You notice that all of a sudden they've gone quiet. They look to be a small bit ashamed at all the oversharing they just did. I think in this instance if you're feeling courageous and generous then the best solution is to match vulnerability with vulnerability. Reach into the well (as deep as you're willing … Continue reading Matching vulnerability with vulnerability →

In one episode of Scrubs Carla didn't agree with Dr. Kelso's decision. So she was faced with a dilemma. On the one hand she wanted her opinion heard but on the other hand she wanted to preserve her relationship with Dr. Kelso. So eventually Carla decided to use JD as a vehicle for getting her … Continue reading Carla and Kant →

I find no superficial topic is discussed with such vigor as when the attendees have come in close contact with a serious or deep and meaningful subject. It's like the conversationalists narrowly escaped death and have gotten a new lease on life. The close call invigorated them and they want to talk about shallow unimportant … Continue reading Conversation close call →

If you are slow to call yourself an artist because you have negative associations with the term (artists are supposed to be unpredictable, erratic, unreliable and snobby) or because you feel unworthy (at the moment) to put yourself in the same category as the greats. Don't worry you're not alone. Meryl Streep once said: "I … Continue reading Labels →

I think the downside of a 'How to' book is that it leaves little room for the reader to think. Instructions, once laid out, are there to follow or not. I think there's no great rumination or epiphanies with a step by step guide. There's no inviting the user to view the entire subject matter … Continue reading How to books →

I've come across an interesting phenomenon in human behaviour, that I'm going to try and outline here for you. When Carol cheats on Ross, she's written off as a callous wench. But when Carol cheats on Ross with Susan and surprises everyone with the widening of her sexual spectrum, Carol receives more sympathy. All of … Continue reading Number seven →

You go to schedule a social media post but you realise your colleague never gave you the approved text. So you start to write a message when you remember you owe this colleague a report. The unfinished report reminds you of data issue you need to speak with your manager about and all of a … Continue reading The yak shaving choice →

I think saying yes to everything is never a good long term strategy. You don't have unlimited time and energy, eventually the promisees discover you can't fulfill your promises and you're setting someone else up to be the villain (someone who will not thank you for this). Hearing 'no' is disappointing but it's a lot … Continue reading Yes to everything →

I think brainstorming is too fun to just hear an idea and simply respond positively. That's why when all you sought was feedback for your idea instead you got an avalanche of more ideas. Ideation is infectious.

It's never the first answer. When you're asking deep meaningful questions, the first answer can be dismissed as surface level. The reply is usually glib or an attempt at humour. But I find if you keep asking why, the answers start to take on more depth. Until finally you hit the root of the problem … Continue reading Never the first answer →