By Hall of Fame Speaker Connie Podesta “Me? Manipulative?! No way.” Before you assume this article is NOT about you, keep reading. We enter many of our conversations with desired outcomes. We want to get the project approved. Or land the big client. Or convince the rest of the family to choose the movie we want to see. Whatever it is, we infuse emotions as a tool to “manage” the course of our conversations. Many times, passion and enthusiasm can pave the road to positive results. But what happens if those conversation-managing emotions take a darker turn? I’m talking about Read More
Got Conflict? Start Using Assertive Communications
Got Conflict? Start Using Assertive Communications
by Connie Podesta, Hall of Fame Speaker In many of my keynote messages, I share with my audiences some facts about the psychology of human behavior—insights into why we do what we do, say what we say, and react the way we react. That’s handy information, because very few of us are flying solo through this world. We’re all interconnected. At work. At home. In our communities. If we want to get along and work effectively with other people (loved ones, friends, colleagues or neighbors), we need to learn how to be excellent communicators. Especially when we face conflict. And, quite frankly, Read More
Millennial Alert: How to Handle Older Folks in the Workplace
Millennial Alert: How to Handle Older Folks in the Workplace
12 Insights from Someone Who’s Been There, Done That By Motivational Business Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta I recently spoke to a large audience made up mostly of millennials. And they had tons of questions about working with “older people”. And I realized ... hey, that’s me! I am always teaching people how to deal with the millennials, but I never teach them how to deal with us. So, in fun, here are a few good tips when working with the rest of us that just might come in handy. Whichever side of the generational fence you’re on – these will be good tips to take with you! 13 Top Read More
Insights for STANDOUT Relationships
Insights for STANDOUT Relationships
For All the PEOPLE in Your Life by Motivational Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta FAMILY. FRIENDS. CO-WORKERS. NEIGHBORS. We're all connected - right? But sometimes creating or keeping those important relationships in our lives is not always a walk in the park. This week, as part of my free gifts campaign, I wanted to offer you one of my latest eBooks, STANDOUT Relationships. Pulled from my two-time Best Business Book of the Year 10 Ways to STANDOUT From the Crowd, you'll find this book delivers powerful strategies for really understanding the people in your life and how you can Read More
#1 Key to Outstanding Customer Service—Understanding PEOPLE
#1 Key to Outstanding Customer Service—Understanding PEOPLE
Six Essential Elements to Adopt in Your Business By award-winning Keynote Speaker and Author Connie Podesta Bottom line: If you don’t understand PEOPLE-- customers, colleagues, leaders, owners, family, friends and YOURSELF, there is NO WAY you can ever experience success—at any level. Imagine just for a moment how much you, your team, and your franchise could accomplish if you understood WHY people do what they do and say what they say. Especially when it comes to your customers. Reality check: Customers are picky, internet savvy, impatient (even INSTANT gratification takes way Read More
Passive Aggressive Personality Issues?
Passive Aggressive Personality Issues?
Top Tips for Dealing with THESE Difficult People By Connie Podesta In any situation where you suspect passive-aggressive behavior, you must begin by first taking a close look at yourself and your dominant communication style. This is NOT to excuse them in any way, because their behavior is definitely unhealthy, non-productive, and usually hurtful. But we need to take an honest look at our own behavior to determine if we are possibly contributing to an environment that allows passive-behavior to grow and thrive. Passive-aggressives are reacting to us and to what they believe we are Read More
The Passive Personality: The Path of Least Resistance
The Passive Personality: The Path of Least Resistance
More From the Life Would Be Easy Series... By Connie Podesta Passives take the path of least resistance by tuning out, ignoring, avoiding or backing away and withdrawing from people and situations rather than dealing with them head-on. I know they say the “meek shall inherit the earth” but it sure don’t make it any easier for the rest of us (or themselves for that matter) whether it’s in the workplace, at home, at a family gathering or dealing with customers. So let’s explore what’s going on inside this always intimidated, afraid-to-get-their-needs-met and often frustrating personality. Read More
Communication: The Good and the Bad
Communication: The Good and the Bad
Communication: The Good & The Bad By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Let’s face it – there’s some real intolerable, grumpy, difficult people in this world-- and more than likely you’re running into them on a daily basis thinking, “What the heck? Why do they have to be LIKE THAT?” Truth is, there are a whole lot of reasons they are and we’re going to walk you through the good, the bad and the ugly of it so that you can better steer clear of the ones that are over-the-top trouble and leverage the ones whose actions can help you. I’m also going to share how to assert yourself Read More
Life Would Be Easy If It Weren’t For Difficult People…
Life Would Be Easy If It Weren’t For Difficult People…
By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Go on, it’s okay. Admit it! We all know that life would be a whole lot easier if we didn’t have to deal with those few (or many) difficult people we just can’t seem to avoid. I think you know who I’m talking about. What’s not okay is to give up something you need, want, or deserve because of their rude, obnoxious, sullen, and apathetic habits. Yes, I do mean “habits.” If you’re tired of playing their game, take charge of your life by taking a good look at yourself! You can not change them, but you can change what you do and how you act around Read More
Funny Thing About Perceptions…
Funny Thing About Perceptions…
By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta While traveling this week I was reminded of how I came to write my book Texting Harry. It was an eye-opening story about one person’s willingness to re-think options, re-assess the desire to learn new things and re-evaluate how to fit into a future where change happens at the click of a mouse. Harry believed that texting was “stupid” and social media was a “waste of time.” It’s funny isn’t it? How sometimes perceptions can change and lives can change in the blink of an eye? I was on a plane and delayed, texting my husband, and “Grumpy Harry” as Read More