A message from Sandy.  Taking without thanking.  Telling others thank you says a lot about your character. How many times during our busy lives do we forget? When was the last time you really let someone know you appreciated something they did? You may have wanted to share your appreciation, but just didn’t get around to it. Sometimes a verbal thank you is sufficient, but sometimes a more thoughtful written response is best. Do you have good intentions of sending that note or email, but it seems to be the last thing on your list, until it becomes to late to have any meaning? Think about how it makes you feel to receive a written thank you, when you think of the effort and thoughtfulness it took to follow through. How about committing to work harder in this area, can you imagine the impact on your staff (or anyone you care about) if they received a short written note of gratitude or appreciation?

Blaming Others.  When you blame others, you give up control of your own life, and allow others to decide how you feel day by day. This mentality creates tension in relationships as one person feels stuck by the circumstances that trap them. For a while you might think that hiding in the “safety” of blaming others is a good idea, but we all know better, and should fight the impulse to wallow in self-pity. Take control. You have greatness in you, just waiting for you to contribute your unique skills to the world!

Offering Nothing. Are you giving your best? Or just the minimum to get by? Do you offer the real you to those you let close, or are you guarded and offer little to nothing of yourself? Be authentic. Be available. Be confident. When the opportunity arises for you to participate in communication, and you do not offer your opinion, your talent, you send a message. Either you say you are to important, to insecure, or are unable to offer anything. You are a talented individual! If you do not know your strengths, it time to discover them. You can do it!

One more segment to come regarding what may be causing grief in your communications.