Are People The Problem?

You might call them clients. Customers. Users. Patients. Or patrons. Whatever we call them, most of us serve somebody with the product we produce or the service we provide. Some of us come face to face with the people we serve in what are often called “front line positions.” The analyses of the Great Resignation point to a quest for higher pay, better hours, and more stability as people decide it’s time to move on. They’re leaving the leisure, hospitality, and retail industries in particular, in unprecedented numbers. While some critics grumble about lazy workers coasting on unemployment and pandemic relief payments, most experts say the 40-million or so people who quit their jobs last year are not sitting around today eating bonbons. They’re back at work. Something's wrong ...

Fred | May 18, 2022

photo of stressed office workers arguing

Business Communication, Speaking

Substance, Style, and You

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who’s inspired not only Ukrainians but much of the western world started in the world of comedy. You likely know he played a high school teacher who improbably became president on a TV show, Servant of the People. From there Zelensky ran for president in real life, with a campaign comprised mostly of stand-up gigs and YouTube videos. He’s emerged as a world leader since Russia invaded Ukraine and instead of fleeing to safety, he stayed in Ukraine to lead the fight.
There’s a remarkable story there. What does that have to do with you? Read on ...

Catherine Johns | May 11, 2022

Working trip of the President of Ukraine to the Kyiv region 62

Business Communication

How To Tell Them What You Think

If we want to be excellent at our profession, whatever it is, we need feedback to help us get there. When it comes to speaking, the best public speakers always solicit feedback. That’s how they get to be the best; they’re always learning how to improve. And speakers aren’t alone in this, are they? Professionals in any area who move ahead are the ones who seek feedback on their work, and then act on the input they get from colleagues, coaches, and clients. On the flip side, there’s an art to offering feedback they can act on, that gives them something useful, that really supports their development.

Catherine Johns | Apr 20, 2022

photo of two women reviewing work on a computer screen

Business Communication, Speaking

Be Brave Enough To Be Seen

How self-confident are you? Apparently, I’m part of Confidence Culture - which is what a handful of British academics, culture analysts and authors are calling the obsession with women’s self-confidence. “Confidence,” they say, “is both a culture and cult.” They point to books and programs about women and confidence as evidence of this obsession. Though their list of books did not include mine, I was in good company when I wrote Show Up and Shine: Simple Steps to Boost Your Confidence and Charisma. So what's all the fuss ...

Catherine Johns | Apr 13, 2022

photo of Businessman is explaining works to officers while training together at the office.

Business Communication, Mindset

A Tiny Drop of Nice

How self-confident are you? Apparently, I’m part of Confidence Culture - which is what a handful of British academics, culture analysts and authors are calling the obsession with women’s self-confidence. “Confidence,” they say, “is both a culture and cult.” They point to books and programs about women and confidence as evidence of this obsession. Though their list of books did not include mine, I was in good company when I wrote Show Up and Shine: Simple Steps to Boost Your Confidence and Charisma. So what's all the fuss ...

Catherine Johns | Apr 6, 2022