me on ThisTimeIMeanit.com; the editors of the newspapers that run my column and the websites that post it - as well as the people who read it; and of course to my family - especially my loving wife Mary Ann.

I am also very grateful to YOU dear reader, for allowing me into into your life.