October 6th, 2010

On Becoming a True Expert (rather than just “looking like” one)

by Dr. Brian Higley

I just read an article by a friend of mine who is one of those rare people that is truly concerned with helping others change in ways that genuinely enhance their ability to be a “trusted advisor” to others, Jack Malcolm.  For a rock-solid list of ways to make changes that can increase your own credibility while also helping to spread what I call a “Culture of Sanity,” I highly recommend Jack’s article, “Content is Still King–Long Live the King.”

February 24th, 2010

Mission Connection Tip: Staying Connected to Meaningful Pursuits and Helping Others Do the Same

by Dr. Brian Higley

So much research and experience has shown that staying connected to something meaningful can be a critical component of a satisfied and effective life, family, team and/or business.  Those who are able to identify something that adds deep meaning to their lives and find ways to pursue it (even in the face of barriers) tend to be more fulfilled and connected than those of us who struggle to do so.  This Mission Connection Tip focuses on four major phases of staying connected to a mission and helping interested others do so as well.

Mission Connection can be facilitated by becoming clear about our passions, skills, contributions and barriers to constant connection.  Attention to these areas tend to improve the chances that we will be able to promote meaning in our personal and professional lives.  Here are some ways people have been able to promote Mission Connection in their lives and the lives of others around them: Read the rest of this Article »

February 8th, 2010

Interpersonal Expertise Tip: Create and Maintain a Supportive Environment

by Dr. Brian Higley

Many experts believe that consistently supportive relationships (both personal and professional) is the “soil” out of which true effectiveness and satisfaction grows.  In today’s often disconnected society, it has become increasingly difficult for many to maintain safe and healthy relationships.  The good news is that it is possible to overcome these relationship barriers by creating a positive and nurturing environment.  A critical step toward enhanced Interpersonal Expertise is the cultivation and maintenance of a such an environment.  Supportive relationships help everyone involved to lay a foundation for more satisfaction and effectiveness in all areas of life.

Supportive environments can be created by first becoming “self-supportive,” then gaining an understanding of how to spread that support to the important others in our lives.  Here are some ways people have been able to create supportive environments: Read the rest of this Article »

February 7th, 2010

Interpersonal Expertise Tip: Creating Clear, Strong and Flexible (CSF) Boundaries

by Dr. Brian Higley

We all have personal preferences and values.  If we don’t know how to respect our own preferences and values (and those of others - even those we disagree with), we can set ourselves up to experience a great deal of unnecessary conflict.  Therefore, it seems imperative to know how to consistently set clear, strong and flexible (CSF) boundaries.  CSF boundaries are created by individuals with the ability to identify and establish the kinds of relationship patterns that help everyone feel connected and understood; such abilities contribute greatly to Interpersonal Expertise.

Clear, strong and flexible (CSF) boundaries can be created by understanding the basics of boundary-building.  Here are some ways people have been able to create CSF boundaries: Read the rest of this Article »

February 6th, 2010

Interpersonal Expertise Tip: Engage in Honest, Respectful, Empathic (HRE) Communication

by Dr. Brian Higley

Almost all of us have experienced the problems that miscommunication often brings about in our lives. Many people report that much of the dissatisfaction and conflict they experience is caused by being (or at least feeling) misunderstood by well-meaning others.  We can avoid this unnecessary pain by expressing our views in honest, respectful and empathic ways and encouraging others to do the same with us.  Establishing such communication styles can  open the door to more “direct” discussions; the kind of communication that is free of dishonest manipulation or attacks and filled with genuineness and respect for all parties (including ourselves).

Increased engagement in honest, respectful and empathic communication respects the boundaries, uniqueness and limitations of ourselves and others.  More honesty tends to increase our trust in ourselves and in others, more respect can increase openness and more empathy can set a tone of comfort and understanding.  Here are some ways people have been able to cultivate more “HRE” Communication in their lives: Read the rest of this Article »