Clients and friends ask me how I can be as bold as I am with some of the examples that I share with them.  I realized years ago that most people don’t know how to resolve conflict in the workplace or home.  I see people letting things fester because they don’t have the skills or fear what will happen if they open up their mouth!  It has taken me YEARS of practice, making mistakes, making more mistakes, taking classes, reading, and gaining the respect by others and mainly for myself.

At times my family asks me why I need to be the family’s truth teller.  I tell them what Forrest Gump said when someone asked him what he was going to be, “Aren’t I going to be me?”  Believe me when I tell you that I’m not ALWAYS the bold one.  There are times when I actually hold back because the timing is not the best, or I may be tired and not full of my creative juices for that moment.  BUT, when I see things that need to be said, in a positive way, you better believe that I point these things out to clients, friends and family.  It is not always easy but I get a great night’s sleep because I don’t constantly think about unresolved issues.

This post contains quotes from people who you will recognize about this very topic.  I do hope that they will give your the courage to either speak up or hold back if you are one of the aggressive communicators. 🙂 … [Continue reading]