Communication Skills Archives | Van Hooser Associates, Inc

Nov 17, 2021

How to Be Heard: Is It Passion or Rationale?

A few years back, a young woman heard me share the “earning the right to be heard” process in a communication skills course. Later she told me how she used the approach to successfully pitch an idea to her senior management team. Her idea? Eliminate her current — but unnecessary — management position, and create […]

Nov 11, 2021

What’s Your Version of “Veterans Day”?

I witnessed a make-or-break moment recently. As I sat across the table from Jim, a manager poked his head into Jim’s office and asked, “Hey, can I ask you a question real quick?” With a smile on his face and a quick motion of his hand signaling the employee into the office, Jim said, “Of […]

Oct 19, 2021

In Conflict, Is Your Focus Wrong?

Do you hate the idea of handling conflict and confrontation with those you work with? Most of us do, and most of us are unprepared for managing it because most of us are focused on the wrong thing. Let me explain. When Things Go Sideways Fast One of the things I truly cherish as a […]

Sep 9, 2021

Talk With People: 6 Steps to Cut Complaints & Build Connection

Use these six communication steps when you talk with people, and watch complaints subside and your relationships improve!

Aug 24, 2021

Mental Health At Work Doesn’t Matter If

Some people are exhausted with the talk about mental health in the workplace and culture in the organization. They want their people to ‘just show up and do the job they were hired to do’. Do you feel the same way or differently? Honestly, I can understand that frustration. And, mental health doesn’t matter in […]

Jun 10, 2021

Great Listeners Don’t Make This Mistake

Great listeners are not those people who can repeat everything they just heard. Instead, great listeners make people feel heard. When people talk, the intent is to transfer information. Sometimes, we want a response from the listener. Other times, we don’t. However, we always want to feel heard. People can be heard, but not feel […]

Apr 15, 2021

What Abandonment Taught Me About Adaptability & Success

Don’t be caught standing in your own way to achieving success. Abandoned as a child, I learned that adaptability is key to achieving your goals. Here’s why.

Feb 16, 2021

3 Stories Leaders Need to Know About Employees

Stories unlock answers to challenges leaders must overcome. To hire the right people, get them to stay, and continue to perform above expectations, start by learning these three stories leaders need to know about employees.

Feb 9, 2021

Effective Communication Hard for You? Try This.

George Bernard Shaw is quoted as saying, The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” I think he has a point. Families, friendships, businesses — even nations — live and grow on effective communication. So why is it so hard? And what can you do to be sure you […]

Communication Skills