Influence / Peace

Some people are very protective of what they are good at. They may feel threatened by others who want to learn from them or challenge them. They may act defensive, secretive, or not willing to share their secrets. They may see their skills as a child they need to protect or a way to keep their competitive feelings down. How can you handle such people in a constructive and respectful way? In this article, you will find some strategies for dealing with defensiveness and fostering a more collaborative and open environment. You will learn how to communicate effectively, empathize with their perspective, and encourage them to share their advantage with others.

Everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone tells the whole truth. Sometimes, people omit or embellish details to make themselves look better, to avoid judgment, or to manipulate others. When we listen to these stories, we may form assumptions based on incomplete or inaccurate information. This can lead to misunderstanding, resentment, or even harm. In this article, you will learn why you should be cautious of the unknown in people’s stories and how to avoid assuming malice when there may be none. You will also discover the benefits of being sensitive until you know the full story and the things people don’t tell you that could change your perspective.

Many people think that praising others is a sign of weakness or insecurity. They believe that they should focus on their own achievements and ignore the efforts of others. However, this mindset is not only selfish, but also counterproductive. In this article, you will learn how rewarding others’ effort can benefit you in many ways. You will discover how to motivate someone to strive for excellence, how to encourage someone after failure, and how to foster a positive and supportive environment. By applying these principles, you will not only help others grow, but also enhance your own skills and confidence.

Exercises in improving our own cognitive abilities often neglect a focus on how we interpret, and react to, others’ lapses in thinking. In attempting to become a better thinker – therefore improving productivity, relationships, and performance – we may become more sensitive to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in information and processes we come across day-to-day.

As popularized by Dale Carnegie in the book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” the word “but” is a powerful killer of morale. Have you ever been listening to someone talk and just waiting for the “but” in their statement? A common tactic of telling people the truth is to mask the harsh truth with … Read more

A mix of nervousness, shock, and a ramped-up level of self analysis can culminate into an ill advised reaction when meeting someone famous. You’ve likely visualized yourself being in a position of interacting with famous people. Simulating our own personal interactions with those we see on screens is a test of our ability to keep up … Read more