Psychologists refer to it as fundamental attribution error and self-serving bias.
It’s why when you cut someone off in traffic, it’s because you’re running late. But when they cut you off, they’re a jerk.
It’s a natural human phenomenon. When assessing our own behavior, we tend to take our circumstances into account. Yet when we’re judging read more...
Would you rather be around someone who’s depressed, or someone who’s angry?
Anyone who’s ever had to live or work with someone who’s chronically depressed or angry knows that it’s no fun. If you suffer from either malady yourself, you’re probably not too thrilled with it either.
We tend to think of read more...
Can a friend help you get promoted? Or lose weight? Or be a better parent?
Statistically speaking, yes. Studies show that partnering with a peer increases your odds of being successful at just about anything.
I’m living proof that the combination of peer pressure and accountability can get you out of bed on read more...
Can a single conversation ruin your business? Or end your marriage?
Author and leadership expert Susan Scott says, “While no single conversation is guaranteed to change the trajectory of a career, a company, a relationship or a life – any conversation can.”
Scott, the author of Fierce Conversations, writes, “Our lives succeed or fail gradually, then suddenly, read more...
What makes someone a great friend?
Is it being supportive and accepting you just the way you are?
Or is it someone who has the guts to kick you in the tail and demand that you do better?
I had an abysmal book signing several years ago that gave me a different perspective read more...
When we think about great parents, we tend to use words like loving, nurturing and kind. Yet when describing high performing bosses, we’re more likely to talk about being decisive, tough and directive.
Parenting, especially mothering, is viewed as soft and sweet, while leadership is firm and aggressive.
Yet in reality, read more...
We all know them; you might even be one of them. They’re the bitter divorced people who five years later are still seething with anger at their ex-spouse.
The question is, what causes the anger? The marriage, or the way they divorced?
It’s ironic; people often divorce in the hopes of creating a better life. Yet many read more...
My neighbors just lost their 17-year-old daughter to cancer.
She was diagnosed 13 months ago. Up until three weeks ago, she was responding well to the treatment, and everyone thought she was going to get better. Then a scan revealed that the cancer had returned with a vengeance, and 14 days read more...
Do you ever wonder why some people do the things they do?
We all have our own unique perspectives and experiences. Our unique point of view is the lens through which we view the world.
The good news is we’re all different.
The bad news is sometimes we forget that.
One of the things I’ve noticed about people, including read more...
Everyone is looking for the magic bullet, the secret words that will make our spouse melt, our coworker cooperate and our customer giggle with glee as they sign on the dotted line.
After 20 years as a sales and business coach and a decade spent helping people with their personal relationships, I’ve discovered that in most read more...
