We all know that asking the right questions and identifying root causes are key in problem solving. And a technique I’ve found useful over the years, primarily because it gets the emotion out of the dialogue, is using the “Five Why’s Deep” formula....
Have you ever wondered if you accidentally stumbled into the wrong conversation? Let’s say a family member or good friend shares something emotional with you. Immediately, because you care for this person, you suggest what should be done to rectify the situation and...
Near the beginning of my keynote speeches, I used to tell a story of two wolves vying for attention. It’s been told in many different ways but the gist is, a father was talking to his son and said, “Inside me are two wolves, one is good and one is evil. And they’re...
I’m pretty sure I have a green thumb, because almost everything that comes into my yard thrives, multiplies and is wildly prolific. Things flourish! To flourish, according to Webster’s definition, is to grow luxuriantly, to achieve success, and to be in a...
It was the simplest of exercises. You take a piece of paper and fold it a few times and voila, you get a paper hat. I practiced multiple times before introducing it in one of my classes, where I just couldn’t make it work. Eventually I figured out...
Years ago, I was visiting my son and his girl friend in San Diego. As I was preparing to return to New York City, they took me to one of my favorite spots by the ocean. I held my arms out, turned my face up to the sun and said something to the effect of how much I...
