We all know what improv is. It’s a form of acting where actors create scenes and characters on the spot, generally inspired by one word or a simple phrase. But how does improv relate to what you do every day at work? And what lessons can you learn from improv as a government employee? One ofRead… Read more »
To begin a blog about secrets, it is important to share one of my own—although my secret has never been an intentional one (a common theme discussed today). My writings, and in fact all of my leadership development work, is inspired by real life—my own experiences — and those of my family and friends, and,Read… Read more »
You see us as you want to see us – in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions.” – Brian Johnson (Anthony Michael Hall), “The Breakfast Club” As a child growing up in the ’80s I wanted very badly to be cooler than I was. Although looking back I can’t imagine why. Look at thisRead… Read more »
If you’ve ever taken an online training, chances are you’ve been either bored or distracted (unless it was a GovLoop training). Staying focused becomes an increasingly difficult task when you throw other work or answering emails in the mix. So how do we overcome this? How can we make trainings and presentations more engaging, especiallyRead… Read more »
By Jessica Havlak, ICF International It’s not so hard to think up fun ideas that we think might engage our audience… but who knows better than they what will be appealing? I’ve found that the best way to create engaging, relevant content is just to pay attention. Listen to what your community is talking about, and designRead… Read more »
It happened a few years ago. And as usual I was fully unprepared. “I do all the work. I take it all on. And I never say anything,” she whispered, trying not to have our office neighbors hear. A long time ago I had a manager who said, “At work you should have Valium and someRead… Read more »
Brand Essence: Noun. A feeling. The instinctive, unconscious emotional reaction people have whenever they encounter you. Today I learned that Oreos are going on a diet. Despite the fact that 50% of Oreo consumers split the cookie apart before eating it, the Associated Press reports, there will soon be a new version called “Oreo Thins”Read… Read more »
I recently started working with two new clients on website projects, and both of them were adamant that they did not want to include blogging on their sites. They viewed blogs as too personal, informal, and unprofessional, and were concerned they would attract spammers and trolls. Their concerns have merit of course, and the negativeRead… Read more »
You want your presentations to show others that you’re credible, confident, and engaging. Using disfluencies such as um, uh, ah, eh, er, etc. erodes your speech. They bore audiences and make them question if you know what you’re talking about. Think you don’t use disfluencies? Use your Smartphone to record yourself; you may be surprised by the results.Read… Read more »
The interaction your customers have with your company directly impacts your bottom line. Think about it. Have you ever had a bad experience with a company, whether on the phone or in person? What did that do for your feelings towards that company? Did you stop being loyal to them? Most people do, which isRead… Read more »