Laurie Ford

Maybe It’s Not Them – Maybe It’s You.

May 24, 2017 in change management, Closure conversations, excuses and justifications, Initiative conversations /by Laurie Ford

We have explanations for why other people behave the way they do, but sometimes we can have a conversation that creates a new possibility for them. Connecting to a vision or goal can make all the difference.

Schedule that Appointment? OK, But First Check Three Things…

May 17, 2017 in Accountability, Credibility, get results, promises /by Laurie Ford

We agree to do things without making a good checklist of everything that is involved to satisfy the promise we made. The things on that checklist need to be scheduled too! Here’s how.

Other Places to Put Your Promises? Nope. They Go in Your Schedule.

April 25, 2017 in Accountability, Credibility, effective communication, promises /by Laurie Ford

I got some feedback on where people “put their promises”. It is useful to see that we have many ways to manage our agreements, some smarter than others. But putting them on a schedule makes sure we have a time and place for them. If you have a better system, please let me know and I will publish it!

Your Schedule? That’s Where Your Promises Go.

April 17, 2017 in Accountability, Credibility, Daily communication, promises /by Laurie Ford

Where do you put the promises you make to other people? Do you simply hope you will remember them – or do you record them where they will remind you to honor them? Your reputation depends on your answers.

How to Save Time: Make Better Requests to Get Better Promises

April 7, 2017 /1 Comment/in Accountability, effective communication, get results, promises, requests /by Laurie Ford

How to get what you want from others? Here’s how to make a more effective request. It takes a bit of practice, but you’ll see the benefits early and they will continue to increase.

When a Team is – And Is Not – a Team

March 15, 2017 in effective communication, promises, requests /by Laurie Ford

We talk a lot about teams, and sometimes send people off bungee jumping as a “team-building exercise”. Sounds like fun. But a team is something that needs thought – and practice – to design and implement. It is simple, but not always easy. Still, when you need a team, it’s worth knowing what works.

Lack of Integrity – It’s a Loose Connection, Right?

February 27, 2017 in Accountability, Closure conversations, Credibility, promises /by Laurie Ford

Do what you say you’ll do. It’s worth your credibility and reputation – and that’s pretty much the foundation of all your relationships.

It’s Valentines Day – But What do You Do When You Hate Someone at Work?

February 14, 2017 in Closure conversations, effective communication /by Laurie Ford

A good friend – let’s call her Katy – shared with a group of us the other evening that there’s a woman she works with who is “awful”. She didn’t go into details, but said she was unwilling to even have a conversation with “Cruella” to clean up the bad vibes. And Katy said, “There’s […]

Tip #2 on Being Professional: Managers and Supervisors, Listen Up!

January 30, 2017 in Credibility, excuses and justifications /by Laurie Ford

When we make excuses and blame others for our actions, our credibility suffers. It’s smarter to clarify the expectations others and take responsibility for our commitments.

Tip #1 on Being Professional – Courtesy of the Gossip Trio

January 23, 2017 in Credibility, unproductive conversations /by Laurie Ford

What gossip looks like, and how it can bounce back to hurt the ones who do it. Don’t gossip: it just doesn’t make anybody look good, and it is NOT a career-helper.

About Laurie Ford

Entries by Laurie Ford