Failure is neither obscene or fatal. Yet, the fear of it can alter every choice we make and kill our hopes and dreams. Everybody makes mistakes. Like toddlers learning to walk, missteps and stumbles teach us how to pick ourselves up. But when we deal with our mistakes negatively and internalize the fear of failure, they can inhibit our growth and plans. We seek options that feel safer. Hiding in the corners of your comfort zone is a sure way to limit your results. It also le

Bullying has no place in a healthy home or workplace. It often shows up in its less blatant, more passive-aggressive form in families and social and work situations. Psychologists call it emotional or psychological manipulation. By any name, it can cause serious harm to everyone involved. Bullying, particularly among children, and its harmful effects on confidence, self-esteem and well being are well documented. It's usually easier to recognize than emotional manipulation. It

Frequently, the most worthwhile causes and brands have more passion than budget to promote their message. I once worked with a small, plucky organization faced with this dilemma. It wanted to get valuable information into the hands of the most consumers as possible in a timely and cost-effective manner. A guerrilla marketing strategy was in order. We created an edgy television ad, and ran it for a minimum period on local stations. Immediately afterwards, however, an abbrevia

As more organizations, both in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, seek to elevate their brands and reach far wider audiences with their stories and news, they are recognizing the value of making marketing and public relations key parts of their business plans. Many universities, for example, have begun hiring marketing professionals from the corporate world, including CMOs, to create stronger institutional brands, according to Hanover Research. But as the expertise of mar

Dreams and wishful thinking are one thing. Setting goals and following through on the work necessary to accomplish them are quite another. In the clamorous and noisy 24/7 world of communications, being a good strategic planner will set you free.The effort you put into developing a written communications plan pays off many times over. It can help: You focus and prioritize your daily work You avoid feeling overwhelmed Give you a sense of order and control You gain support for y

It’s a wonder there aren’t more great leaders than there are. The gap sure isn’t for lack of leadership training opportunities, including professional coaches and ever expanding materials on the topic. They’re in abundance and more available than ever to us thanks to technology. Yet, leadership gaps — in our families, communities and the world-at large — are a common lament. Organizations in the public as well as private sectors have a tough time picking the right people fo

It works like a charm. Too bad the word "no" is associated with such negativity. It may make us uncomfortable, but few words provide more freedom. Saying “no” can reduce stress and improve productivity. Yet, we avoid saying it, allowing ourselves to be pulled into too many, and often conflicting, directions. This process works great for making top-shelf taffy. However, pouring our time and energy into activities and tasks that bring no enjoyment or results, is wasteful. Som

Health problems and our own bodies are stark reminders of the fate that awaits the accouterments of the physical world. Our inner realms, however, offer a vast resource for restoration and renewal. Be sure you don't miss the opportunities. Listen to your wake-up calls Sometimes our wake-up calls come in the form of broken relationships, loss of loved ones, failures and health problems — but not always. Many of us make it a practice to keep our dials turned to learning mode in

The inward journey sheds light. It also casts shadows. If you’re passionate, if you're mission-driven and see yourself on a path, you will eventually discover all roads lead home. In other words, true change is an inward deal. Or, as Rumi, the 13th century Persian poet, Sufi mystic and teacher, succinctly put it: “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today, I am wise so I’m changing myself.” Here are three nuggets to take with you as you seek to become th

Teenagers aren’t the only ones struggling with social pressure. The need for approval from others is a pattern many adults drag into adulthood. When we make decisions out of the fear of being judged harshly by others, we place more weight on our shoulders than we’re meant to carry. We also create limitations for ourselves. Restrictions are always frustrating, especially the ones we impose on ourselves. They rob you of your joy, and the freedom to live the life you deserve.