Thanks, Doug – Once we start closing doors to positive relationships we can have with our experienced people, it can be difficult to recover…starting with an open mind, asking good questions, and presenting willing ears can make all the difference.

Thanks, Buffy! I think you’re right about the importance of soft skills, and it’s ironic that the worse the leader is at “soft skills” the “harder” life seems to get for everyone. It was also fun to get some of the back story on Mary Kay Ash; I thought she was just all about eye liner and pink cars, turns out she was kicking butt, taking names, and helping those in need the whole time… Appreciate your comment!

Thanks, Keith, glad you liked it!

I agree – it comes down to mutual respect. We tend to personally identify with our ideas – they become part of who we are. To attack someone’s idea can be perceived as a personal attack, and when we feel that is what’s happening, it becomes more important to defend self than to try to be objective. When instead we find common ground we are validating the person, there’s no need to defend against someone who is agreeing with you, and the door opens for a more positive discussion. Thanks for your thoughtful comment!

Hi, April – I’m so glad you found it helpful! What seems to work well for me has been the idea of recognizing that, “OK, this is a thing I need to deal with,” and then pausing to get my head straight before diving in. If you have to embrace it, make it a good, strong one. Thanks for your comment, and good luck!