Tainted Motives

Blog, General13 Comments

In his book, The Speed of Trust, author Stephen M.R. Covey quotes Mahatma Gandhi as saying, “The moment there is suspicion about a person’s motives, everything he does becomes tainted.” While reading that quote during a recent presentation, I thought about a person who, about a year ago, sent me an email asking if they could…

“I Couldn’t Justify…” Part One

Blog, WWI3 Comments

In a recent two-part series we discussed how to effectively turn down requests you don’t want to accept. Done correctly, you’ll employ tact and kindness while still getting your point across and discouraging continued requests. That will work for any of life’s situations, whether being asked to serve on a committee or attend an event…

“It Is What It Is”

Blog, WWI9 Comments

On the airport TV was a story featuring a “Top 10 list of Sayings That Annoy People.” I don’t recall what most of them were and found more than a few somewhat suspect in that they didn’t seem to be particularly worthy of annoying anyone. “Then again” I thought, “it is what it is.” Oh,…

Can Techniques Break Rapport? Part Two

Blog, WWI2 Comments

In Part One we discussed that while utilizing Principle-based techniques – in order to accomplish a result that is of pure intent and win/win in nature – is fine, the challenge comes when the recipient of such feels, well…techniqued. Once they feel you are attempting to manipulate them, any earned rapport is typically broken and…

Can Techniques Break Rapport? Part One

Blog, WWI7 Comments

Utilizing sales or persuasion techniques – so long as they are based on pure and principle-based intent – is always acceptable. After all, while at times the term “technique” brings with it a negative connotation, it is really nothing more than applying a procedure or method so as to effect a desired result (paraphrase of…