Just Saying - The BRIEF Lab: Recent Episodes
Joe McCormack
The point of this podcast is to help you become an effective and efficient communicator. The topics that we discuss tackle many of the most pressing issues that people face in a world flooded by information, interruptions and distractions. The promise is that you and your ideas can stand out consistently. Hope you enjoy. [ Just Saying ]
As communicators, where do we fit in a world that is being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies? Will the technology race beyond the need for our insight and input? Do we factor in at all? In this episode, I propose a humanity-first philosophy and announce the development of BriefBot AI, a digital brevity and clarity companion to help maintain our role as primary communicators.
The post Ep. 400 – My “humanity first” AI philosophy appeared first on Just Saying.
The acronym K.I.S.S challenges us to “keep it simple, stupid.” The problem with that infamous adage is that nobody wants to look stupid, so they avoid simplifying complexity. This week, I discuss why people are so afraid of not looking super smart and the risks they run when they fail to make things easier to understand.
The post Ep. 399 – The Fear of Dumbing it Down appeared first on Just Saying.
A BRIEF Map is a powerful communication tool. The acronym spells it out clearly: background; relevance; information; ending; follow-up. In this episode, I give you the “permission” to modify the R to mean risk. By highlighting related risks, you can help your audience understand quickly why they need to make a decision vs sitting on the fence.
The post Ep. 398 – Changing the “R” in a BRIEF Map appeared first on Just Saying.
There’s a strong, hidden connection between comedy and clarity. When communicating, there’s a fundamental difference between your point (the “what”) and the payoff (the “so what”). The intentional structure and sequence of clarity needs to take a critical cue from joke telling: start strong, and always end with a laugh.
The post Ep. 397 – The Point isn’t the Punchline appeared first on Just Saying.
The best presentation is always a conversation. It should never fall flat because of a lame format or feel like a performance where people clap at the end. In this episode, I provide six different ways to mix up your approach without fearing you will mess it up. With more options, you will confidently handle presentations, so they always have power and a point.
The post Ep. 396 – Six PowerPoint Presentation Pivots appeared first on Just Saying.
Imagine being in a conversation that is clearly one-sided and you feel the irresistible inclination to interrupt them so you can say something. Though this may even be justifiable, it hurts people when we cut them off mid-sentence. In this week’s episode, I give some practical advice to handle these tempting moments with patience and presence.
The post Ep. 395 – Let people talk (stop finishing their sentences) appeared first on Just Saying.
It’s easy for people to talk badly about others when they aren’t there. Though nobody likes a gossip, many of us like to gossip. In this episode, I propose doing the opposite and speaking well of people that aren’t present to counter this negative urge.
The post Ep. 394 – Be a gossip for good appeared first on Just Saying.
If AI does the hard work for us, will it kill the development of our professional identity? A recent article in Harvard Business Review (“AI is changing how we learn at work”) got me thinking that there are some real risks to keep in mind.
The post Ep. 393 – Is your identity at risk with AI? appeared first on Just Saying.
It’s tough to be direct. Being a clear and concise communicator hinges on your ability to start strong and never bury your lead. Speaking in headlines, can ensure that your bottom line up front (BLUF) never sinks to the bottom line at the bottom (BLAB).
The post Ep. 392 – Say the most important thing first appeared first on Just Saying.
We all face moments where we need to teach, brief, or explain topics that are dry, technical, tedious or simply boring. In this episode, I lay out several simple tactics to breathe life into a dying subject to be sure something always gets through.
The post Ep. 391 – How to make a boring topic interesting appeared first on Just Saying.
Stop trying to convince people they have issues, challenges and problems. It doesn’t work. What’s more effective is a principle of quiet influence based on gaining their permission to discuss and illuminate areas for improvement. They can then make what I call “the admission” by willingly and deliberately admitting what needs to be fixed.
The post Ep. 390 – Getting people to admit they have a problem appeared first on Just Saying.
There’s a tendency for communicators to bury listeners in a mound of context. By spending too much time setting up the story, an audience can get lost before the storyline even starts. Though background information can be essential, we can never grow too fond of context that they lose interest.
The post Ep. 389 – Why you need to avoid context camping appeared first on Just Saying.
What’s your method to prepare before you speak? Most people don’t have one and are left thinking while they’re talking. We feel the pain as they struggle to get to the point. In this episode, I propose a five-step approach called S.P.E.A.R. which may help you sharpen the point you want to make way before you try to make it.
The post Ep. 388 – SPEAR: a new verbal method to sharpen your point appeared first on Just Saying.
Getting away as a team is often critical, but that time is often squandered. In this episode, I provide six different considerations to help you get more out of your time away. It’s more than picking a fancy destination, but planning the duration, desired outcome and agenda for maximum effect.
The post Ep. 387 – Reimagining your next offsite appeared first on Just Saying.
In marketing, word-of-mouth testimonials are among of the most effective ways to promote a product or service. For professionals, having people on your side is always valuable. In this episode, I encourage you to take the first step by doing something positive for someone else. Perhaps, down the road many of these people will reciprocate and come to your aid as your personal advocate.
The post Ep. 386 – The Power of Proactive Advocacy appeared first on Just Saying.
The most interesting people have a unique ability to be much more interested in those around them. In this episode, I explore the possibility of making the choice to be more curious and focus on those around you. By not making it about you, ironically you stand apart. The world needs more interesting people like that.
The post Ep. 385 – It’s better to be interested than interesting appeared first on Just Saying.
While watching a sports interview with a Hall of Fame NFL quarterback, I learned a powerful lesson: loneliness leads to mastery. It takes dedicated time alone to achieve greatness. And hard work on the field with others means taking time in solitude to get ready to perform at a high level.
The post Ep. 384 – The Loneliness of Excellence appeared first on Just Saying.
You can’t create the next big idea in a sea of chaotic collaboration. Innovation can be deliberately accelerated by giving small teams time together to brainstorm and sufficient time alone to think, plan and prepare. In this episode, I provide a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach to host a one-day team experience as a catalyst for innovation.
The post Ep. 383 – Jumpstarting Innovation in a Single Day appeared first on Just Saying.
Have you ever been stuck in a conversation that was going nowhere? Feeling helpless, what could you do to avoid the dead-end direction? Unfortunately, this happens frequently to us both inside and outside work. This week, I outline three “U-turn” tactics to get the conversation back on course.
The post Ep. 382 – Pulling a U-turn in a Conversation appeared first on Just Saying.
In meetings, it’s easy to run out of time. Participants rarely allocate sufficient time to summarize what’s been discussed and assign action items with any time to spare. In this episode, I provide a few practical ways for meeting leaders to think and act with the ending in mind.
The post Ep. 381 – Having the meeting end(ing) in mind appeared first on Just Saying.
When Amazon infamously ditched PowerPoints in meetings and opted to use a six-page written narrative format, many professionals took notice of their bold move. However, very few followed their lead. After reading a book on Amazon’s leadership philosophy (“Working Backwards”), I decided to experiment with a new meeting format. In this podcast, I provide a detailed overview of the BRIEF Executive Summary Technique (B.E.S.T.) that combines quiet reading, a visual outline and a short executive summary storyline to help leaders dive deeper into topics that traditional meetings might otherwise manage superficially.
The post Ep. 380 – The B.E.S.T. Meeting Method appeared first on Just Saying.
What happens when managers have too many people and priorities to handle? A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted a growing concern when organizations are trying to get much more from a thinning front line of leaders. One of the results is that bosses are running out of time to spend with their extended teams. In this episode, I propose six ways to adjust to this challenging, demanding reality.
The post Ep. 379 – Your boss doesn’t have time for you appeared first on Just Saying.
Polished leaders all master these three areas. They can frame their role powerfully, share courses of action convincingly, and summarize complexity consistently. In this episode, I provide very practical ways to improve in each area to rise above the rest.
The post Ep. 378 – Roles, recommendations, and re-caps appeared first on Just Saying.
We can speak very different languages, from finance, tech and science to logistics, legal and engineering. What are some simple ways to increase your awareness and avoid common tendencies to talk past people and lose them along the way? In this podcast, I share a clip from a 1960’s show “Flipper” and provide some common-sense tips to achieve simplicity and clarity.
The post Ep. 377 – You’re speaking dolphin appeared first on Just Saying.
What’s the return on investment (ROI) if your organization is filled with clear communicators? In a recent conversation with a business consultant, I was challenged to measure it mainly in time savings. In my experience, however, that’s the easy answer. The deeper one is calculating the hidden impact when you cause chaos and confusion?
The post Ep. 376 – What’s the cost of confusion? appeared first on Just Saying.
As new leaders step into new roles, many of them fail to help their subordinates understand the best way to communicate with them. Rather, they let vague assertions, false assumptions and ongoing trial-and-error observations shape the way they get and give information. In this episode, I provide a simple two-step process to gain clarity about ways to share what works for you and what doesn’t.
The post Ep. 375 – Defining your communication preference (no more guessing) appeared first on Just Saying.
If you want to become a clear and concise communicator, getting your extended team to commit would go a long way. After more than a decade of teaching our BRIEF system, we have introduced an annual subscription service that is designed to drive accountability and predictable outcomes. In this podcast, I shed some light on a series of service elements that can really help your team create sustainable results.
The post Ep. 374 – BRIEF Team Builder: a new annual subscription service appeared first on Just Saying.
According to “Shark Tank’s” and entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk had incredibly high signal-to-noise ratios. In other words, they could maintain high levels of clarity without succumbing to distractions, disruptions or low-level chatter. In this episode, I share some practical ways to manage your noise and increase your ratio.
The post Ep. 373 – What’s your signal-to-noise ratio? appeared first on Just Saying.
Call Back Episode 209: Tech Timeouts, originally recorded on October 18, 2021.When you are always on, that means you’re never off. Living in a 24/7 world of pervasive connectivity, we are challenged to find rewarding moments during the day to disconnect.
The post Call Back Episode – 209 Tech Timeouts appeared first on Just Saying.
A 1980’s self-help guru predicted that if you “go into the silence” for 30-60 minutes, you will get clarity 100% of the time. In an environment that doesn’t allow even a few minutes alone, we may find this hard to believe or impossible to achieve. Well, in times that are highly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA), we need to follow the advice of the Brian Tracy’s of the world.
The post Ep. 372 – You’re better left alone appeared first on Just Saying.
Think about being in a meeting and seeing someone who has no vital role and nothing to say. They just fill a chair and add no immediate value. Like a potted plant, they may be there to fill a space. In this week’s episode, I challenge conventions about not inviting people that don’t need to be there.
The post Ep. 371 – Meeting participants (and potted plants) appeared first on Just Saying.
Whether it’s an important conversation or a very difficult one, we need to be ready. In this week’s episode, I will walk you through six different considerations to put you in a frame of mind that improves your chances that the exchange will go better than planned.
The post Ep. 370 – Making key conversations count (the 6 T’s) appeared first on Just Saying.
Watching someone communicate with no purpose and no plan is brutal. It’s like seeing a poor farmer scatter seed blindly into the wind. If this is how you show up, it’s going to take a toll. Many people communicate like this, with little or no plan with what they want to say. This is where ideas, attention and reputation all perish.
The post Ep. 369 – You’re all over the place appeared first on Just Saying.
Great leaders are authentic and willing to share when they’ve struggled, been tested and have failed. Success is often the result of severe challenges, stupid mistakes and painful losses. By being able to open up and share these personal stories, leaders can connect with people more deeply than by barking orders and giving speeches.
The post Ep. 368 – Sharing crucible stories appeared first on Just Saying.
Many professionals aspire to be thought leaders, yet few have what it takes. If this is what you (or someone you might know) feel compelled to pursue, be warned that with this role comes responsibilities. Not only do you need to be experienced, knowledgeable and respected, but you also must be a clear communicator who has some humility and lots of generosity.
The post Ep. 367 – Becoming a thought leader (not a thoughtless one) appeared first on Just Saying.
If you can’t sit still for a moment, it will be hard to extract the real value AI. As these mind-bending developments increasingly take root, we may be too busy to even take notice. The irony – harsh reality, actually – is that we absolutely must embrace quiet time to slow down, learn and embrace it so that we can advance.
The post Ep. 366 – Working with AI slowly and quietly appeared first on Just Saying.
Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z all think they’re somehow superior. When it comes to communication, there are definitely differences but people share more in common than they’d like to admit. In this episode, I provide an limited overview that gets you thinking more about what we all value.
The post Ep. 365 – An imperfect guide to generational communication differences appeared first on Just Saying.
Professionals may worry too much about their presentation skills and fail to improve their daily conversations. Whether it’s calling someone, providing an update or having a side-bar discussion, these moments happen far more than standing at a podium and wowing an audience.
The post Ep. 364 – Botching your day-to-day conversations appeared first on Just Saying.
A subject matter expert (SME) can be both a source of knowledge and suffering. Without realizing it, they can dive into the weeds and pull you in deep with them. In this episode, I share some practical considerations to help curb your tendency to become a say-it-all.
The post Ep. 363 – Know-it-alls appeared first on Just Saying.
Imagine taking one day a month and setting it aside as a “Quiet Workday” that’s dedicated to deep work. In this challenge, I provide recommendations for you to schedule a day where more than half is spent in silence, there’s a specific focal point and an agenda designed deliberately for you to go much deeper in time primarily spent alone. By avoiding tech, distractions and the rhythm of a typical day, you can set your sights on (re)gaining clarity when others around you continue chasing their tails.
The post Ep. 362 – Challenge: A Quiet Workday (once a month) appeared first on Just Saying.
Running around can be depleting and choosing to stop can energize and empower us. After taking a pause myself for several weeks, I have chosen to continue the podcast into our 9th season In this episode, I share five different moments where we can pause three to five seconds and gain great power when doing it.
Link to Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEVPNUQusw5/?igsh=dTNvYjRtZGt3Mm9q
Link to LinkedIn Newsletter : https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/just-saying-7235037807428132865
The post Ep. 361 – The Power of the Pause appeared first on Just Saying.
Do you think that this podcast should continue for another season? I have mixed feelings and would like to hear directly from you. I can go either way. In what might be the last episode, I share some possible adjustments to the format that might make the content more relevant. It’s time for my listeners (you) to speak up (just saying).
The post Ep. 360 – Giving my audience a voice (is this our last season?) appeared first on Just Saying.
We can all degree that most salespeople talk too much and aren’t great listeners. Learning from an accomplished sales trainer, I recently was inspired to create a new training program called “Quiet Selling” to teach professionals to listen more and talk less. In this episode, I share five moments that can help you slow down enough to be more deliberate and give your client’s a voice.
The post Ep. 359 – My discovery of Quiet Selling appeared first on Just Saying.
Thanksgiving in the U.S. is one of my favorite holidays of the year. To keep up with the tradition, I’d like to share how gratitude is a powerful way to ground me and lower the noise in my personal and professional life. In this episode, I also share a short list (in no specific order) of what I am grateful for this year.
The post Ep. 358 – Why gratitude is so grounding appeared first on Just Saying.
You may want to start a podcast, go to be a guest on one, or are just curious about how people prepare for them. After eight seasons doing this podcast and numerous guest appearances on other shows, I thought it might be helpful to provide some behind-the-scenes insights on how I do this podcast to shed some light on the production process.
The post Ep. 357 – How I prepare for a podcast appeared first on Just Saying.
Almost everybody does it and nobody likes it. The adage is when you’re early, you’re on time; and when you’re on time, you’re late. In this episode, I share some simple, yet practical advice on how to be early, be quiet, and be ready – and avoid the domino-effect of being late.
The post Ep. 356 – Showing up late and unprepared appeared first on Just Saying.
Can you imagine being on a flight and nobody gave any notice that you were going to land? After hitting the runway unprepared, many passengers would feel it. In meetings, getting ready to wrap it up is as important as getting started and setting the tone up front. In this episode, I provide a short list of best practices that meeting owners, leaders and participants need to follow to end every meeting on point and on time.
The post Ep. 355 – How to end a meeting like you meant it appeared first on Just Saying.
To me, clarity is what matters, not selling books, doing a podcast, or making appearances. After a decade publishing books on brevity and clarity, I want to remind listeners that communication is mostly about preparation (not delivery), that your audience has a voice (and we need to hear it more), and noise is the real villain that we need to face (and defeat) every day.
The post Ep. 354 – Why it’s not all about books appeared first on Just Saying.
If change is the only constant, why aren’t professionals, teams and organizations keeping their message up to date? Whether it’s economic, political, technical or strategic change, organizations must keep their messaging current, yet many keep falling far behind. In this episode, I provide some guidance on how to stay current and avoid having their mission frequently miss the mark.
The post Ep. 353 – When your mission changes, why doesn’t your message? appeared first on Just Saying.
As the release of my third book “Quiet Works: Make silence the secret ingredient of the workday” approaches, I take time to field some questions on each chapter. In this episode, I focus specifically on Part Four: Quiet Places and Programs (chapters 14-17) and Part Five: Quiet Challenges (chapters 21-22).
The post Ep. 352 – Q&A on the book “Quiet Works” (part 3) appeared first on Just Saying.
As the release of my third book “Quiet Works: Make silence the secret ingredient of the workday” approaches, I take time to field some questions on each chapter. In this episode, I focus specifically on Part Three: Quiet Practices at Work (chapters 9-13).
The post Ep. 351 – Q&A on the Book “Quiet Works” (part 2) appeared first on Just Saying.
As the release of my third book “Quiet Works: Make silence the secret ingredient of the workday” approaches, I take time to field some questions on each chapter. In this episode, I focus specifically on Part One: Our Noisy World Just Gets Noisier (chapters 1-5) and Part Two: Quiet Isn’t What You Think” (chapters 6-8).
The post Ep. 350 – Q&A on the Book “Quiet Works” (part 1) appeared first on Just Saying.
A recent “ice cream” incident at a restaurant got me thinking about my immediate reaction when I first saw Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. Spoiler alert: my two words were, “that’s it?” In this episode, I talk about managing expectations as a deliberate communicator.
The post Ep. 349 – Managing Expectations (Two Words When I Saw Plymouth Rock) appeared first on Just Saying.
Do you find it a struggle to engage in formal, one-on-one conversations at work? For many managers and subordinates, these scheduled exchanges can seem stale, fruitless and stiff. By approaching them as a pointed and personal conversation with specific questions in mind, we can make them memorable and impactful on both sides.
The post Ep. 348 – Three questions to improve your next one-on-one appeared first on Just Saying.
Going deeper can be quite difficult, especially when there’s so much competing for our attention. Our value and impact are greatly diminished by impulsively skimming the surface and chasing the least important thing and most tempting text. In this episode, I share insights from three profound business books that might help you answer this question honestly – and quickly.
The post Ep. 347 – Do you do deep work? appeared first on Just Saying.
Are we spending enough time thinking about what’s critical for us today, this week, or this month? Are we talking about it in clear and concise terms? And are we actually getting our MPP done consistently. In this episode, I make the connection between deliberate preparation and predictable execution.
The post Ep. 346 – Defining your most pressing priority (MPP) appeared first on Just Saying.
The term bottom-line-up-front (BLUF) is widely known in military and governments circles. Regardless of how many people are familiar with the acronym, most end up delivering the bottom line at the bottom (or BLAB). This isn’t what busy, attention-starved audiences really want yet are forced to accept.
The post Ep. 345 – Why does BLUF frequently turn into BLAB? appeared first on Just Saying.
What would you likely do if given a few extra minutes while waiting for someone to arrive? Or standing in line? Or in-between meetings? In this episode, I discuss how our impulsive tendency to grab our smartphone or keep on consuming information is what makes us squander magic moments of quiet and settle for more noise.
The post Ep. 344 – How you might abuse a few minutes of free time appeared first on Just Saying.
Professionals often overemphasize the value of collaborative work. Time spent together is frequently less valuable because we buy into underlying falsehoods without question or deeper critical concern. In this episode, I highlight three lies we believe that hurt how we work together and alone.
The post Ep. 343 – Three Lies about Collaboration appeared first on Just Saying.
What if your words of “wisdom” turn out to lead others to damaging results. Many people inadvertently and impulsively blurt out a “you should” or a “you shouldn’t” without really thinking through the recommendations, guidance and counsel they are dishing out.
The post Ep. 342 – Giving Bad Advice appeared first on Just Saying.
A few words can pack a punch. As you look to add tools and techniques to become an elite communicator, you need three flavors of a short saying in your toolbox. In this episode, I share three versions of concise sayings that can be memorable, impactful and brief.
The post Ep. 341 – Adages, Aphorisms and Epigrams appeared first on Just Saying.
What really happens when your credibility is lost? Finding inspiration from a memorable audition scene in the movie “Walk the Line,” I isolate three different moments when people’s trust in us seriously erodes. In none of these instances should we lay blame on our audience, but need to take a look in the mirror to understand what we did to provoke it.
The post Ep. 340 – I don’t believe you appeared first on Just Saying.
Time matters and when we lose track of it, we can devalue it and cause others to start to tune us out. Keeping track of time not only is what professionals do, but also what elite communicators know how to master. In this episode, I cite five distinct moments to zero in on the precious seconds and minutes that will set us apart.
The post Ep. 339 – Managing the clock like a pro appeared first on Just Saying.
Poorly run meetings are often a bi-product of people repeating bad habits they have experienced over time. Creating meetings that drive collaboration and connection – either in-person or online – means following a few best practices. In this week’s podcast, I share five key considerations that will help you facilitate better discussions, no matter when or where they happen.
The post Ep. 338 – Five insights to run a tighter meeting appeared first on Just Saying.
When you have something important to announce, do you take more time thinking about the messages you want to deliver than the people you’re empowering to deliver them? Critical information may never get through to the right audiences because leadership teams are too concerned about framing the right words and not spending enough time arming people to carry them. In this episode, I provide three simple steps to keep the messenger as much in mind as the message.
The post Ep. 337 – When your messengers can’t deliver appeared first on Just Saying.
If something doesn’t make sense, how does that feel? As you endure a long and confusing explanation, what is likely to happen next? When you expect clarity yet dive deeper in the weeds, what chaos will likely ensue? In this episode, I create a laundry list of the real struggles that your audience is forced to endure when the point is buried or missing completely.
The post Ep. 336 – What happens when you’re confused appeared first on Just Saying.
Flagging is a simple, powerful and predictable technique to get people’s attention and keep it. Earlier in my career, I learned it from a media trainer and was mesmerized by its immediate impact. In this episode, I not only explain what flagging is but also provide three ways to use it to capture and captivate an elusive audience.
The post Ep. 335 – Flagging, Flagging, Flagging appeared first on Just Saying.
Every executive or leader I’ve encountered all think that they are clear. Nobody thinks to themselves, “wow, was I so confusing in that last conversation!” What seems perfectly logical and reasonable in your head, often sounds confusing when it’s said aloud. This week, I share four distinct possibilities that might contribute to your tendency to baffle people with your brilliance.
The post Ep. 334 – Why Don’t You Make Any Sense? (When You Think You Do) appeared first on Just Saying.
Imagine the odd feeling of standing in silence on a long elevator ride filled with a mix of friends and strangers. Enduring silence can be a momentary reality in conversations, interviews, meetings and presentations. It can feel uncomfortable, strange and even embarrassing. Rather than look at it as cringeworthy, we need to manage and even embrace saying nothing, and not fill unwanted dead space with fluff.
The post Ep. 333 – How to Survive an Awkward Silence appeared first on Just Saying.
You expect a leader to talk like one. However, in a variety of moments professionals talk like amateurs. They speak over and for their subordinates, dilute their own words, and pull punches with weak, apologetic language. In this episode, I share three simple practices that can make you sound like you really run the place.
The post Ep. 332 – Three Ways to Communicate Like a Boss appeared first on Just Saying.
Like a picture hanging on a wall, any message must periodically be adjusted, cleaned, and even rehung entirely. Communication can easily get tired, out-of-date, and unattractive. Our opportunity is to first notice this is the case, then to step in and reframe the message that is deliberately organized, undeniably appealing and clearly explained.
The post Ep. 331 – Reframing a Message to Regain Focus appeared first on Just Saying.
If something doesn’t matter, why do we keep talking about it? As you sit in enough meetings and conversations, you can easily conclude that people spend a lot of time mindlessly doing this. It not only wastes tons of time, but also induces professionals to feel helpless, unfocused, and fruitless at work. In this episode, I challenge you to define what really matters and start saying no to all the things that don’t.
The post Ep. 330 – It Doesn’t Matter appeared first on Just Saying.
Recent research indicates that spending time online, especially on social media, fundamentally changes our perception of time. If asked how much time do you think you actually spend online each day, would your answer be accurate? In this episode, I challenge you to rethink the time you allocate online (versus what you get in return), while not arguing to turn it off completely.
- https://www.wsj.com/articles/our-sense-of-time-is-way-offespecially-time-we-spend-on-the-internet-11673652432
- https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/
- https://www.smartinsights.com/social-media-marketing/social-media-strategy/new-global-social-media-research/
- https://www.verywellmind.com/social-media-doesn-t-alleviate-boredom-study-says-5191829
- https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/social-media-may-prevent-users-from-reaping-creative-rewards-of-profound-boredom-new-research/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20problem%20we%20observed%20was,Mundane%20emotions%3A%20losing%20yourself%20in
The post Call Back Episode – Ep. 274 – The social media time warp appeared first on Just Saying.
One of the most important aspects about effective communication is being able to get what you want. Whether it’s landing a sale, gaining a leader’s support, or securing a new promotion, we are trying to take aim on a targeted objective and often end up missing the mark entirely. In this week’s episode, I share a perspective on the differences between needs and wants, and ways to zero in on exactly what your audience desperately needs.
The post Ep. 329 – The Intersection of Interests appeared first on Just Saying.
What drains your time every day? For many professionals, it is long meetings, useless e-mails, and endless conversations. During these moments, we feel helpless and frustrated. In this episode, I share some practical advice that will help you confidently manage the noise, not carelessly succumb to it.
The post Ep. 328 – Getting Out of Time Sucks appeared first on Just Saying.
Great leaders learn to earn people’s attention. Others fall far short by assuming they have it and treat people like a captive audience. I recall two different leaders and explain how one bombed –and didn’t know it the entire time – while another shined – and didn’t bask too long in the bright lights.
The post Ep. 327 – Can you command attention? appeared first on Just Saying.
After seeing an interview with comedian John Mulaney, I became even more convinced of the close connection between clear communication and stand-up comedy. During the interview, he shares a painful experience that turned into a defining moment. In this episode, I break down his insightful answer and will help you embrace what he discovered to be the most valuable thing.
The post Ep. 326 – Clarity and Comedy are Related appeared first on Just Saying.
Every professional will face challenging circumstances, tasks, and decisions. With all our busy schedules, however, many of us will not set aside enough time alone to reflect on them, accept them and address them. We all need to embrace quiet time to create a mindset to embrace what is objectively tough (versus ignoring or running away from it) then talking about it and doing it.
The post Ep. 325 – Doing what’s difficult appeared first on Just Saying.
Are we taking advantage of the known pockets of downtime in our day or week to plan for quiet time alone? After a recent conversation with a former client and friend, I realized that his suggestion to take Friday off could be a potential way to wind down from others without taking the day off.
The post Ep. 324 – Taking Fridays off (for quiet) appeared first on Just Saying.
We might be dominating conversations and not even notice it. In our daily exchanges, it’s likely that someone is doing all the talking. In this week’s episode, I provide different ways to notice this more, whether it’s you doing it or someone else.
The post Ep. 323 – Letting other people speak appeared first on Just Saying.
Most meeting start weak and never gain momentum. It’s up to the designated meeting leader to start every meeting with clarity, organization, conviction, and purpose. As a seasoned meeting facilitator, I will share simple ways to start strong, set the tone and get every participant ready for a meaningful exchange.
The post Ep. 322 – The Meeting Kickoff Sets the Tone appeared first on Just Saying.
We choose where we invest our attention, and headlines are powerful tools to get that done. Recently, I inadvertently defaulted to a lame opening and paid the price. In this week’s episode, I will have you consider ways to be more deliberate and decisive when you grab people’s attention by using headlining as a better version of BLUF (bottom line up front).
The post Ep. 321 – Good isn’t a headline (nice isn’t either!) appeared first on Just Saying.
One of the most important roles of any successful professional is to lead a program (or project) to completion. Throughout the entire process, from start to finish, many different stakeholders need to hear a clean overview that conveys the right level of detail and connects with their motivations and interests. Getting the executive summary wrong at any time might mean losing support, funding, clarity, and confidence.
The post Call Back Episode – Ep 254 – How to frame a solid program overview appeared first on Just Saying.
In moments of inspiration, frustration, or even desperation, we need to deliberately choose our communication outlets. Getting that wrong might create conflict, build burdens, and produce unintended consequences. In this episode, I discuss how to be much more intentional when assembling and selecting from a list of different people that serve the right role for us at diverse times and circumstances.
The post Ep. 320 – Talk to Someone Else appeared first on Just Saying.
Deep work drives real value creation. It’s only when we live and work primarily in the shallows that we see our value rapidly decline. In this week’s episode, I talk about how Cal Newport’s timeless book “Deep Work” is a must-read for professionals that want to be valuable and communicate with profound impact – and talk about how a dedicated time and place for quiet is essential to learning to do the hard thing.
The post Ep. 319 – Real Value Depreciation in a Distracted World appeared first on Just Saying.
Anyone can get off to a great start when writing or saying something, but can they wrap it up on time and on cue. In this episode, I get you to start with the end in mind and work backwards. It turns out that sticking your landing is the last thing you do, but the first thing the judges and audience remember.
The post Ep. 318 – Is the end anywhere in sight? appeared first on Just Saying.
In the best presentations, you and the audience don’t notice at all that you’re presenting. Like breathing, it can either be something you pay too much attention to or seems very natural and imperceptible. Don’t hold your breath, but get ready to take in a different, refreshing perspective on quality presentations.
The post Ep. 317 – Presenting is like breathing appeared first on Just Saying.
After you write something, it might look good. It might look amazing even. But how does it sound to the reader? Is it stiff, clunky, and off key? Or does it flow? In this week’s episode, I share a perspective to improve your writing by focusing more on how it sounds when you read it aloud or to yourself.
The post Ep. 316 – The sound of good writing appeared first on Just Saying.
In this second part, I take a cue from a comedian who shares some surprising insights about why some of his best humor tanked several nights at a comedy club. Even if he thought it was hilarious, his audience couldn’t wait forever and needed him to get to the point quickly and convincingly – and not take any shortcuts. In getting your great idea approved, you need to do most of the heavy lifting (not your audience).
The post Ep. 315 – A Tale of Two Ideas (Part 2) appeared first on Just Saying.
It would be naïve to think that the best ideas always win. In reality, many sub-par ideas get approved while the brilliant ones get buried and left behind. In this week’s episode, I gain some opening-line inspiration from Charles Dickens and dive into how to determine if something is actually a great idea and the irony of who gets to say so (whether we think it’s fair or not).
The post Ep. 314 – A Tale of Two Ideas (Part 1) appeared first on Just Saying.
As we close out another year (and start a new one), I share three different perspectives to get you ready. First, I highlight a short list of noteworthy personal milestones. Second, I list my top 10 podcast episodes over the past 12 months. And finally, I provide a brief reflection on what’s need to improve your skills as a clear and concise communicator.
The post Ep. 313 – Chit-Chat Cheer (and a Happy New Year!) appeared first on Just Saying.
We cut people off more often than we may realize. Though we may feel it’s warranted, the instant impulse may hurt us in more ways than we care to admit. In this week’s podcast, I share five different impacts when we do this to others and a few practical ways we can be more self-aware to address it.
The post Ep. 312 – 5 Costs of Interrupting Someone appeared first on Just Saying.
With so much competing for our attention during the day, it may be easy to blame the people, digital devices, and demands of the world on our divided minds. We also must be much more aware of how we distract ourselves and have no one else to blame. In this week’s podcast, I share five different costs when we let that happen to ourselves.
The post Ep. 311 – 5 Costs of Interrupting Yourself appeared first on Just Saying.
What do you do when people habitually approach you with complaints, criticism, and unconstructive comments? Most of don’t like it, yet we play along and communicate with little hope the conversation will end up being beneficial. This week, I make a few suggestions of what you can say to stop these exchanges before they start.
The post Ep. 310 – Setting Boundaries When Criticism Comes Calling appeared first on Just Saying.
Analogies can be a gift worth giving, or a dull ax on hard wood. Effective and efficient communicators know how to use them (not abuse them). In this episode, I share some thoughts about how to make them work for you so you’re rock solid, and avoiding some of the pitfalls when you venture on thin ice.
The post Ep. 309 – The Pros and Cons of Analogies appeared first on Just Saying.
Many of the meetings we attend or lead simply need to be completely blown up and rebuilt entirely. Maybe the original intent has been altered, or we have fallen into a rhythm and routine and lowered the bar too low. Sometimes, we just might need to have a meeting to design all the ones that don’t work.
The post Call back Episode – Ep. 263 – Meetings redesigned and redefined appeared first on Just Saying.
Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful time to gather and celebrate with family and friends. This time of year (all the time, for that matter) is a great time to quietly contemplate – and take note of – all the things in our lives that we are grateful for, from the simple to the profound.
The post Call back Episode – Episode 214 Thanksgiving: notes of gratitude appeared first on Just Saying.
A recent recommendation from a colleague stopped me in my tracks. His two simple words made me not only heed his advice but also pause to think about the power of deliberate, direct counsel for professional and personal improvement. Especially in a day with non-stop noise and constant choices, “highly recommended” can help clear the clutter. In this episode, I provide some advice on how to give (and get) better suggestions.
The post Ep. 308 Highly Recommended (why these two words are priceless) appeared first on Just Saying.
Quality collaboration counts more than ever when workers aren’t in the office every day. Whether they are hybrid or fully remote, the time they have together (in person or online) is precious. In this episode, I share ways to get ready for collaboration like it’s game time and how to have the right mindset to communicate and connect with impact (and not add to the noise).
The post Ep. 307 – Collaboration chaos: making time in the office matter appeared first on Just Saying.
CEOs are delusional to think they can order employees back to the office and turn back the clock. We live in a hybrid world now and employees are resisting the call not just because of the flexibility and elimination of a commute. In this episode, we talk about the deeper reason why the RTO mandate falls flat and how leaders need to reimagine the workplace.
The post Ep. 306 – Return-to-office mandates won’t work appeared first on Just Saying.
Busy people are always complaining about how little time they have. In reality, they have plenty of time yet run from it and spend bits and pieces of their day creating and consuming noise. In this week’s episode, I share a different perspective on time management that will challenge you to get off the hamster wheel.
The post Call Back Episode – Ep 268 – Running from time (not out of it) appeared first on Just Saying.
Over the years, I have counseled many senior leaders on how to develop and deliver a clear and concise message. Whether it was unveiling a new product or strategy, sharing their value proposition, or explaining a complex topic, they all ask the same question: How do we communicate the same message to different people? In this episode, you will learn that even though each audience has distinct needs, you don’t have to craft countless versions for each of them.
The post Ep. 305 – Speaking to Different Audiences Simultaneously appeared first on Just Saying.
Imagine the simplicity and power of someone promising to distill all the information you need and putting it on just one page. These executive summaries, whether they be a single PowerPoint slide or a cleanly formatted document with a series of bullet points, do everyone an enormous favor. In this episode, I share some thoughts when making them, so they become a go-to gift you’ll always give.
The post Ep. 304 – The Beauty of the One-pager appeared first on Just Saying.
Taking a course at The BRIEF Lab leads many professionals to breakthroughs with co-workers, clients, and bosses. Yet, our busy lives squeeze out any chance to slow down and take the needed time to develop and deliver tighter emails, updates, and recommendations. In this week’s episode, I share why we have created a program for teams that have taken our BRIEF coursework to leverage pockets of quiet time over 4-6 weeks to make silence work for concise communication. It takes time to be brief and quiet is the answer.
The post Ep. 303 – Quiet Works for BRIEF Teams appeared first on Just Saying.
We are all glued to our smartphones and constantly connected to tools that drive collaborative teamwork. But when you add it all up, is it too much? Is it reasonable, or even desirable, to want to detox from devices and cleanse from collaboration tools like Slack and MS Teams. An article in Harvard Business Review got me thinking of a way through it, around it and away from it.
The post Ep. 302 – Digital detoxes and collaboration toll cleanses appeared first on Just Saying.
During a recent trip while waiting to board my flight, I accidentally overheard a businessman’s frustrating phone call with colleagues. In this episode, I unpack why I decided to eavesdrop and not to offer my help, although he desperately needed it. The whole incident inspired me to think back to a guessing game that is fun at home, but pretty frustrating at work.
The post Ep. 301 – Let’s stop playing charades appeared first on Just Saying.
Our 300th episode is not only a milestone but also an opportunity to look forward. Over the past few seasons, I have commented on substantial changes in how we communicate, the volume of information (most of it is noise), and the need for protected professional boundaries. This week, we take a brief pause to celebrate and a moment to highlight how and where we work is undergoing a sea change.
https://quietworksthebook.com/
The post Ep. 300 – Taking time to consider the future of work first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Ep. 300 – Taking time to consider the future of work appeared first on Just Saying.
Our 300th episode is not only a milestone but also an opportunity to look forward. Over the past few seasons, I have commented on substantial changes in how we communicate, the volume of information (most of it is noise), and the need for protected professional boundaries. This week, we take a brief pause to celebrate and a moment to highlight how and where we work is undergoing a sea change.
https://quietworksthebook.com/
The post Ep. 300 – Taking time to consider the future of work first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Ep. 300 – Taking time to consider the future of work appeared first on Just Saying.
There’s so much news that’s not fit to print. What seems initially newsworthy ends up being only noise. Although we all want to be well informed (who doesn’t?), we need to be prepared with concrete criteria to decipher what’s worth our time and attention vs. what is useless information.
The post Ep. 299 – That’s not news it’s noise! first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Ep. 299 – That’s not news it’s noise! appeared first on Just Saying.
Can you remember going to an offsite meeting that was filled with high expectations of lively discussions and important breakthroughs, only to discover the agenda was a mess? The schedule was entirely filled with tons of talking and there were no moments set aside for thinking, preparation, or resolutions? In this week’s episode, I suggest semi-silent offsite meetings as a distinctive way to provide vibrant time to converge in conversation together, as well as time to diverge in quiet alone to process, prepare, rest, and reflect.
The post Ep. 298 – Quiet Works for offsite meetings first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Ep. 298 – Quiet Works for offsite meetings appeared first on Just Saying.
Many professionals communicate during the day without thinking very much about what they are going to say or write before they do it. Though there are many reasons why this seems acceptable, it isn’t. People proudly wear a badge of busyness, frequently communicate off the cuff, and create havoc along the way. In this episode, […]
The post Ep. 297 – Communicating on the fly – crash or soar? first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Ep. 297 – Communicating on the fly – crash or soar? appeared first on Just Saying.
In this episode, I dive deep into the song “Trouble” by Coldplay to explore the connection between thinking, talking, and doing. I discuss how the song inspired me to help you avoid a web of confusion when these three elements are out of order. I share my motto and mantra of “think first, then talk, […]
The post Ep. 296 – Avoid “trouble” as a thinker, talker and doer first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Ep. 296 – Avoid “trouble” as a thinker, talker and doer appeared first on Just Saying.
Talkative teachers turn learning into a painful chore. In this episode, I discuss the problem of instructors talking far too much and offer a few insights on how to create a more effective and engaging learning experience through trimming. The key is to see instruction more like facilitation delivered through personal conversations and practical experiences, […]
The post Ep. 295 – Getting instructors to talk less first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Ep. 295 – Getting instructors to talk less appeared first on Just Saying.
Everyone acts like they’re waiting on standby for the next emergency call. In this episode, I discuss the importance of being able to disconnect and have uninterrupted quiet time. By challenging our belief that everything is urgent and important, and nothing can wait, I revisit the Eisenhower Principle and Stephen Covey’s quadrant to help us […]
The post Ep. 294 – Leave me alone, it can wait! first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Ep. 294 – Leave me alone, it can wait! appeared first on Just Saying.
Welcome to this week’s podcast, where we explore the value of silence and intentional communication. As your host, I share seven sayings on the power of silence and how it can enhance our professional lives. Join me as we discuss historical and noteworthy perspectives on the challenges, benefits, and practical strategies to incorporate quiet moments […]
The post Ep. 293 – Seven words of wisdom on silence to savor first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Ep. 293 – Seven words of wisdom on silence to savor appeared first on Just Saying.
Join me in this episode as we explore the “fog of work” and its effects on our productivity. Leveraging some military insights from Carl von Clausewitz’s classic book “On War,” I will have some practical tips to cut through the clutter and communicate effectively in a busy workplace. Learn the power of silence and deliberate […]
The post Ep. 292 – The fog of work first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Ep. 292 – The fog of work appeared first on Just Saying.
In this episode, join me as I discuss why people are so reluctant to embrace quiet, especially during the day. Drawing on my expertise as a professional, entrepreneur, and author, I explore ten reasons behind this resistance and shed some light on the importance of embracing silence. Discover how incorporating moments of quiet can enhance […]
The post Ep. 291 – Why people avoid quiet (really, run from it!) first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Ep. 291 – Why people avoid quiet (really, run from it!) appeared first on Just Saying.
In this week’s episode, I discuss how people often confuse hoping for understanding with actually knowing if their message was received. I provide three key steps to ensure effective communication: making a clear and simple point, asking for feedback or playback from the audience, and connecting the message to what matters to them.
The post Call EP – Hoping vs. knowing your point got across? first appeared on Just Saying.
The post Call EP – Hoping vs. knowing your point got across? appeared first on Just Saying.
In this week’s episode, I discuss the importance of making time for people in our busy lives and emphasize the significance of intentional communication. I discuss the value of being a good listener and the impact of regular conversations with coworkers, friends, and family. Join me as I share my personal experiences and provide practical […]
The post Ep. 290 – Making time for people appeared first on Just Saying.
In this episode of Just Saying, I talk about the disagreeable nature of gray communication and how it can be detrimental to effective communication. I explain how generative AI like Chat GPT can be used to write generic corporate messages and how it can lead to bland, beige, or grayish communication. I also give some […]
The post Ep. 289 – Disagreeable gray communication appeared first on Just Saying.
In this week’s podcast episode, I discuss the importance of knowing when to stop and field questions or comments during a presentation or briefing. Many presenters make the mistake of asking for questions at the wrong time, resulting in silence or irrelevant questions. I share strategies for designing time for questions and emphasize the value […]
The post Ep. 288 – When to stop for questions and comments appeared first on Just Saying.
In this week’s episode of “Just Saying,” I dive into the perplexing question of when to call a meeting or when to cancel one. I stress the importance of having a clear agenda and promoting active engagement during meetings and provide five compelling reasons to call or cancel a meeting. Remember, meetings are meant for […]
The post Ep. 287 – When to call a meeting (and cancel one) appeared first on Just Saying.
In this podcast, I discuss the importance of providing effective updates. Whether you’re updating a colleague in a higher role or someone who works for you, it’s crucial to get it right. Frustration arises when expectations are unfulfilled. Timing and quality of updates play a significant role. Getting updates right can eliminate unnecessary tension and improve communication.
The post Ep. 286 – When to provide an update appeared first on Just Saying.
In this week’s podcast, I stress the importance of asking good questions and emphasize the need to take time when formulating questions beforehand. I recommend using a [brief] map to organize one’s thoughts during a conversation. Additionally, I highlight the value of open-ended questions and the power of asking “why”. I also encourage listeners to practice asking good questions in their daily conversations in order to be effective communicators.
The post Ep. 285 – The power of quiet query appeared first on Just Saying.
In this podcast episode, I talk about my take on AI and its impact on communication. I’ll discuss how AI can be used as a tool to jumpstart the creative process for writers, conduct research, and develop clear and concise headlines. I will also share my experience with using AI to explore several topics and provide examples of the types of questions you can ask AI when generating written content. Overall, AI is a powerful tool that can help writers and communicators become more efficient and effective but should not be used as a replacement for learning how to write and communicate effectively on your own.
The post Ep. 284 – A brief take on AI & communication (part 2) appeared first on Just Saying.
In this podcast episode, I discuss the growing impact of artificial intelligence on communication. I specifically focus on generative AI, which can create new data and content that imitates human-created content. I explore the potential benefits for writers who can now have a partner and researcher sitting beside them to help with research and starting points for writing. However, I also emphasize the need for quiet reflection and better questioning in order to fully understand the implications of AI technology. Ultimately, while generative AI offers seemingly infinite ways to communicate, it is important to consider whether it is clear or noisy and if people will even have time to read it.
The post Ep. 283 – A brief take on A.I. and communication (part 1) appeared first on Just Saying.
I discuss the power and potential harm of disclaimers in communication. I emphasize the importance of being aware of how disclaimers can trigger listeners’ brains and change their listening, and encourage careful consideration before using them. I offer examples of both helpful and harmful disclaimers, and urge listeners to observe how they are affected by disclaimers in conversations with others. Ultimately, I advise using a disclaimer only if it will help the conversation, not harm it.
The post Ep. 282 – Disclaimer on disclaimers appeared first on Just Saying.
It’s easy to understand why you tune out a subject matter expert (SME) that doesn’t interest you and talks too much. But what happens when you meet some who’s proficient in an area that deeply interests and intrigues you and they drone on? You may initially feel like you won the lottery only to discover that you want to give back your ticket. Listen in to find out what happens.
The post Ep. 281 – What happens when an expert you like holds court appeared first on Just Saying.
It’s easy to understand why you tune out a subject matter expert (SME) that doesn’t interest you and talks too much. But what happens when you meet some who’s proficient in an area that deeply interests and intrigues you and they drone on? You may initially feel like you won the lottery only to discover that you want to give back your ticket. Listen in to find out what happens.
The post Ep. 280 – What happens when an expert you like holds court appeared first on Just Saying.
With the hurried pace of day-to-day life filled with so many competing priorities, everything can quickly become a blur. It’s up to you to choose to stop to take a break, yet we don’t. Whether it’s just for a minute or half a day, we need to periodically pause. In this episode, I lay out a series of moments where we need to allow ourselves a time out.
The post Call Back Episode – Ep 230 – Permission to pause appeared first on Just Saying.
Do you frequently think of the cost of poor communication? As it is getting easier to spread the word, it also is getting more expensive in a variety of areas. In this episode, I share some considerations of the range of real risks we face when we should have said nothing at all.
The post Call back Episode – Ep 208 – Talk isn’t cheap appeared first on Just Saying.
One of the contributing causes to bad meetings is that nobody takes notes. After a long, meandering discussion, there is no one assigned to capture key topics, define action items, and keep everyone on track for the next meeting. The result is that professionals repeat the same conversations and slow down progress. In this episode, I provide some practical guidance to write clear and concise summaries that make an impact.
The post Ep. 279 – Writing [brief] meeting summaries appeared first on Just Saying.
For many, working from home is a dream: no commute, greater autonomy, fewer distractions, and time to focus. Though remote work can have many such rewards, it also poses some serious professional and personal risks if not managed well. Isolation, exclusion, and insecurity are high on the list, along with losing facetime and seeming like you’re a ghost.
The post Ep. 278 – The real risks of remote working appeared first on Just Saying.
In an instant, our minds can race all over the place. Did you ever wonder why that happens to all of us while we’re listening, thinking and talking? It’s like someone let a squirrel loose in our mental attic. In this episode, I dive deeper into a core principle from the books BRIEF and NOISE.
The post Ep. 277 – The power (and peril) of the Elusive 600 appeared first on Just Saying.
Professionals that are in important leadership positions are not only incredibly busy, but also under a lot of pressure to perform and produce. Communicating to them is risky because they can be scattered, irritable, quick to judge and hard to read. In this podcast, I outline five things to consider doing that will keep you on track and them from losing their focus and cool.
The post Ep. 276 – 5 Mistakes when communicating to busy, burdened leaders appeared first on Just Saying.
While you are working, there’s an impetus to always be doing or saying something. Imagine if you discovered pockets of time where you actually could do or say nothing, like between appointments or waiting to board a flight. In this episode, I challenge you to consider doing nothing rather than impulsively trying to say or do something or everything.
The post Ep. 275 – The discipline of doing nothing appeared first on Just Saying.
Recent research indicates that spending time online, especially on social media, fundamentally changes our perception of time. If asked how much time do you think you actually spend online each day, would your answer be accurate? In this episode, I challenge you to rethink the time you allocate online (versus what you get in return), while not arguing to turn it off completely.
- https://www.wsj.com/articles/our-sense-of-time-is-way-offespecially-time-we-spend-on-the-internet-11673652432
- https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/
- https://www.smartinsights.com/social-media-marketing/social-media-strategy/new-global-social-media-research/
- https://www.verywellmind.com/social-media-doesn-t-alleviate-boredom-study-says-5191829
- https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/social-media-may-prevent-users-from-reaping-creative-rewards-of-profound-boredom-new-research/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20problem%20we%20observed%20was,Mundane%20emotions%3A%20losing%20yourself%20in
The post Ep. 274 – The social media time warp appeared first on Just Saying.
I was reminded of a few scenes from the movie “The Princess Bride” and inspired by a few business meetings to take a closer look at the precise words we choose to use and how they might lose people. It may be inconceivable that you fall prey to such a plethora of temptations to bemuse your audience. Listen in to find out if you do.
https://bestlifeonline.com/common-words/
The post Ep. 273 – Words you know but don’t really know appeared first on Just Saying.
Over the years, we have developed several tools to help you think clearly and communicate concisely. They are simple, practical, and repeatable. In the podcast, I share a short list of go-to tools that can help you become an intentional communicator who always makes an impact.
The post Ep. 272 – Putting tools in your toolbelt appeared first on Just Saying.
Some people just don’t know much and others really don’t know what they don’t know. Regardless if they are smart, uniformed, or a dim bulb with no experience, we may need to talk with them and get them up to speed. In this episode, I encourage you not to get annoyed, talk over them or roll your eyes.
The post Ep. 271 – Communicating to someone who is clueless appeared first on Just Saying.
At the end of a long day or week, imagine how you might feel about listening to someone give you a detailed update, share a complaint or start a planning discussion. It happens too frequently without us knowing or acknowledging it. In this episode, we provide some insights and guidance to help you connect to someone who is physically, emotionally or mentally worn down.
The post Ep. 270 – Communicating to someone who is tired appeared first on Just Saying.
Imagine if you had to present to someone who was brilliant. How would you talk, what would they say and how would you manage the conversation with them? Moments spent communicating to highly intelligent people are filled with risks, no doubt. In this episode, I give you some of my advice on what’s worked when I was clearly not the smartest person in the room yet talking to them.
The post Ep. 269 – Communicating to someone who is really smart appeared first on Just Saying.
Busy people are always complaining about how little time they have. In reality, they have plenty of time yet run from it and spend bits and pieces of their day creating and consuming noise. In this week’s episode, I share a different perspective on time management that will challenge you to get off the hamster wheel.
The post Ep. 268 – Running from time (not out of it) appeared first on Just Saying.
Looking back and ahead, what concrete steps are we taking to become better communicators? In this episode, I reflect on the past 12 months and set our sights on a new year to become an elite communicator who consistently thinks and says what really matters.
The post Ep. 267 – A year in review and one ahead appeared first on Just Saying.
Why are you waiting for someone to make a decision that’s yours to make? Why are you standing in line for approvals, sitting in meetings for a decision and writing another e-mail for the go-ahead, when you could be moving forward to make things happen? In this episode, I challenge you to have a conversation that might eliminate more conversations, meetings and e-mails.
The post Ep. 266 – Why am I waiting for an empowered conversation? appeared first on Just Saying.
Wanting to be clear and concise, doesn’t mean that you are. As you listen to advice on how to become an intentional communicator, you may wonder how to assess your skills. In this week’s episode, I unveil a free BRIEF Communication Assessment to gauge your strengths and weaknesses in four important categories. To take the short survey, please go to https://thebrieflab.com
The post Ep. 265 – How do you know if you’re clear and concise? appeared first on Just Saying.
Quiet is defined as the absence of noise. It not only deserves a set time and daily appointment but also a designated place where you can go to be comfortable and concentrate, with limited or no distractions. In reality, people struggle to find that place in a sea of noise. In this episode, I share my story and how I found a space at work, home and on the road.
The post Ep. 264 – Finding my quiet space appeared first on Just Saying.
Many of the meetings we attend or lead simply need to be completely blown up and rebuilt entirely. Maybe the original intent has been altered, or we have fallen into a rhythm and routine and lowered the bar too low. Sometimes, we just might need to have a meeting to design all the ones that don’t work.
The post Ep. 263 – Meetings redesigned and redefined appeared first on Just Saying.
Every day, we drop acronyms all around us, saving many people time while unwittingly confusing others. In this episode, I share a brief perspective on the risks and rewards of using acronyms. If you heed my advice, you’re GTG; if not, you might be PNG or SOL.
The post Ep. 262 – The ABC’s of Acronyms appeared first on Just Saying.
Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful time to gather and celebrate with family and friends. This time of year (all the time, for that matter) is a great time to quietly contemplate – and take note of – all the things in our lives that we are grateful for, from the simple to the profound.
The post Call back Episode – Episode 214 Thanksgiving: notes of gratitude appeared first on Just Saying.
We may be the root cause of our co-workers’ struggle to concentrate. Throughout the day, professionals disrupt each other thoughtlessly. In this episode, I provide a list of considerations we need to remember so that we avoid the urge to interrupt each other constantly. By taking ownership of these powerful impulses to distract, we can […]
The post Ep. 261 – Pardon the interruption appeared first on Just Saying.
Ari Sandel, an Academy Award-winning film director, sends an unexpected thank-you note to my team upon learning we share his speech in our BRIEF courses. In this episode, I break down the mechanics of his delivery and how it is a stellar example of clarity and brevity on a big, stressful stage. Links:
The post Ep. 260 – An unforgettable Oscar speech comes full circle appeared first on Just Saying.
Ari Sandel, an Academy Award-winning film director, sends an unexpected thank-you note to my team upon learning we share his speech in our BRIEF courses. In this episode, I break down the mechanics of his delivery and how it is a stellar example of clarity and brevity on a big, stressful stage. Links:
The post Ep. 260 – An unforgettable Oscar speech comes full circle appeared first on Just Saying.
Sometimes, it’s easier to say nothing. However, if enough people go silent, the negative impact may spread unnoticed. Whether it’s getting quiet quitters to voice their concerns or people to share something that doesn’t work for them, there’s a reward that’s worth the risk. In this episode, I share five simple considerations to have more […]
The post Ep. 259 – Speaking up (vs. saying nothing) appeared first on Just Saying.
Sometimes, it’s easier to say nothing. However, if enough people go silent, the negative impact may spread unnoticed. Whether it’s getting quiet quitters to voice their concerns or people to share something that doesn’t work for them, there’s a reward that’s worth the risk. In this episode, I share five simple considerations to have more […]
The post Ep. 259 – Speaking up (vs. saying nothing) appeared first on Just Saying.
The catchy term of “quiet quitters” seems to have quickly spread and taken hold. Though it is widely discussed, it’s not clear if the banter centers more on a long list of symptoms. In this episode, I go deeper into a potential root cause of this phenomenon and the fundamental role disquiet might play. […]
The post Ep. 258 – The disquiet of quiet quitters appeared first on Just Saying.
The catchy term of “quiet quitters” seems to have quickly spread and taken hold. Though it is widely discussed, it’s not clear if the banter centers more on a long list of symptoms. In this episode, I go deeper into a potential root cause of this phenomenon and the fundamental role disquiet might play. […]
The post Ep. 258 – The disquiet of quiet quitters appeared first on Just Saying.
The word “good” can sometimes be too good to be true. Imagine if you ask someone how they were doing or how a project was going, and that was their immediate answer. Then, you discover later that their answer was wildly different. In this episode, I discuss why your main point needs to be on […]
The post Ep. 257 – When your bland point needs sharpening appeared first on Just Saying.
The word “good” can sometimes be too good to be true. Imagine if you ask someone how they were doing or how a project was going, and that was their immediate answer. Then, you discover later that their answer was wildly different. In this episode, I discuss why your main point needs to be on […]
The post Ep. 257 – When your bland point needs sharpening appeared first on Just Saying.
In this episode, I share the simplicity and power of using a BRIEF Map as a communication tool. In a variety of moments from pitches and presentations, to meetings and updates, this proprietary visual outlining method ensures that information is consistently clear, concise and compelling.
The post Ep. 256 – BRIEF Maps Basics appeared first on Just Saying.
In this episode, I share the simplicity and power of using a BRIEF Map as a communication tool. In a variety of moments from pitches and presentations, to meetings and updates, this proprietary visual outlining method ensures that information is consistently clear, concise and compelling.
The post Ep. 256 – BRIEF Maps Basics appeared first on Just Saying.
Texting is an evolving medium that everyone considers themselves a self-proclaimed master. In reality, texting is writing. In this episode, I share a few professional considerations when sending and replying that may make you reconsider your current approach.
The post Ep. 255 – To text or not to text? appeared first on Just Saying.
One of the most important roles of any successful professional is to lead a program (or project) to completion. Throughout the entire process, from start to finish, many different stakeholders need to hear a clean overview that conveys the right level of detail and connects with their motivations and interests. Getting the executive summary wrong […]
The post Ep. 254 – How to frame a solid program overview appeared first on Just Saying.
Crafting a good elevator pitch can be perplexing, with risks that range from sounding too scripted and super cheesy to boring and bland. In this episode, I provide some straightforward guidelines to help you explain your role in terms that allow you to answer a seemingly tough question comfortably, confidently, and concisely.
The post Ep. 253 – So what do you do? appeared first on Just Saying.
As passing the milestone of my 250th episode, I decide to reveal some broader and deeper personal background about what motivates me. In this episode, I go back and retrace what I have done over my career to stitch together a narrative that explains why I do what I do professionally.
The post Ep. 252 – Why I do what I do appeared first on Just Saying.
All writers need encouragement. Recently, I discovered Elmore Leonard’s 10 rules of writing. Upon further investigation, I found and decided to share some fun and insightful writing tips from a variety of writers like George Orwell, E.B. White and even a social activist nun. https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/tips-masters/elmore-leonard-10-rules-for-good-writing
The post Ep. 251 – Writing quips & tips appeared first on Just Saying.
All writers need encouragement. Recently, I discovered Elmore Leonard’s 10 rules of writing. Upon further investigation, I found and decided to share some fun and insightful writing tips from a variety of writers like George Orwell, E.B. White and even a social activist nun. https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/tips-masters/elmore-leonard-10-rules-for-good-writing
The post Ep. 251 – Writing quips & tips appeared first on Just Saying.
If you’re trying to focus to get some important work done and cannot be interrupted, how do the people around you know not to bother you? In this episode, I share a few simple tips to ensure that there are clear signs to protect your attention, so that everyone leaves you alone for some needed […]
The post Ep. 250 – Give me a sign (do not disturb) appeared first on Just Saying.
Challenge yourself and others to stop running from task to task, meeting to meeting and e-mail to e-mail. Take 60 seconds just to think. Whether it’s before you start, or after you finish, there is a prime opportunity to make a quick minute work for yourself throughout the day.
The post Ep. 249 – One minute of quiet, please! appeared first on Just Saying.
Imagine an undisciplined, overambitious person who tries to juggle way too many thoughts, words, and actions. In this episode, I challenge you to focus on one thing at a time to avoid being scattered and confusing yourself and others along the way.
The post Ep. 248 – One vs many (things to think, say and do) appeared first on Just Saying.
In this installment, I summarize two related Harvard Business Review articles that tackle the excesses of collaboration. In one, Microsoft leaders reveal research that brought them much closer to the root cause of employee fulfillment. In another, a university professor surveys professionals on how they believe they need to collaborate with each other and the […]
The post Ep. 247 – HBR article review: overcoming collaboration overkill appeared first on Just Saying.
Imagine if someone at work approached you and said, “you should proof-read your e-mails before sending them.” Or picture a family member or friend saying, “you shouldn’t eat out so much.” In general, people do not like being told what to do. However, there are many times we need to tell them. In this episode, […]
The post Ep. 246 – Should I or shouldn’t you? appeared first on Just Saying.
Imagine if your boss told your team in a very calm, matter-of-fact tone that your answers just weren’t good enough. In this episode, I share how this very incident happened to a corporate leader and his team and how to overcome the harsh realities of not meeting expectations and falling far short of a high […]
The post Ep. 245 – When your answers aren’t good enough appeared first on Just Saying.
Some people approach any writing assignment with trepidation and apprehension. Can I get my point across? Will I be able to say it the right way? What can I do if I’m not sure of my ability to convey my thoughts? On the other extreme, some people dive right into writing assignments are fearlessly, filled […]
The post Ep. 244 – Afraid of writing appeared first on Just Saying.
A random experience having lunch at Jimmy John’s got me thinking about a deep problem: why aren’t we ever satisfied? In this episode, I unpack a provocative quote hanging at a local fast-food sandwich shop and share a deeper insight that may help you close the gap between more and enough.
The post Ep. 243 – When is more enough? appeared first on Just Saying.
How can you become more realistic and grounded when you communicate and interact with people? Are you setting your sights consistently way too high? Have you become an all-or-nothing person in your expectations? In this episode, I share a powerful way of defining what success looks like minimally to keep you satisfied and on track.
The post Ep. 242 – The minimum definition of success appeared first on Just Saying.
You can’t lead effectively if you’re always getting interrupted. In this episode, I share a recent conversation with a rising leader and one from my days as a marketing executive to shed some light on how ineffective leaders believe that they need to always have an open-door policy and can never turn people away when […]
The post Ep. 241 – Feeling obligated to always be available appeared first on Just Saying.
Whether you’re the decision maker or someone recommending or influencing decisions, there’s a hidden reason why people make poor choices. In a fast-paced, noisy world, people invest little or no scheduled quiet time to carefully consider the decision in solitude. What’s more, they don’t find someone to share it with to shoot holes, and then […]
The post Ep. 240 – Why people make bad decisions appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back EP Episode 126 – NOISE Filter: Our 1st and last thought of the day Preparing what we think at the start and end our day not only serves as a powerful bookends to manage the noise but also sets the tone for us to be more intentional.
The post Call back EP – NOISE Filter: Our 1st and last thought of the day appeared first on Just Saying.
What is the personal cost of a distraction and disruption? How do you value when and where you pay attention? If attention is your most valuable resource, how do you react when it is stolen and squandered throughout the day? In this episode, I challenge you to consider the return on attention (ROA) you are […]
The post Ep. 239 – Mental theft appeared first on Just Saying.
In this episode, I introduce a new initiative called The Quiet Workplace and related Quiet Works principles, practices, programs, and products. After nearly a year of planning and development, I have decided to introduce simple, practical, and powerful ways to make silence a secret ingredient in professional life. In fact, our intent is to change […]
The post Ep. 238 – Quiet Works: new mission and motto appeared first on Just Saying.
Most of us don’t frequently give presentations. In the rare times that we do, we may seem rusty, nervous, and out of sync. In this podcast, I will provide a few simple considerations for you to approach these moments professionally and deliver information comfortably and confidently.
The post Ep. 237 – Simple presentation practices appeared first on Just Saying.
The words we use can be incredibly helpful, or hurtful. Whether we like to admit it, we choose to say what we say. Many people, however, are not self-aware in their conversations and their comments can be deeply damaging. In this episode, I highlight six different comments to shun.
The post Ep. 236 – Six comments to avoid appeared first on Just Saying.
To influence is to exert a powerful force to shape people’s thoughts, feelings, opinions, and actions. In what way can we influence others by saying less? Is the absence of words strong enough (or not enough) to change the outcome? What is the right balance to achieve?
The post Ep. 235 – Is brevity a better way to influence? appeared first on Just Saying.
During a typical day, can you count how many different screens compete for your attention? Technology isn’t only pervasive but also a source of constant distraction. In this episode, I challenge the fallacy that to work means to be with technology. We need to find simple ways to avoid them when they aren’t needed right […]
The post Ep. 234 – Noise management: No screens needed appeared first on Just Saying.
Imagine if you’re at an event, party or hanging out after a meeting and the person you’re talking to won’t stop talking. What can you do? Do you find a way to make a quick escape or stick it out patiently and painfully? This may happen frequently to us, and we feel like we’re being […]
The post Ep. 233 – Stuck in a bad conversation appeared first on Just Saying.
Recently, I got two different messages that referenced the same topic: what happens when my boss is or isn’t clear and concise. In one, the sender laments the pain and confusion caused when her boss is all over the place. In another, he praises how his boss made brevity an issue for the entire team […]
The post Ep. 232 – What if your boss isn’t brief? appeared first on Just Saying.
For any team or organization, it’s critical to find the right time and place to getaway. Offsite meetings can be incredibly rewarding or disappointing depending on how they’re prepared. To get the maximum value, you need to take some time to carefully consider the right location, attendees, agenda design, and the overall experience you intend […]
The post Ep. 231 – Making the most with offsite meetings appeared first on Just Saying.
With the hurried pace of day-to-day life filled with so many competing priorities, everything can quickly become a blur. It’s up to you to choose to stop to take a break, yet we don’t. Whether it’s just for a minute or half a day, we need to periodically pause. In this episode, I lay out […]
The post Ep. 230 – Permission to pause appeared first on Just Saying.
When the meeting isn’t yours, you may feel like you have no voice. The reality is that there are a number of things you can do to turn bad meetings into ones that are more effective and efficient. It’s time to start speaking up and stop feeling helpless and stuck.
The post Ep. 229 – Meeting attendee bill of rights appeared first on Just Saying.
Do you work for your smartphone, or does it work for you? There may be a powerful temptation to always have your digital device on and nearby, checking it constantly and feeling helpless when it comes calling. In this episode, I ask you to consider what your personal relationship is with your smartphone and why […]
The post Ep. 228 – Resisting the temptation to check your smartphone appeared first on Just Saying.
In this episode, I provide some simple and straightforward advice to help you gain (and regain) focus when your world might be seeming to be turning upside down. Though it’s incredibly easy to lose focus and feel scattered, flustered, conflicted and confused, there are things to do to rise above.
The post Ep. 227 – Clarity at work (in times of crisis, chaos and change) appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back EP 106 Season 3 Most leaders communicate confidently yet aren’t clear or concise. How can you step up and help them when they don’t think they need it?
The post Call back EP – Providing senior leaders communication counsel appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode Ep 103 Season 3. Those periodic updates can be a burden no matter what side of the desk you’re on.
The post Call Back EP – Why 1-on-1’s are mutually painful appeared first on Just Saying.
Presentations can be effective yet are often lacking, too polished and impersonal. In this episode, I share some personal perspectives on an overlooked format that is ideal for disseminating knowledge, experience, insights and wisdom in a more personal and practical way, one that really gets people talking.
The post Ep. 226 – Giving a good talk appeared first on Just Saying.
It’s easy to occupy an enormous amount of your day in mindless motion, running from one task to another. But have you stopped to think about how much thinking you do every day? In this episode, I plant a seed to get you to consider increasing the amount of time you spend thinking every day.
The post Ep. 225 – How much thinking do you do? appeared first on Just Saying.
In the last episode, I encourage you to talk to lots of people along the way to your next job. People tend to focus all their energy on the interview and fail to gain valuable insights, encouragement and guidance in the scores of small conversations they have with family, friends, colleagues and contacts.
The post Ep. 224 – Lessons in transition (part 3) appeared first on Just Saying.
In this second installment, I provide some recommendations on how to clarify your vision of yourself professionally down the road. For many of us, it is hard to describe what you want to do in the future and why. In this episode, I give a few practical bits of advice to make this less daunting.
The post Ep. 223 – Lessons in transition (part 2) appeared first on Just Saying.
When you are ending a career and starting a new one, or simply changing jobs, you need to be able to succinctly explain your value. Defining what you had previously done in clear and concise terms (i.e., your value proposition, or elevator speech) will be the bridge for you to help people refer, connect and […]
The post Ep. 222 – Lessons in transition (part 1) appeared first on Just Saying.
For many of us, expressing emotions feels treacherous. In this episode, I share a few practical ways to make this feel easier and serve as a better way to start longer, clarifying conversations with someone else.
The post Ep. 221 – How does that feel? appeared first on Just Saying.
Great courses are not only filled with wonderful and practical experiences, but they are also led by selfless and authentic instructors. In this second installment, I talk about the critical role of the instructor to serve as a facilitator of learning, not a self-absorbed lecturer.
The post Ep. 220 – Breaking bad teaching (part 2) appeared first on Just Saying.
When you take a course, whether it be in person or online, it’s always an experience. In this episode, I talk about the critical role of course design to make it an exceptional, relevant and practical experience. Link: https://thebrieflab.com/belt/
The post Ep. 219 – Breaking bad teaching (part 1) appeared first on Just Saying.
Over the past year, we continue to witness substantial changes in our world, both broadly and personally. After spending some quiet time to reflect personally, I share a brief perspective on what’s transpired in the past 12 months and what lies ahead.
The post Ep. 218 – Year in review appeared first on Just Saying.
In this episode, I talk about some important considerations if you need to come up with a name for a business, product, program or key initiative. If you get it mildly right, you can make the name serve as a force for clarity.
The post Ep. 217 – What’s in a name? appeared first on Just Saying.
Over the years, I have succeeded and failed as an entrepreneur. The lessons I learned might help you either as you start a new business or lead a new program, venture or initiative within an existing organization.
The post Ep. 216 – Entrepreneurial lessons appeared first on Just Saying.
Setting the right tone at the beginning of a meeting may require you to say nothing at all. In this episode, I share a different way to kick off meetings by giving participants quiet time to prepare. Links from this episode:Ep. 153 – Best of: Curbing a culture of meetings & meeting agenda design Ep. 165 […]
The post Ep. 215 – Silent meeting starts appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #179 recorded March 04, 2019 Look around and see who’s going to jump up and take out the garbage. Who will take on this thankless job?
The post Call Back Episode – Empty the trash appeared first on Just Saying.
Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful time to gather and celebrate with family and friends. This time of year (all the time, for that matter) is a great time to quietly contemplate – and take note of – all the things in our lives that we are grateful for, from the simple to the profound.
The post Ep. 214 – Thanksgiving: notes of gratitude appeared first on Just Saying.
In this episode, I share with you a brief essay I wrote about how the workplace needs to change. We are all hoping for fundamental improvements that will help make where and how we work much more purposeful and fulfilling, not so noisy, mindless and tiring. Links from this episode: Download or share the essay: The […]
The post Ep. 213 – The Quiet Workplace (an essay) appeared first on Just Saying.
Imagine being stuck in a meandering conversation with no end in sight. In this week’s podcast, I suggest practical ways to plan when and how to stop talking that will not only give people relief but also a simple way to respond.
The post Ep. 212 – Wrap it up appeared first on Just Saying.
Many topics, tasks or even people are carelessly brushed aside because they are deemed dispensable, unimportant and trivial. While some things are considered “nice to know,” others are solidly seen as “need to know”? In this episode, I share ways to shift mindsets to help you and your ideas be taken more seriously. Links from […]
The post Ep. 211 – Interesting or essential? appeared first on Just Saying.
When you drop a precious item, it breaks into tiny pieces. Similarly, as communicators, we risk to create noise and confusion to those around us. In this episode, I tackle the hard reality of us being all over the place and how we can find simple ways to manage being so scattered internally and externally. […]
The post Ep. 210 – Scattered appeared first on Just Saying.
When you are always on, that means you’re never off. Living in a 24/7 world of pervasive connectivity, we are challenged to find rewarding moments during the day to disconnect.
The post Ep. 209 – Tech timeouts appeared first on Just Saying.
Do you frequently think of the cost of poor communication? As it is getting easier to spread the word, it also is getting more expensive in variety of areas. In this episode, I share some considerations of the range of real risks we face when we should have said nothing at all.
The post Ep. 208 – Talk isn’t cheap appeared first on Just Saying.
E-mails can be incredibly beneficial or simply a brutal part of our day. In this multi-part series, I discuss the value of stepping away and editing with a more critical eye before hitting send.
The post Ep. 207 – Writing a solid e-mail, part 2 appeared first on Just Saying.
Do you ever think why people hate getting e-mails and delete them so quickly? In this multi-part series, I get to the root of writing e-mails that are easy to open, read and respond to in a timely manner.
The post Ep. 206 – Writing a solid e-mail, part 1 appeared first on Just Saying.
Why are people misunderstood? In the third installment of this series, I talk about what to do if the misunderstanding is really your fault and how to be open to that possibility and reflect honestly on what went wrong.
The post Ep. 205 – Misunderstandings, pt. 3 appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #167 recorded November 20, 2020 When writing chapter 14 of the book “Noise,” I was inspired to design a simple deck of cards to help manage scheduled times of silence so they wouldn’t become noisy appointments. So… pick a card, any card – you’re all set. Link: Thebrieflab.com/store
The post Call Back EP – Take 5 Quiet Cards appeared first on Just Saying.
Why are people misunderstood? In the second installment of this series, I talk about what to do if the misunderstanding is not at all your fault and how to handle it calmly and confidently.
The post Ep. 204 – Misunderstandings, pt. 2 appeared first on Just Saying.
Why are people misunderstood? In the first installment of this series, I talk about how to lower the level and frequencies of misunderstandings that happens in our personal and professional lives.
The post Ep. 203 – Misunderstandings appeared first on Just Saying.
What starts as constructive criticism can often devolve into useless complaining. I talk about different ways to break the cycle of negativity and change the conversation.
The post Ep. 202 – Leaving the complaining club appeared first on Just Saying.
Making resolutions are hard. In this episode, I’m talking about making better, smarter BRIEF resolutions.
The post Episode 201 – Creating a better, SMART BRIEF resolution appeared first on Just Saying.
For our 200th episode, I take a moment to celebrate, consider and reflect on key learnings over the years both in doing this podcast and in 15 years of business.
The post Episode 200 – A time to celebrate appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #94 recorded June 17, 2019 The place where you work is sucking the life out of everyone – it’s just how we roll, you say. What can you do to prevent it and push back?
The post Call Back Episode – Enduring a culture of long and confusing appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #105 recorded September 04, 2019 If you had some quiet time, what would be the sounds you’d hear other than silence? Strong listeners know how to savor the sweet sounds others seem to miss. Links: https://thebrieflab.com/noise/ Dumb and Dumber Mockingbird scene
The post Call Back Episode – Quiet Time: the sweetest sounds appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #69 recorded December 17, 2018 If you’re watching television and the sound gets too loud, you grab the remote control and hit mute. What if you could do that for all the noise in and around you?
The post Call Back Episode – Hitting mute more often in your life appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #143 recorded May 04, 2020 We are all using the term “virtual” these days but it can be terribly misleading. What are we really trying to say?
The post Call Back Episode – Defining what “virtual” really means now appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #142 recorded April 27, 2020 18 years ago, I was a tech marketer that developed (oddly enough) a sub-specialty in video teleconferencing (VTC) and its role in the SARS pandemic. Today, I marvel at what’s possible for all of us.
The post Call Back Episode – VTC’s and me: seeing is believing appeared first on Just Saying.
Charley tackles questions about how to learn BRIEF principles outside of a team setting…and how to make them stick.
The post Episode 199 – FAQ: How do I build the discipline of brevity on my own? appeared first on Just Saying.
I developed a tool that will help you avoid a lot of the issues that make meetings bad in the first place— a lack of advanced planning and organization. The BRIEF Meeting Prep Cards are a visual mapping tool to prepare for and run effective meetings. Links: https://thebrieflab.com/tools/
The post Episode 198– BRIEF Meeting Prep Cards appeared first on Just Saying.
Charley interviews Cameron Cruse— military wife, entrepreneur, and successful Shark Tank contestant. R. Riveter’s line of American-made bags and accessories are all constructed by military spouses stationed throughout the country, providing mobile, flexible income to these modern-day Rosie the Riveters. Cameron shares her business journey and core insights as to how she prepared to give […]
The post Episode 197 – By my guest: Cameron Cruse, R.Riveter Co-Founder appeared first on Just Saying.
The power of threes has this magical ability to center people. In just three simple words, you can be impactful, memorable, and finished. Test it out.
The post Episode 196 – Just three words appeared first on Just Saying.
No one wants to hear that they are being long-winded. In this episode, Charley answers questions about how to provide feedback and share the BRIEF method in business and personal relationships.
The post Episode 195 – FAQ: Sharing the BRIEF method appeared first on Just Saying.
Sometimes it’s impossible to connect with someone because of an all-consuming distraction happening in their life. We need to recognize those moments where it’s time to cut our audience loose and call a break.
The post Episode 194 – I’ve Gotta Pee appeared first on Just Saying.
What is work going to look like post-pandemic? Charley sits down with Hellene Garcia from Neat, a company dedicated to providing advanced Zoom collaboration. The duo discusses hybrid work, finding work-life balance, and rebalancing communication in a post-pandemic world.
The post Episode 193 – Be my guest: Hellene Garcia (Neat) on post-pandemic communication appeared first on Just Saying.
“Primer” is my newly released podcast that provides brief summaries to get you primed on a variety of subjects that matter personally to me. In each episode, I give my own quick take on people, books, events, issues, arts & entertainment, etc. More information can be found at www.personalprimer.com.
The post Episode 192 – A primer on “Primer” (my new podcast) appeared first on Just Saying.
Our mindset affects how we use our attention. In this episode, Charley answers questions about how to develop mindsets that help us positively frame situations and turn obstacles into opportunities.
The post Episode 191 – FAQ: Managing your mindset appeared first on Just Saying.
To be a better communicator, you need to know when it’s time to speak up and when it’s time to shut up. In this episode, I provide some counsel on how to be much more aware when it’s time to throttle up or throttle down.
The post Episode 190 – Speak up, or shut up appeared first on Just Saying.
Charley sits down with Malachy Walsh, author of Socratic Scribbling. Malachy spent some 25 years at J. Walter Thompson working directly with some of the world’s favorite brands. His new book reveals how he was able to leave his mark in advertising, namely through classical rhetoric and a deep appreciation of the Great Books.
The post Episode 189 – Be My Guest – Malachy Walsh Interview appeared first on Just Saying.
In this episode, I dive deeper into knowing your audience by sharing a proprietary tool we have developed to help you define who they are and how you want to engage them in much more concrete, realistic terms. Download the DRAFT Card here: https://thebrieflab.com/tools/
The post Episode 188 – DRAFT Cards appeared first on Just Saying.
What do you do when you have a mixed audience and everyone needs different info? Charley fields this question and several others on one of the most foundational communications skills: knowing who you are talking to.
The post Episode 187 – FAQ: Understanding your audience appeared first on Just Saying.
Our audience isn’t always seeing the person that we are. They are frequently seeing the person that we are not. In this episode, I talk about the importance of cleaning up your communication to show the world who you really are.
The post Episode 186 – A distorted view appeared first on Just Saying.
Charley sits down with Dr. Breiter from the Northwestern University School of Medicine to discuss addiction, technology and why our brains desperately need quiet time.
The post Episode 185 – Be my guest: Dr. Hans Breiter, Professor of Psychiatry appeared first on Just Saying.
We can engage in lengthy, thoughtful and endless discussions to the point where we are incapable of ever making a decision. We need to be more deliberate and decisive so we hear the word no quicker and we can move on with our lives.
The post Episode 184 – Getting to no faster appeared first on Just Saying.
In our new FAQ segment, I address a series of questions surrounding how to take the principles of the books BRIEF and NOISE and make them work at home and in social situations.
The post Episode 183 – FAQ: Being brief on the spot, away from work appeared first on Just Saying.
What would work (or life) look like if we could frequently and intentionally step away from technology for a moment or two? In this episode, I explore how giving yourself a break can strengthen your focus and help you gain some self-mastery.
The post Episode 182 – Stepping away for a minute (from digital devices) appeared first on Just Saying.
Every day, there is something really important we have to do. Sometimes it’s obvious, but most times it’s not. If we are unprepared for these big moments, we are most susceptible to the noise all around us.
The post Episode 181 – The big moment appeared first on Just Saying.
Charley digs into why headlines are disproportionately important, how to avoid becoming clickbait and when you should take the time to prepare a good headline.
The post Episode 180 – FAQ: Better headlines build a bridge appeared first on Just Saying.
One way to lower the noise is to start and end every day with a short and powerful headline. In this episode, I share some ways to set the tone from your very first thought and end the day more intentionally the same way.
The post Episode 179 – Daily headlines: 1st and last thought of the day appeared first on Just Saying.
Charley interviews popular comedian Aaron Weber on the importance of preparation, how to grab the audience’s attention quickly, and the power of laughter in all communications. Be sure to follow Aaron everywhere @realaaronweber and at http://aaronwebercomedy.com/. He is also the co-host of the popular podcast @natelandpodcast.
The post Episode 178 – Be my guest: Aaron Weber, Comedian appeared first on Just Saying.
There’s no shortage of technical advice on how to manage your time better. In this episode, I keep it super simple: lowering the noise frees up lots of time. HBR article: https://hbr.org/2020/01/time-management-is-about-more-than-life-hacks
The post Episode 177 – The morass of time management appeared first on Just Saying.
In our new FAQ segment, Charley addresses a series of questions surrounding how to lower the noise during quiet time and some of the inherent challenges this precious time presents. SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION SEGMENT OF JUST SAYING. https://thebrieflab.com/faq/
The post Episode 176 – FAQ: Tackling the issue of quiet time appeared first on Just Saying.
Sometimes we fire off a text or send an email when we should have just picked up the phone. In this episode, I talk about the value of a phone conversation to make a better connection.
The post Episode 175– Phone calls appeared first on Just Saying.
Charley Thornton interviews author and international business leader Simon Bureau about how different cultures view brevity. They dig into email, the importance of context and what elements of communication are universal. For more on Simon, visit his profile: linkedin.com/in/simonbureau/
The post Episode 174 – Be my guest: Simon Bureau on culture and communications appeared first on Just Saying.
As Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” So too, our daily life as communicators needs a quick scan. In this episode, I discuss how to review and plan as a daily practice and also look back on a wild year, while looking forward to an exciting year ahead.
The post Episode 173– The Daily Scan (Looking back and ahead) appeared first on Just Saying.
In our first new FAQ segment, Charley Thornton dissects some of the problems with multitasking in meetings, the underlying reasons almost everyone does it, and some simple ways to stop the madness. SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION FOR THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION SEGMENT OF JUST SAYING. https://thebrieflab.com/faq/
The post Episode 172 – FAQ: How to discourage multitasking in meetings appeared first on Just Saying.
All great managers know how to field the best lineup against their opponent and not let to their game plan get too predictable. In the battle against constant noise, I suggest using a practical tool I have developed that ensures you compete every day to win.
The post Episode 171– The Lineup appeared first on Just Saying.
Leading an effective meeting may look easy to outsiders, but insiders know that success requires a willingness to carry the burden of conflict, ambiguity, time constraints and personal differences. In this episode, I dive into the skills you need to get good at herding cats.
The post Episode 170 – The uneasiness of great meeting facilitation appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #71 recorded January 07, 2019 Gratitude is the engine that drives people forward when everyone else gets stuck spinning their wheels.
The post Call Back Episode – It’s a good time to say thanks appeared first on Just Saying.
Charley Thornton speaks with John Borta, Sr. Director of Leadership Effectiveness at Grainger. They discuss the big mistakes people make when it comes to meeting facilitation and how to avoid them.
The post Episode 169- Be my guest: John Borta, meeting facilitation expert appeared first on Just Saying.
While suffering the loss of my beloved SUV, I realized that it’s easy to lose trust quickly and permanently. In this episode, I share many of the real risks of poor communication and how trust ranks high on the list.
The post Episode 168– Losing trust forever appeared first on Just Saying.
When writing chapter 14 of the book “Noise,” I was inspired to design a simple deck of cards to help manage scheduled times of silence so they wouldn’t become noisy appointments. So… pick a card, any card – you’re all set. Link: Thebrieflab.com/store
The post Episode 167– Take 5 Quiet Cards appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #82 recorded March 2019 A ski-school story inspired a closer look into the value of mastering going slow, so you could gain more control going fast. Links: Skiing moguls the slow way (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIhw0z1d1ko
The post Call Back Episode – Being deliberate appeared first on Just Saying.
It’s possible to deliver a clear message and get the tone all wrong. Maybe it should be empathetic, not urgent; upbeat and not matter of fact; or serious versus sarcastic. Take a few moments and carefully consider not only what your audience needs to hear but also how it should sound.
The post Episode 166– The critical role of tone appeared first on Just Saying.
Even after running an effective meeting, people can easily lose focus just a few hours or days later of what needs to happen next. What’s the key to keep everyone headed in the right direction afterwards?
The post Episode 165– Creating momentum after a meeting appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #50 recorded July 2018 Any car ride can provide a quick way to gauge if your conversations are on track, or driving people crazy. Step in and see.
The post Call Back Episode – The Uber talk test appeared first on Just Saying.
As the author of “NOISE”, I was convinced that adding a connected device to my wrist was a really bad idea. I was completely wrong.
The post Episode 164– My Apple Watch surprise appeared first on Just Saying.
Most people do not look forward to getting up in front of crowds and talking. When the moment arises – and it inevitably will – how can you deal with the fear and emerge intact?
The post Episode 163– Overcoming your fear of public speaking appeared first on Just Saying.
WIFM is a call to action, not a radio station. For effective communicators, this acronym is the key to ensuring that others tune in and stop tuning out.
The post Episode 162– WIFM (what’s in it for me?) appeared first on Just Saying.
Sometimes you need to get inside your head to stop what’s getting inside your head. Inspired by fellow instructors, I share a few short lessons on the role of quiet time to tackle the “noise” that constantly competes for your attention.
The post Episode 161– A significant emotional event appeared first on Just Saying.
You race around all day, leaving little to no time to prepare for your next important moment to communicate. In this episode, you will learn the value of a set time for quiet that lowers the volume and increases the clarity.
The post Episode 160– A better way to prepare appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #7 recorded March 2017 It’s no surprise that Elon Musk and Tesla have been on a roll. It started a decade ago with a clear and concise story declaring their purpose and plan.
The post Call Back Episode – Tesla’s not-so-secret strategy appeared first on Just Saying.
You may be so busy working on the solution that you’ve all forgotten what problem you are actually trying to solve. Stop for a minute and consider how important explaining this short statement is for you and everyone else.
The post Episode 159– Crafting a clear problem statement appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #67 recorded December 2018 In a moment of serious difficulty, pain, challenge or set back, can you hear the rising voice of an inner critic? How can we change that negative influence? Links: INC magazine article: https://www.inc.com/chris-winfield/is-stomping-ants-the-key-to-living-a-happier-life.html
The post Call Back Episode – Talking yourself through adversity appeared first on Just Saying.
If you had to choose between a simple explanation or a complicated one, you’d always choose simple. Yet people who need to provide the explanation struggle with making the choice to simplify and doing the hard work up front.
The post Episode 158– Simple vs. complicated appeared first on Just Saying.
What stops us from making time for people? There are plenty of excuses that make us unavailable, but what can we do to value those around us more?
The post Episode 157– Too busy for people? appeared first on Just Saying.
Changing a culture requires commitment on all levels. Setting an organizational standard to value the quality and quantity of communication may require even more effort than that.
The post Episode 156– Creating a culture of brevity appeared first on Just Saying.
There’s a deepening concern in many circles of openly speaking your mind. How should we work to overcome a range of fears, from simple tension and disagreement to outright cancellation and painful reprisal?
The post Episode 155 – Being afraid to communicate appeared first on Just Saying.
Why are some things pointless? In this episode, I explore what causes some moments to appear to be absurd and how to avoid them.
The post Episode 154– Simply pointless appeared first on Just Saying.
Meetings are an enormous source of noise in our lives. I have paired two past episodes that help you manage this time well and make it less maddening.
The post Episode 153 – Best of: Curbing a culture of meetings & Meeting agenda design appeared first on Just Saying.
There are plenty of mistakes that we make when communicating. In this week’s installment, we tackle the deepest hole people fall into.
The post Episode 152 – Resisting the most common communication impulse appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #49 recorded July 2018 There’s power in this short, negative word. Let’s explore some tough steps to tune in by choosing how to tune out.
The post Call Back Episode – Saying no appeared first on Just Saying.
Reading is fundamental yet it’s hard finding time for it. An online great books podcast inspires me to reflect on how to approach the daily battle.
The post Episode 150 – The struggle to find time to read appeared first on Just Saying.
Perceptions are reality and we may struggle to speak with each other civilly. I have paired two past episodes that help you peacefully tackle some tough issues in a rough time.
The post Episode 149 – Best of: Facts and feelings & Loss of civil discourse appeared first on Just Saying.
It’s easy to make fun of PowerPoint. Since its release more than 30 years ago, has this communication tool become as powerless as people say? Extra Resources: https://thebrieflab.com/resources/
The post Episode 148 – Is PowerPoint really to blame? appeared first on Just Saying.
The new normal will certainly set novel expectations for us all. And working in a remote environment will be one of them with its own rules.
The post Episode 147 – New rules in a remote world appeared first on Just Saying.
Many people readily admit they are not strong writers. I dish out a few thoughts to help them take some small steps forward.
The post Episode 146 – Terrible writers need some help appeared first on Just Saying.
Everyone is human, but why are we so reluctant to admit mistakes? Authentic leaders can take the blame, when others run for cover.
The post Episode 145 – Admitting we were wrong appeared first on Just Saying.
I’ve observed four fatal flaws in thinking that always make it hard for people to follow what you’re saying.
The post Episode 144 – Four false assumptions to avoid appeared first on Just Saying.
We are all using the term “virtual” these days but it can be terribly misleading. What are we really trying to say?
The post Episode 143 – Defining what “virtual” really means now appeared first on Just Saying.
18 years ago, I was a tech marketer that developed (oddly enough) a sub-specialty in video teleconferencing (VTC) and its role in the SARS pandemic. Today, I marvel at what’s possible for all of us.
The post Episode 142 – VTC’s and me: seeing is believing appeared first on Just Saying.
There’s a temptation to trim too much and leave your audience starving. How do you know if you’ve gone too far?
The post Episode 141 – That was too brief appeared first on Just Saying.
Listening is always valuable, especially when times get tough. I have paired two past episodes that help you improve this cherished skill.
The post Episode 140 – Best of: Why is listening so hard & Asking better questions appeared first on Just Saying.
What are the core characteristics that really effective communicators all share in common?
The post Episode 139 – The essential qualities of great communicators appeared first on Just Saying.
The current crisis will teach us many lessons, one of which is the need to stop our frantic movement. What will we learn from this surreal moment in history?
The post Episode 138 – Forcing the world to pause appeared first on Just Saying.
When distractions, disruptions and competing priorities charge into our daily lives, how can we use this little word as a powerful defense?
The post Episode 137 – Saying no, not now appeared first on Just Saying.
In a way, we are now being forced to be together. I have paired two past episodes that addresses the pressing need for personal connections. Episodes referenced in this weekend’s podcast are: Episode 34: The minister for loneliness – https://podcast.thebrieflab.com/episode-34-the-minister-for-loneliness/ Episode 59: It takes a hurricane to get people to talk- https://podcast.thebrieflab.com/episode-59-it-takes-a-hurricane-to-get-people-to-talk/
The post Episode 136 – Best of: Minister of loneliness & it takes a hurricane to get people to talk appeared first on Just Saying.
Focusing on what unites, not divides us isn’t just a political issue, but one that many leaders need to address.
The post Episode 135 – Unified messaging that heals fracture and division appeared first on Just Saying.
As we all face such difficult times, it’s important for us to manage noise even more intentionally. To help you do this, we will now release a “Best of” episode every weekend. These special pairings will draw from the highlights of our previous episodes. Episodes referenced in this weekend’s podcast are: Episode 115: Noise filters: […]
The post Episode 134 – Best of: Limiting your media consumption & the promise of prognosticators appeared first on Just Saying.
When a crisis heats up, it’s easy for information to get amplified into deafening noise. What are a few things to lower the volume? Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KvNt5NG-GM Podcast Episodes to go back to: Episode 49 – Saying no Episode 67 – Talking yourself through adversity Episode 71 – It’s a good time to say thanks Episode […]
The post Episode 133 – Managing noise in a time of crisis appeared first on Just Saying.
Being clear sometimes means needing to be precise. Other times, it’s just like splitting hairs.
The post Episode 132 – That might be the wrong word appeared first on Just Saying.
Most instruction is long, tedious and boring. Teachers drone on, students tune out. Crafting a story can create a spark that fires them up.
The post Episode 131 – Storytelling as a valuable tool for teaching appeared first on Just Saying.
If meetings are a source of noise, what can we do in advance to lower the volume and have better discussions and make faster decisions?
The post Episode 130 – Creating momentum before a meeting appeared first on Just Saying.
Lessons learned from my team after taking time away for a brief offsite.
The post Episode 129 – A semi-silent retreat debrief appeared first on Just Saying.
The role of every leader is to tirelessly communicate key messages clearly, concisely and consistently over time. Learn how to keep it fresh.
The post Episode 128 – Giving into message fatigue appeared first on Just Saying.
There are serious risks if we don’t manage these critical moments well – and some enticing rewards if we do.
The post Episode 127 – Voicing a frustration appeared first on Just Saying.
Preparing what we think at the start and end our day not only serves as a powerful bookends to manage the noise but also sets the tone for us to be more intentional.
The post Episode 126 – NOISE Filter: Our 1st and last thought of the day appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #17 recorded October 27, 2017 In a world that’s always on, we feel drained. Ironically, we need to unplug to recharge. Finding critical moments for quiet in our day will help us gain peace, perspective and rest from the noise.
The post Call Back Episode – Quiet time appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #54 recorded Aug 27, 2018 Learn the basics of awareness management, a vital skill to direct the most precious commodity we have: our attention.
The post Call Back Episode – Tune into AM 101 appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #52 recorded Aug 13, 2018 Learn to get others around you to dial in quickly with a few basics of focus management (FM), an important skill set in our daily lives.
The post Call Back Episode – Tune into FM 101 appeared first on Just Saying.
Microsoft executive Jim Lee shares his perspectives on managing the noise by being more disciplined, intentional and positive.
The post Episode 122 – Be my guest: Microsoft’s Jim Lee with Charley Thornton appeared first on Just Saying.
We all need a rest from pervasive technology to recharge our minds and reset our focus.
The post Episode 121 – You need a nap, not another app appeared first on Just Saying.
Sharing stories is a powerful way to connect generations and ensure important lessons learned are told and retold.
The post Episode 120 – Putting up with old people’s stories (ok, boomer!) appeared first on Just Saying.
It’s part of our lives to critique and criticize, and also to compliment and acknowledge. Learn how these are two sides of the same coin.
The post Episode 119 – Managing tough (and great) conversations appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #31 recorded May 13, 2018 With way too much competing for our attention, we need to start focusing on our focus. It’s time to invest in awareness management.
The post Call Back Episode – Focus, people! appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #71 recorded January 07, 2019 Gratitude is the engine that drives people forward when everyone else gets stuck spinning their wheels.
The post Call Back Episode – It’s a good time to say thanks appeared first on Just Saying.
Call back episode #68 recorded Dec 10, 2018 After-action reviews (AARs) are feedback sessions meant for groups to make important adjustments and improvements after meetings, training or missions. They are often a waste of time and need to be fixed. Links: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After-action_review
The post Call Back Episode – Why do AAR’s frequently fail? appeared first on Just Saying.
In a 24-hour news cycle, endless opinions parade as facts and useless chatter masquerades as meaningful updates. How can we find some filters to lower some of that noise?
The post Episode 115 – Noise filters: media consumption appeared first on Just Saying.
Filling the void just adds to the volume. Resist the urge, once and for all.
The post Episode 114 – Talk-to-talk temptation appeared first on Just Saying.
Introducing a new periodic podcast installment: building your reading list. These suggestions focus on a deadly hurricane and the battery of options. Links: “Isaac’s Storm”: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=issacs+storm+erik+larson&crid=3R0GUB58YSWKZ&sprefix=issac%2Caps%2C154&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_5 “The Paradox of Choice”: https://www.amazon.com/Paradox-Choice-More-Less-Revised/dp/0062449923/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18PG62T9LQQLL&keywords=paradox+of+choice&qid=1571947305&sprefix=paradox%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1
The post Episode 113 – Recommended Reading: The flood is coming appeared first on Just Saying.
A law of physics provides us with an insightful way to know how and why tone matters.
The post Episode 112 – Does that resonate with you? appeared first on Just Saying.
Lean communicators know how and where to cut the fat. This short podcast provides the tools to remove what’s irrelevant.
The post Episode 111 – The basics of trimming appeared first on Just Saying.
Moving from one profession to a completely different one can be daunting. Learn how telling others about yourself (not selling them) makes it smoother. Links: Episode 1 – Job interviews: no time for an interrogation
The post Episode 110 – Interviews to transition to your next reality appeared first on Just Saying.
Is a divided mind a distinct advantage or a recipe for disaster? Our personal and professional experiences may confirm a certain bias. Links: https://www.apa.org/research/action/multitask https://appliedpsychologydegree.usc.edu/blog/to-multitask-or-not-to-multitask/
The post Episode 109 – Is multitasking a mistake or management skill? appeared first on Just Saying.
Leading a group of military chaplains through a listening exercise felt like I was preaching to the choir, yet it was music to their ears.
The post Episode 108 – Present listening and preaching to the choir appeared first on Just Saying.
There’s a strong bond between what’s funny and what’s clear. Take a closer look at two distinct crafts that share a lot in common. Links: Bill Burr – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWuFQGrWda8 Jim Gaffigan – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoTS0hvWDW8 Abbott and Costello – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTcRRaXV-fg
The post Episode 107 – The connection between comedy and clarity appeared first on Just Saying.
Most leaders communicate confidently yet aren’t clear or concise. How can you step up and help them when they don’t think they need it?
The post Episode 106 – Providing senior leaders communication counsel appeared first on Just Saying.
If you had some quiet time, what would be the sounds you’d hear other than silence? Strong listeners know how to savor the sweet sounds others seem to miss. Links: https://thebrieflab.com/noise/ Dumb and Dumber Mockingbird scene
The post Episode 105 – Quiet Time: the sweetest sounds appeared first on Just Saying.
The simple practices of repeating a thought silently to yourself or out loud to others can help you avoid both mental and message fatigue. Links: https://thebrieflab.com/noise/
The post Episode 104 – The rhythm of repetition appeared first on Just Saying.
Those periodic updates can be a burden no matter what side of the desk you’re on.
The post Episode 103 – Why 1-on-1’s are mutually painful appeared first on Just Saying.
A harmless question (“so, what do you do?”) can turn into one of the toughest ones to answer. Learn the steps to turn a tense moment into a simple explanation. Links: https://thebrieflab.com/noise/
The post Episode 102 – Building a better elevator speech appeared first on Just Saying.
Get a brief overview of the new book “Noise: Living and leading when nobody can focus,” including how it’s organized, who it’s for and how it helps. https://thebrieflab.com/noise/
The post Sounding off on “NOISE” appeared first on Just Saying.
Our 100th episode breaks with tradition, handles a few common queries and reveals some important news. https://thebrieflab.com/noise/
The post Episode 100 – Questions & Answers (Q&A) appeared first on Just Saying.
The best presentations probably should not start with a joke, but are always great conversations. Consider a few practices to get you relaxed and ready.
The post Episode 99 – Practical presentation principles appeared first on Just Saying.
Learn how to bundle periodic updates to reduce the need for countless one-off interruptions throughout the day.
The post Episode 98 – Batching appeared first on Just Saying.
Making decisions gets harder when the people around just feed you more information. Be the one who steps up with guidance and options.
The post Episode 97 – Make a recommendation appeared first on Just Saying.
We can spend our time gathering up useless information. What’s worse, we can be seen as the source of it. Get a few pointers to avoid both.
The post Episode 96 – Irrelevant appeared first on Just Saying.
A new pair of glasses gets me thinking about how to fix my focus without things going blurry and getting dizzy. The same is true in daily life.
The post Episode 95 – Forced to focus appeared first on Just Saying.
The place where you work is sucking the life out of everyone – it’s just how we roll, you say. What can you do prevent it and push back?
The post Episode 94 – Enduring a culture of long and confusing appeared first on Just Saying.
Do you ever feel the irresistible allure of people that predict the future? Their voices, filled with clarity and conviction, can sound great but end up being terribly misleading.
The post Episode 93 – The promise of prognosticators appeared first on Just Saying.
Has the now famous format of concise presentations gone too far? Has the value of brevity given way to big business?
The post Episode 92 – Has TED jumped the shark? appeared first on Just Saying.
Two distinct ways of communicating test our core sense of identity. What’s the key to discovering how you really should sound? Links: Epic speech fail pass out (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_InYGF_3Zs
The post Episode 91 – How to find your voice appeared first on Just Saying.
You may be an introvert or know one. Yet, the world is seemingly made for and by extroverts. Who has the real edge? Links: Introvert, Dear (site): https://introvertdear.com/news/introverts-advantages-extroverts/ Susan Cain’s book “Quiet” summary/links: https://readingraphics.com/book-summary-quiet/ Jokes only introverts would get: https://www.ranker.com/list/jokes-that-are-only-funny-if-you_re-an-introvert/michael-grimes
The post Episode 90 – Do introverts have the advantage? appeared first on Just Saying.
What do you do when you find yourself completely losing motivation and interest? A funny scene from Office Space may provide some insights. Links: Office Space – The Bobs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iiOEQOtBlQ
The post Episode 89 – When you just don’t care appeared first on Just Saying.
A funny scene from a situation comedy sets the stage for the risks we all run when we start to communicate under pressure. Links: New Radio smoking clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO7EFfdX8Rs
The post Episode 88 – Communicating when you’re on edge appeared first on Just Saying.
When someone is nodding when you’re talking, how do you know if it’s genuine interest and understanding or simply fake listening and they’re ready to go to sleep?
The post Episode 87 – Nodding loops: real or imagined? appeared first on Just Saying.
The quality of your presence matters. Take a deeper look into the importance of being at your best in challenging moments.
The post Episode 86 – How you show up appeared first on Just Saying.
Taking just a few minutes to get ready before communicating can translate into at least some success versus serving up another hot mess. Links: BRIEF downloadable tools: https://thebrieflab.com/tools/
The post Episode 85 – Micro-preparation appeared first on Just Saying.
This hilarious, moronic cult-classic comedy holds the keys to making a connection with an audience and maintaining it to the end. Links: Napoleon Dynamite dance scene (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcWPiHjIExA
The post Episode 84 – Napoleon Dynamite appeared first on Just Saying.
Don’t get lost deeper in the weeds. Two recent conversations inspire a sequel to a season-one podcast of (nearly) the same title.
The post Episode 83 – More senseless note taking appeared first on Just Saying.
A ski-school story inspired a closer look into the value of mastering going slow, so you could gain more control going fast. Links: Skiing moguls the slow way (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIhw0z1d1ko
The post Episode 82 – Being deliberate appeared first on Just Saying.
A daunting new project to determine what are one’s real (not imagined) personal communication preferences.
The post Episode 81 – Clarifying communication preferences, part 1 appeared first on Just Saying.
Advances in technology have accelerated a widespread expectation that we can have anything and everything now. It’s a false belief. Links: Stephen Covey’s Time Matrix Explained (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFQpQZPxAYQ
The post Episode 80 – The illusion of immediacy appeared first on Just Saying.
Look around and see who’s going to jump up and take out the garbage. Who will take on this thankless job?
The post Episode 79 – Empty the trash appeared first on Just Saying.
Though there are many challenges to being a solid writer, one stands out that will undermine your effectiveness.
The post Episode 78 – The single biggest writing mistake appeared first on Just Saying.
Surprising, there are many variants of the word brief in the military that each have their own unique meaning and professional equivalent.
The post Episode 77 – Many meanings of the word brief appeared first on Just Saying.
How to turn an often frustrating, critical and negative exchange into a much clearer, balanced conversation that motivates and guides.
The post Episode 76 – Why performance reviews crush morale appeared first on Just Saying.
My father’s wise expression can help us all focus on tackling fewer things better – even if it means taking an extra trip or two.
The post Episode 75 – A lazy man’s load appeared first on Just Saying.
The sign of a declining civilization is the inability of its citizens to communicate openly, respectfully and politely. How do we get it back? Links: Video: SNL McLaughlin Group video clip https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/mclaughlin-group/n9987
The post Episode 74 – The loss of civil discourse appeared first on Just Saying.
When leaders give an order or provide direction, they’re frequently far from clear. Why is it so uncommon for leaders to be understood? Links: BRIEF Map download link: thebrieflab.com/tools Online article – https://personalmba.com/commanders-intent/ Military article – https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a522123.pdf
The post Episode 73 – Why commander’s intent drives subordinates crazy appeared first on Just Saying.
As the saying goes, when you least expect it, expect it. Here’s what you can do to be ready when everyone else is caught off guard. Links: Impromptu: http://www.gbv.de/dms/zbw/896726819.pdf
The post Episode 72 – Preparing for chance conversations appeared first on Just Saying.
Gratitude is the engine that drives people forward when everyone else gets stuck spinning their wheels.
The post Episode 71 – It’s a good time to say thanks appeared first on Just Saying.
How can we plan for significantly better meetings, ones that don’t make people angry but help them get important things done? Links: BRIEF Map download link: thebrieflab.com/tools
The post Episode 70 – Meeting agenda design appeared first on Just Saying.
If you’re watching television and the sound gets too loud, you grab the remote control and hit mute. What if you could do that for all the noise in and around you? Links: NOISE music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-VAXRC_hxk Remote control fails (funny, long video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aadof0Dns9w&vl=en
The post Episode 69 – Hitting mute more often in your life appeared first on Just Saying.
After-action reviews (AARs) are feedback sessions meant for groups to make important adjustments and improvements after meetings, training or missions. They are often a waste of time and need to be fixed. Links: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/After-action_review
The post Episode 68 – Why do AAR’s frequently fail? appeared first on Just Saying.
In a moment of serious difficulty, pain, challenge or set back, can you hear the rising voice of an inner critic? How can we change that negative influence? Links: INC magazine article: https://www.inc.com/chris-winfield/is-stomping-ants-the-key-to-living-a-happier-life.html
The post Episode 67 – Talking yourself through adversity appeared first on Just Saying.
Insights are a powerful force behind the best ideas (and best comedy), yet many of us struggle not only to define the term but also to develop how we discover them. Links: Thrive: https://thrivethinking.com/2016/03/28/what-is-insight-definition/ Jim Gaffigan and Bacon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoTS0hvWDW8
The post Episode 66 – What’s an insight and why do they matter? appeared first on Just Saying.
A declassified World War II OSS/CIA field manual shares hidden instructions that guided average citizens to subvert their own employers. Today, it reads like an operating manual for a typical organization. Links: OSS Field Manual summary: https://www.businessinsider.com/oss-manual-sabotage-productivity-2015-11 OSS Field Manual: https://thebrieflab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/oss_simple_sabotage_manual.pdf
The post Episode 65 – Sabotaging your organization from within appeared first on Just Saying.
How can we learn to put more balance back into our meetings, presentations and conversations? It turns out two different sports hold the answer. Links: Famous tennis rally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLDm254jtZA
The post Episode 64 – More like tennis, less like golf appeared first on Just Saying.
Why are most of us are not naturally gifted at crafting great questions? After all, it’s the key to unlocking better conversations and building stronger connections. Links: A deep dive into better questions: http://scottberkun.com/2018/how-and-why-to-ask-better-questions/ TedX Talk: How to ask better questions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8xfuCcXZu8
The post Episode 63 – Asking much better questions appeared first on Just Saying.
Napoleon turned to his corporal to check if the battle plan could be easily explained. Why are so many leaders destined for defeat before they even begin? Links: Napoleon’s Corporal explained: https://awealthofcommonsense.com/2016/04/napoleons-corporal/ Corporate jargon “unpacked” video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ab2ZeZ-krY
The post Episode 62 – I couldn’t articulate the strategy appeared first on Just Saying.
Our open work environments are a battle of fostering creativity and collaboration versus privacy and protection from constant distractions. Links: Office space scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNai8OYhdxA
The post Episode 61 – The failure of open floor plans appeared first on Just Saying.
Have you ever heard of “the Irish goodbye?” Learn what it takes to master those difficult farewell moments we all need to face. Links: Hollywood hates goodbyes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDJbllu1wdU
The post Episode 60 – Time to say goodbye appeared first on Just Saying.
A recent hurricane forced thousands in the Carolinas from their homes. It also forced many of them off their phones to talk with each other. Links: Bored game warning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eWdJ8HY2dE
The post Episode 59 – It takes a hurricane to get people to talk appeared first on Just Saying.
A scene from the animated movie “Inside Out” inspires a deeper dive into the power of feelings to reshape what we think is real. Links: Emotion wheel graphic: https://goo.gl/images/8odR6Z “Inside Out” trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRUAzGQ3nSY “Inside Out” facts and opinions scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sav2L2E38XA
The post Episode 58 – Perception management: facts and feelings appeared first on Just Saying.
What do you call it when you make an up-front promise regarding how much time you’ll take? It will take more than a minute to find out. Links: It doesn’t mean talking faster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha9-Y_NX1JA
The post Episode 57 – Is “time posting” a word? appeared first on Just Saying.
Precise communicators, like snipers, hit the target consistently because they take careful aim. Learn how shooting and speaking relate. Links: Scene from “The Patriot”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8FTbA38yuc
The post Episode 56 – Aim small, miss small appeared first on Just Saying.
So many people ask me about body language. Let’s dive into why an interview scene from Talladega Nights can set you straight. Video Clip : www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8PP3QU7wjI
The post Episode 55 – What to do with my hands? appeared first on Just Saying.
Learn the basics of awareness management, a vital skill to direct the most precious commodity we have: our attention.
The post Episode 54 – Tune into AM 101 appeared first on Just Saying.
Words that are meant to inspire can often create the “Matt Foley, motivational speaker” effect. Take a look at what’s really at play Matt Foley : https://youtu.be/1LyqPdZjQTY Put That Coffee Down! : https://youtu.be/r6Lf8GtMe4M Bluto’s Big Speech : https://youtu.be/q7vtWB4owdE
The post Episode 53 – Motivational speeches might help the other team appeared first on Just Saying.
Learn to get others around you to dial in quickly with a few basics of focus management (FM), an important skill set in our daily lives.
The post Episode 52 – Tune into FM 101 appeared first on Just Saying.
Why do so many people loathe getting and giving feedback? Let’s tackle a tough issue that we all need to improve.
The post Episode 51 – Hating the gift of feedback appeared first on Just Saying.
Any car ride can provide a quick way to gauge if your conversations are on track, or driving people crazy. Step in and see.
The post Episode 50 – The Uber talk test appeared first on Just Saying.
There’s power in this short, negative word. Let’s explore some tough steps to tune in by choosing how to tune out.
The post Episode 49 – Saying no appeared first on Just Saying.
Every day, people waste valuable hours stuck in meetings. There are a few ways to get our lives back.
The post Episode 48 – Curbing a culture of meetings appeared first on Just Saying.
It’s the quality (and quantity) of our conversations that builds a reputation. Are you at risk or ready for a reward?
The post Episode 47 – Did that conversation ruin me? appeared first on Just Saying.
Think of how we act on the first day of a new job versus the last ones. What motivates us to always be our best?
The post Episode 46 – Working to get fired or hired appeared first on Just Saying.
Celebrating Father’s Day helped me to recall some of my Dad’s favorite expressions. Three of them really stood out.
The post Episode 45 – My father’s three favorite phrases appeared first on Just Saying.
We’re all buried in a daily avalanche of e-mails. What can we do to prevent ours from getting lost in a packed in-box?
The post Episode 44 – Unpacking your e-mails appeared first on Just Saying.
People hate being treated like a captive audience. For a close friend, it turned his time of generous giving into a painfully funny story.
The post Episode 42 – Not valuing a volunteer appeared first on Just Saying.
Strong narratives can inspire action and bring boring words back to life. For one company, a solid story set them far ahead of the competition.
The post Episode 41 – A good story breaks a tie appeared first on Just Saying.
Don’t bury your lead, just say it. People aren’t mind readers. Tell them what you’re going to tell them, then tell them and finally tell them what you’ve told them.
The post Episode 40 – Warning: explicit messages appeared first on Just Saying.
Most progress updates leave you scratching your head? Was that a good update or a bad one? Are they on track or headed for disaster?
The post Episode 39 – Pitfalls of progress reports appeared first on Just Saying.
There are many terrible types of listening. Explore the common mistakes we all make as lousy listeners.
The post Episode 38 – Hey, listen to why it’s so difficult appeared first on Just Saying.
Trying to do everything can leave you with nothing. How can we focus on fewer to get more out of each day?
The post Episode 37 – The single most important thing appeared first on Just Saying.
Virtual reality (VR) is coming. Prepare yourselves for bold promises, and an unimaginable curse.
The post Episode 36 – Ready, player one appeared first on Just Saying.
Quiet time is critical for us, yet so elusive. Why do we fear those precious moments when we can finally drive the noise out of our hectic heads?
The post Episode 35 – The dread of silence appeared first on Just Saying.
Discover why the UK recently created a new ministry for people who are alone and how constant connectivity is driving us all to isolation.
The post Episode 34 – The minister for loneliness appeared first on Just Saying.
With way too much competing for our attention, we need to start focusing on our focus. It’s time to invest in awareness management.
The post Episode 33 – Focus, people! appeared first on Just Saying.
Corporate speak, jargon and buzzwords are draining the meaning from our minds. Avoid the fancy clichés and speak simply.
The post Episode 32 – When words become worthless appeared first on Just Saying.
Infobesity is an addiction. Dealing with the grim reality that information overload is reshaping how our brains work.
The post Episode 31 – An info-junkie crack house (Brain Basics Part II) appeared first on Just Saying.
The brain is an amazing processor, yet we’re constantly losing focus. A deeper look at how multi-tasking is depleting our working memory.
The post Episode 30 – Penguins on an Iceberg (Brain Basics Part I) appeared first on Just Saying.
The brain is overworked and we’re sleeping less than ever. Why is it so important for all of us to invest in a good night’s sleep?
The post Episode 29 – Go to sleep appeared first on Just Saying.
Activists investors are calling on Apple to start helping parents protect their kids. Former Facebook executives are warning that social media seriously undermines childhood development. Is tech addicting our youth?
The post Episode 28 – Are smartphones addictive brain candy for kids? appeared first on Just Saying.
In the U.S., there are 5,000 aircraft in the air at any given time. Yet how many passengers seated in the exit row paid close attention to the safety announcement? Is our safety at risk because of collective inattention?
The post Episode 27 – Training people to ignore a safety briefing appeared first on Just Saying.
Why are more and more fans these days not watching the sports they love, but still following them avidly online?
The post Episode 26 – Stay tuned. Fans aren’t really. appeared first on Just Saying.
In a survey of 1,000 professionals we disclose and discuss how constant connectivity is affecting our performance. Is always being plugged in helping or hindering us? Download the report
The post Episode 25 – The BRIEF Lab Annual Report appeared first on Just Saying.
Nobody wants to be pushed, persuaded, swayed or sold something. Nowadays, powerful persuasion is ironically what’s killing civil discourse and making everyone tune each other out.
The post Episode 24 – An argument against persuasion (and for civil discourse) appeared first on Just Saying.
Writing down every word verbatim in the middle of a conversation, call or a meeting is a quick ticket to getting lost in the weeds. Listening, waiting and writing noteworthy notes is what drives big-picture thinkers.
The post Episode 23 – Senseless note taking appeared first on Just Saying.
The ugly reality is an errant word or simple comment is all it takes to send a conversation off track. Who’s to blame and how to avoid this painful problem?
The post Episode 22 – Conversation highjacking appeared first on Just Saying.
What’s the hidden risk of repeating yourself? When people are easily distracted, it may be worth restating, reiterating or rephrasing. Just don’t overdo it (like I just did).
The post Episode 21 – Is there power in repetition? appeared first on Just Saying.
Some comments can derail conversations and send people down a rabbit hole or over the edge. There’s wisdom to know when to keep your mouth shut, no matter how tempting saying one more thing might be.
The post Episode 20 – Bite your tongue appeared first on Just Saying.
If you had to speak to an important, influential and busy executive, you’d expect brevity to be built in. Yet there’s a totally different (longer) standard when communicating with teammates, peers and subordinates. And it’s not ok.
The post Episode 19 – Avoiding an audience double standard appeared first on Just Saying.
Very few people are good listeners and the majority get no formal training to improve this valuable skill. We’ve all felt the frustration talking to someone who isn’t really listening. So why is it so hard?
The post Episode 18 – Why is listening so hard? appeared first on Just Saying.
In a world that’s always on, we feel drained. Ironically, we need to unplug to recharge. Finding critical moments for quiet in our day will help us gain peace, perspective and rest from the noise.
The post Episode 17 – Quiet time appeared first on Just Saying.
We all know people that are longwinded, confusing and unclear. But there’s also a segment of professionals that needs to speak up and doesn’t say nearly enough. Let’s explore ways for them to find their voice.
The post Episode 16 – Getting some people to talk more (not less) appeared first on Just Saying.
Leaders can be passionate, powerful and captivating. Nearly all of them are completely convinced that their explanations are crystal clear – and they’re not. The fallout can leave people excited, yet deeply confused.
The post Episode 15 – Confident leaders don’t get it appeared first on Just Saying.
There’s so much to gain when dealing with past pressures and pain. By embracing and sharing stories of our own struggles, conflicts, failures and frustrations, we grow as real leaders that others can trust and follow.
The post Episode 14 – The uncomfortable allure of a crucible story appeared first on Just Saying.
Kind words from a boss or client not only lift our spirits but also motivate and move us. We all need to learn to lead by improving how and when we show others succinct forms of flattery and encouragement.
The post Episode 13 – Leaders we all love deliver precise praise appeared first on Just Saying.
You feel the frustration being stuck in a long meeting only to realize that what was covered could have been better delivered in an e-mail. Determining the core criteria will help you make the right choice.
The post Episode 12 – Knowing if a meeting should’ve been an e-mail appeared first on Just Saying.
Nobody likes to be the bearer of bad news, yet it’s part of everyone’s professional life. Taking great care to manage tough conversations can ease the pressure greatly.
The post Episode 11 – Bearing the heavy burden of delivering bad news appeared first on Just Saying.
Learners need to learn to monitor early on warning signs that their organization isn’t aligned. Waiting and hoping to see positive results is not a strategy. Anticipate how initial disconnects can spell disaster.
The post Episode 10 – Signs your team is not on the same page appeared first on Just Saying.
Becoming a better writer means learning to cut, trim and omit needless words. In an attention-starved world, concise writing means being ruthless on what really belongs and what’s just fluff.
The post Episode 9 – Concise writers are ruthless redactors appeared first on Just Saying.
Delivering a convincing message is tough. Challenge yourself to define the gist in as few words as possible. It’s a game worth playing to boil it all down to the basics.
The post Episode 8 – Great messages are as simple as 1-2-3 appeared first on Just Saying.
It’s no surprise that Elon Musk and Tesla have been on a roll. It started a decade ago with a clear and concise story declaring their purpose and plan.
The post Episode 7 – Tesla’s not-so-secret strategy appeared first on Just Saying.
Some important insights on making the story your own versus sharing a half-hearted rendition.
The post Episode 6 – Owning a message that’s important appeared first on Just Saying.
If you don’t know what your weaknesses are, you’ll never be able to conquer them.
The post Episode 5 – Why people struggle to get to the point appeared first on Just Saying.
There’s a big difference between people have are confident that they’re clear and wanting to be.
The post Episode 4 – Hoping vs. knowing your point got across? appeared first on Just Saying.
Losing your temper is one the fastest tickets to becoming longwinded and a recipe for hurting your reputation.
The post Episode 3 – Does a moment of anger make you rant and repeat? appeared first on Just Saying.
Getting overly enthusiastic can actually shine too much light on your new idea and blind people.
The post Episode 2 – Pitching a bright idea appeared first on Just Saying.
Nobody loves going on a job interview. So, turning them into a confident and comfortable conversation will set you apart.
The post Episode 1 – Job interviews: no time for an interrogation appeared first on Just Saying.