Tag Archives: offering information

Reality Check: What does encouragement look like?

A friend for whom I have very high regard had a scheduling conflict. It looked like she’d be unable to attend a meeting I’d organized. I was disappointed. Then, she went out of her way to rearrange her schedule so … Continue reading

Posted in Choosing Perspective | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: What does encouragement look like?

Reality Check: If only you had come with an instruction manual…

You know those instruction manuals that come with electronics, appliances, and other complicated products? Even though they are friendlier than they used to be, many people ignore the manuals and just push buttons till the thing does what you want … Continue reading

Posted in Develop Understanding | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: If only you had come with an instruction manual…

Reality Check: Help Yourself? Here are some resources…

Self-help may not be as effective as professional help. But if you can’t, or don’t want to find a suitable professional to help you work through your challenges, then self-help is better than no help at all. Last column, I … Continue reading

Posted in Develop Understanding | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Help Yourself? Here are some resources…

Reality Check: The Joy of Groundrules

How’s the new job, Sara? It’s ok, but there are an awful lot of rules. There’s a rule for when you come in, when you leave, what you can say to customers, what you do during slow times…There is a … Continue reading

Posted in Develop Understanding | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: The Joy of Groundrules

Reality Check: Bad News Bearers

“I know you don’t want to hear this but I have to tell you anyway.” Do you ever say (or think) that? You believe that you need to inform somebody of something unpleasant, and they’re not going to like it. … Continue reading

Posted in Choosing Behaviour | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Bad News Bearers

Reality Check: The Meltdown

A thousand miles away, my usually sunny friend—she who chooses the most positive possible interpretation of everything—had a meltdown. It’s understandable. She’s been living with the reality of several family members diagnosed with cancers. Then, her mom took a tumble … Continue reading

Posted in How it is sometimes | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: The Meltdown

Reality Check: Happiness and Self-Responsibility

Self-responsibility. In some circles, it’s practically a dirty word. It seems that a cold and frightening picture comes to mind for some folks when they hear that there’s a move afoot to promote self-reliance as a useful skill. It’s as … Continue reading

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Happiness and Self-Responsibility

Reality Check: Choices of Conversation

It’s that time of year when people get together. Perhaps you’ll attend an office party to socialize with your fellow workers. Perhaps you’ll catch up with seldom-seen relatives. Maybe you’ll be partying with friends. In any case, it’s possible you’ll … Continue reading

Posted in Control and Choice | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Choices of Conversation

Reality Check: The Fear of Being Hurtful

Conflict is a human reality. Whenever two or more people need to interact, there’s an opportunity for conflict. Actually, I’ll take that back. Conflict doesn’t always require two people; there are times when I don’t even agree with myself! So … Continue reading

Posted in Relationships | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: The Fear of Being Hurtful

Reality Check: Routes to Self-Esteem

Is self-esteem a double-edged sword? Too little self-esteem? You can find yourself living an unsatisfying life with little confidence. You may treat yourself as if you have low value or worth. Others may take your behaviour as a cue, and … Continue reading

Posted in Helping Others | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reality Check: Routes to Self-Esteem