Rodney Dangerfield wasn’t exactly your typical leading man. Sweaty, self-deprecating, and always on the losing side of life—he made a career out of being the underdog. But in the 80s comedy Back to School, he gave us more than laughs—he gave us a lesson. Thornton Melon (Dangerfield) is a millionaire who thinks money can buy anything—including […]
We’ve been cooking in 90+ degree weather here in the greater NYC area, and it’s had me reflecting — not just on the actual heat, but on how we respond to uncomfortable situations. I grew up in Queens, New York, where we had two household seasons: Freezing or Frying.When we asked to adjust the temperature, we’d […]
What does the Art of Hospitality mean to me? For me, it’s the art of welcoming someone into our midst. It’s appreciating the decision that person (or people) made to spend time with me instead of someone else. Hospitality means taking the opportunity to fuss over someone with specially prepared or procured foods. It involves […]
Are you suffering from chronic interruptoritis? Interruptoritis is a state of being when you find your self being interrupted on a regular basis by another human and are unable to express ourselves. Well as we move into this important holiday period, I want to use this time to reflect or complain about Our penchant for […]
Are you suffering from chronic interruptoritis? Interruptoritis is a state of being when you find your self being interrupted on a regular basis by another human and are unable to express ourselves. I want to use this post to reflect or complain about our cultural penchant for interrupting others when we are having conversations. At […]
Do “ISMS” help or hinder our ability to communicate with others? I think that ISMs can do both – A well crafted definition can serves a bridge and can help facilitate understanding and connection. Alternatively it can shut listening quicker than stranded vehicle in rush hour traffic. On many occasion, I’ve witnessed two people having […]
A couple of weeks ago I was invited to present a workshop at a nonprofit that was in the Battery Park area in lower Manhattan last week. I drove into “The City” since I was attending a QCP (Queens Centers for Progress) event in the Terrace on the Park in Queens that evening. The garage […]
Have you encountered a situation that does not align with your values? You do not like the way someone is treating you or someone you know. And at a certain point in time, you realize that you must use your voice and voice start saying “no.” Now saying no is not always easy and like […]
George Washington offers us great lessons in communications and leadership. The sculpture at the top of the page is called “Point of View” by the artist Jim West. This sculpture depicts George Washington and Seneca leader Guyasuta in 1770. “Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism” “It is better to be alone than in bad […]
One Valentine’s Day in a faraway place called the 7th Grade, I learned a few important lessons about providing feedback. My classmates and I gave Valentine’s Day cards out in class every year. We had nuns in school and they were very keen on preparing us for life’s challenges. So despite all the rules they […]
