There is a gap between the ideal America and the real America. This gap makes it difficult to discuss the disparity in our country, thus making it impossible to resolve it. In order to live in an ideal America, we have to learn to talk about the real America and close the cultural … [Read more...] about The Ideal vs the Real America: How to close the cultural divide
Going somewhere? How to be a culturally competent traveler
Your bags are packed and you are ready to go! Summer is here and you are ready to hit the road, passport in hand, to your adventure abroad. Whether it is your first or fiftieth trip abroad, international travel comes with new opportunities and challenges. And while you may have read the books, … [Read more...] about Going somewhere? How to be a culturally competent traveler
Time for an Upgrade: Moving beyond the Golden Rule
I previously wrote about: The Golden Rule: Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you! It was a reminder about the importance of getting back to the basics. When the basics are forgotten or taken for granted, relationships suffer and conflict increases! However, The Golden Rule … [Read more...] about Time for an Upgrade: Moving beyond the Golden Rule
Curiosity Killed the Cat…or did it? Why being curious is a good thing
The expression “curiosity killed the cat” is used to encourage people to mind their own business. But there is a clear distinction between being nosy and being curious. Curiosity is a critical competence to communicating effectively, resolving conflict, and increasing your intercultural … [Read more...] about Curiosity Killed the Cat…or did it? Why being curious is a good thing
Back to the Basics: The Golden Rule and its 4 first cousins
Bad habits develop overtime in relationships and teams. Let’s face it, laziness and complacency set in, and tensions and conflicts fester unresolved. Less energy and time are put into cultivating the trust and respect necessary for all successful relationships, and instead bad behavior ensues; … [Read more...] about Back to the Basics: The Golden Rule and its 4 first cousins
Processing it All: To engage or disengage in the discourse
Over the last few months, we have had to process a lot of conflict, violence, and loss. Around the world we’ve been trying to understand and find the “right” side of the conflict between Israel and Palestine and Syria and Beirut, the protests in Egypt, the US Presidential election and presence in … [Read more...] about Processing it All: To engage or disengage in the discourse
Beware! Joy Thieves are on the Loose
No matter where you go, there is always someone who is out to steal your joy. Different thieves may be motivated by different things and use different tactics, but the result is the same. They target you to steal your joy, leaving you feeling frustrated, aggravated, angry, and even sad. Mission … [Read more...] about Beware! Joy Thieves are on the Loose
Having difficult conversations! The Awareness Wheel-a tried and true method
Just writing the title makes me a little uncomfortable. Having those difficult conversations stirs up a range of emotions; all of which makes us want to avoid them. We fear saying the wrong thing and having the situation escalate or being misunderstood and not heard. Sometimes it just seems easier … [Read more...] about Having difficult conversations! The Awareness Wheel-a tried and true method