Well here we are, at the end of another chaotic year. Will 2023 be more “normal”? Do we even know what “normal” means anymore? Regardless, we made it. We piloted our rafts through whatever rapids came at us. We got thrown out of the raft and … [Read more...] about Looks like we made it
Take the opposite view
My head loves worst-case scenario thinking. It was great when I was a PR person who needed to envision and prepare for any potential crisis, but it’s not so awesome when I’m just trying to live my life. One tool I’ve learned from a few coaches is … [Read more...] about Take the opposite view
Words. They matter.
Let’s talk about words. If I say “ruby” to someone at a jewelry store, I’m going to get something very different than if I say “Ruby” on GitHub. Shared vocabulary is a prerequisite for any successful conversation. It’s your responsibility both as … [Read more...] about Words. They matter.
Reality?
‘’Perception is reality.” Lee Atwater coined this phrase in political campaigning because he saw that what people think is more powerful than what’s true. Objectivity does not exist. This can be super frustrating, but it’s TRUE. People do not … [Read more...] about Reality?
Context matters!
Let me state the obvious: The three minute presentation you give at a university recruiting day should be radically different from your board meeting. The language you use at a biotech conference to a bunch of doctors is different from the language … [Read more...] about Context matters!
Your brand
Your customers and prospects are a skeptical bunch. They have been burned before, so they are super careful about committing time and money to someone new. How do you get them to trust you? Table stakes: You listen. You do what you say you’ll do. … [Read more...] about Your brand
Can people change?
A few weeks ago my manicurist said to me, “I can’t imagine you getting angry.” HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Anyone who knows me from days as a senior PR person would be incredulous. A cheerful, mellow Lisa Poulson? Impossible! When I had my last day job, at … [Read more...] about Can people change?
Perception = reality
Whenever you communicate with anyone you are crossing a bridge. You are trying to get part of what’s in your mind into the uncharted territory of their minds. This is always a non-trivial process. Because every person you speak to has their own … [Read more...] about Perception = reality
“I don’t know” is OK. Really.
I said this last year, but it bears repeating. It’s OK to say “I don’t know.” In our world right now there are so many questions and so few answers. Not knowing is really frustrating. Especially when you’re a leader who is supposed to know. But … [Read more...] about “I don’t know” is OK. Really.
Start. Stop. Start Again.
Your first user conference in two years is next week! It’s oversubscribed! Everyone is so excited to get together!! Yay! But your famous keynote speaker got COVID. Oh no! You’re finally opening the gorgeous office you leased two years ago! Yay! … [Read more...] about Start. Stop. Start Again.
