Elevate and Express

                               Meetings can be powerful tools for progress or frustrating time-sinks. Picture this: You're sitting in yet another meeting, watching the minutes tick by as discussions meander and decisions remain elusive. Sound familiar? We've all been there. Meetings have become the necessary evil of modern work life – essential for collaboration, yet often frustrating in their inefficiency. But what if I told you that every meeting could be a game-changer? That instead of draining your energy, they could become the powerhouses of productivity and innovation in your organization? It's time to shift our perspective from meetings as obligations to meetings as opportunities. Here are a set of strategies, with which every gathering can become a catalyst for progress, a launchpad for great ideas, and a forge for stronger team bonds. Define Your North Star Before sending that calendar in...

As a communications coach, in this edition of my newsletter, I'd like to highlight on several nonverbal behaviours that often irk others. Let's explore these pet peeves and learn how to manage them effectively. 1. Inappropriate Staring Eye contact norms vary significantly across cultures. Feeling uncomfortable or unsure about where to direct your gaze during face-to-face conversations, leads to awkward eye movements or inappropriate staring. Solution Practice the "triangle technique" - focus on the area between the eyes and mouth in professional settings. In social situations, you can expand this to include the chin area. 2. Poor Handshakes The handshake, a primate behaviour at its core, can leave lasting impressions. Weak, overly strong, or unusual handshakes leave a negative impression. Solution Aim for a firm but not crushing grip, with palm facing sideways and fingers pointing downward. Make brief eye contact and limit the shake to 2-3 pumps . Power Tip You can...