Creative Focusing for Positive Change

Guest Blog By Jason Linett, Board Certified Hypnotist

Hypnosis is often defined as a “bypass of the critical faculties of the conscious mind.”  This definition refers to our nature to think, feel, or respond to stimulus as an automatic response. 

Consider the things you do throughout the day that don’t require conscious thought.  Tasks such as walking, driving, or even tying your shoes have become activities which don’t require having to think about them.  Your mind and body generalized the process, and it became automatic behavior within the subconscious mind. 

…but what if you can… Continue reading

What makes a great supervisor? – Part 2

I hope you had a chance to read part 1 from last week.  There are more things you can do to be a great supervisor.  If you gave your employees a score card – how would they rate you?

Rule #8. Always show appreciation for your employees’ efforts- every employee wants to feel that they are valued and appreciated.  For example, an encouraging word to a low performing employee will often do more to improve things than constant criticism for poor performance.  Research has shown that a four-to-one ratio of compliments to criticism produces the best… Continue reading

5 Rules to Rub Out Rude Writing

Guest Blog

By Eliza Dolin of Ivy Quill Communications

Savvy business professionals would never think of being impolite in conversations with their colleagues or customers. But all too often, they are unintentionally graceless and unpolished in how they present themselves in writing.

And in a world of innumerable emails, websites, Powerpoint presentations, and tweets, good business writing matters more than ever.
Whether you’re persuading, informing, educating, or instructing your target audience, effective writing evokes the reaction you want. It could be generating sales, increasing referrals, claiming a promotion or improving office morale. Regardless of your purpose in putting finger to… Continue reading

What makes a great supervisor? – Part 1

Great supervisors follow the same rules when working with their employees.  How many of these rules do you follow?  How many of these rules does your supervisor follow?  If you gave your employees a score card – how would they rate you?

Rule #1. Treat all your employees fairly
– that means workload, expectations and treatment.  What you’re willing to do for one, you must be willing to do for all.

Sub-tip:  Do not play favorites or develop special friendships with anyone you supervise – that will undermine your authority and open you up to… Continue reading

Gratitude Is a Slippery Skill … or Not

Guest Blog

By Dr. Kirk Mahoney

Gratitude is a slippery skill … or not. Here are five reasons for this dichotomy.

1. Gratitude is reciprocal … or not. People who are targets of gratitude often reciprocate, but gratitude is not necessarily reciprocal. For example, you may thank a client and not get any thanks in return. Remember, though, that gratitude often will be reciprocated eventually, just not necessarily from the original target of your gratitude.

2. Gratitude comes naturally … or not. Some people seem to have a natural skill for expressing gratitude, but it does not come naturally for… Continue reading