Women are often penalized for asserting themselves verbally. Interestingly, research indicates that women are not penalized for non-verbal assertive behavior. I recommend that women use their bodies more consciously by doing things like taking expansive physical stances, narrowing the physical proximity between you and the other person and making direct eye contact. Notice your “paraverbal” […]
In my last blog on “When I Say No, I Feel Guilty,” I outlined some approaches to assertiveness and boundary setting. One of the problems that many women face is that they are torn between being assertive and being nurturing. Sometimes women move to the assertive side. Since we view women in a way that’s […]
Some are able to say “no” to a request or opportunity and feel good about it. “This just isn’t the right fit for me” or “I don’t have the bandwidth right now – I hope you understand” are ways they opt out confidently. Others avoid saying “no” altogether because they don’t want to jeopardize a […]
Guest post by Terin Barbas Cremer, Esq. The start of a new year in the world of employment law is always busy. Companies, like people, often set goals for achievement with their personnel or training. That makes this the busiest time of year for employment training. The calls for the 2018 new year have focused […]
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it focuses on a simple and powerful practice, appreciation. Appreciation for all that has come to us, all those we love and all possibilities that we desire. Being thankful daily is an antidote for stress and all things negative that can damage our well-being. More than the Macy’s Parade, […]
As the Founder of the Key Women’s Leadership Forum and a Tampa based executive coach, I was delighted to hear that Tampa was rated the No. 2 city for business women pursuing a successful career according to the Tampa Bay Business Journal. Citrix Systems developed the report and used criteria such as the number of women owned […]
Relegating the responsibility for diversity to HR hasn’t worked. Diversity in selection as well as in succession planning has become a CEO issue in many companies (For more on this topic, click here). The best CEOs and leaders see the importance of diversity and inclusion as critical to their strategy for growth, their brand and […]
I was reminded about the importance of facing, even embracing what we fear most as I read about Jason Comely, an IT professional who feared rejection. In my psychological training, I studied “exposure therapy.” Exposure therapy is a technique that helps people who avoid objects, activities or situations because they are afraid or uncomfortable with […]
After the devastation of Hurricane Harvey that hit Texas and Louisiana, I was struck by how many of those interviewed were grateful – a young mother who lost everything – an elderly couple displaced – a homeless man staying at a shelter. The common theme was thankfulness. Safety for oneself and one’s loved ones far […]
All of us have felt the sting of rejection. Perhaps you didn’t get into the college of your choice, get a date with someone you had a crush on or got passed by for a promotion. It’s hard to shore up “positive thinking” with not fulfilling a treasured goal. We are told in our culture […]
