Tag Archives: power

Reality Check: The Abuse of Courtesy

If you have a telephone, at some point you’ve probably gotten a call that goes something like this: The phone rings. You answer. There’s a long buzzy pause as a piece of equipment somewhere figures out that they have a … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Unintended Effects

When we interact with people, we have control over how we behave. We can choose our actions, our thoughts, perceptions, and to some degree, even our feelings. What we can’t control is what others do. Smiling at a stranger doesn’t … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Sidestep your Traps

Why do I keep doing that? I should know better by now! That’s the way Sophie beats herself up after conversations with her mother. Why, indeed? The relationship with her mom was never great. Sophie is warm and outgoing, whereas … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Knowing who your friends are

How do you know who your friends are? If you’re a well-seasoned adult, your response may be quite different from that of someone younger. Experience does bring wisdom. If you pay attention to it, that is. I know that I’m … Continue reading

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Reality Check: OPAAT

One Person At A Time: OPAAT. Haven’t seen that acronym before? No surprise; I made it up—with a purpose! It reminds me of what I am able to do. News, opinions, and commentaries often point out systemic problems—big wrongs (or … Continue reading

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Reality Check: The Reluctant Leader

In a workplace, folks sometimes find themselves “promoted” into a position they’d really rather not have, but perceive that they have no choice but to accept. Shelly has been appointed the informal leader of her team. At the time, it … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Marriage — Who’s in Charge?

If you’re happily married, you may have an easy, good-humoured response to the question of who’s in charge in your marriage. Did you say, “my wife/husband”? If you’re struggling in your marriage, however, you may also have a quick response … Continue reading

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