The Glasers
  • Home
  • Courses
    • About
    • Membership
  • Ways To Learn
  • Trainer Training
  • Results And Testimonials
    • Results
    • Testimonials
  • About Us
    • Meet The Glasers
    • Meet The Team
  • Contact

Two Little Letters Help You Persuade

9/26/2023

2 Comments

 
Picture
Actions are things we do — perhaps only once in a while — but identities are who we are. So by using identities to describe ourselves, we can influence how others see us (e.g. as a runner, versus someone who sometimes runs). Through this technique of adding “er” to words, we can also motivate others to perform better (e.g. “You are project leader”  versus “I want you to lead this project.”) So say Jonah Berger, author of Magic Words:  What to Say to Get Your Way, and his co-researcher Dan Pink. 

When children were asked “Can you be a helper in clean up?” versus “Can you help clean up?”, participation in that activity shot upward. When people were asked if they were voters, versus whether or not they would vote, many more were enthusiastic about voting.

With any pursuit, in time you become the thing you are learning to do. But you can  speed that learning curve along – for yourself and for others – by using descriptors that have to do with being rather than doing. Try it: You may well find it will require far less willpower for you and others to reach goals when you choose to embody the goal itself! 

What are some of your “er” identities, and what are those of the people you lead? How can you use these to influence  behavior? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.
​

Learn more about creating a habit around masterful communication with our online learning courses awarded International Gold for Best Hybrid Learning of 2022. 

2 Comments

Win the Job Interview

9/19/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Job interviews can be stressful, but being prepared will not only ease your anxiety but also set you apart from the competition. It almost goes without saying that you should research the company and, if possible, the interviewer, as well as updating your LinkedIn profile. But, writing in Forbes, Jack Kelly, founder and CEO of WeCruitr, offers some additional strategies for once you are in the room (or on the video screen):

  • The Art of Small Talk:  Thanks to your research, you’ll have topics you know will interest your interviewer.  By casually raising them, you can kick the conversation off in a positive direction. 
  • Eyes on the Interviewer:  Offer your full attention, listen actively, and don’t fidget or let your attention get distracted. And use the interviewer’s name.
  • Get the Interviewer Talking:  Ask open ended questions like, “How could I help you in this role?” and “What would exceeding expectations look like?” 
  • Be Authentic: Speak from the heart about what interests you about the company and position. It is not compelling to play hard to get, or appear to be shopping around for the best offer.
  • “Do You Have Any Questions For Me?”  This Is usually the last thing an interviewer asks.  And yes you do!  But in addition to preparing a question in advance, also stay in the moment by addressing something that came up during your meeting.

How did your last job interview go, and can you share any advice? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.

Learn more about creating a habit around masterful communication with our online learning courses awarded International Gold for Best Hybrid Learning of 2022. 

0 Comments

Complaining May Be Bad For Your Health

9/10/2023

1 Comment

 
Picture
It may feel momentarily satisfying to complain, vent and kvetch, but research shows these behaviors don't actually help.  

According to a Stanford University study, 30 minutes of complaining physically damages the hippocampus -- the part of your brain critical to learning, memory, and problem solving -- by peeling back layers of neurons. Unfortunately, that happens whether you're on the giving or receiving end of the venting. Offering a friend a shoulder to cry on may well bring you down rather than cheer your friend up.  Even if you set aside the long-term physiological impact, complaining won't even make you feel better in the moment. A study published in the European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology found that complaining actually makes you feel worse, both in the moment and for days after. That's because negative emotions are more contagious than positive ones. 

Moreover, co-ruminating with a friend or colleague won't blow off steam, but rather cement the incident in their mind.  But how can you avoid co-ruminating with a friend or colleague? Shift into problem-solving mode! Listen carefully, understand what happened and ask, “What can be done about it?” That's the kind of proactive conversation that will be truly helpful. 

Has someone vented to you lately and did you proactively handle the situation? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.
​

Learn more about creating a habit around masterful communication with our online learning courses awarded International Gold for Best Hybrid Learning of 2022. 

1 Comment

Kindness is An Antidote to Anxiety

9/5/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Everyday anxiety is something we all experience from time to time. But new research suggests there is a simple way to mitigate it: perform a small act of kindness. 

How can paying for a stranger’s bagel or taking in your neighbor’s trash reduce anxiety? Researchers at Ohio State University conducted a head-to-head test of anti-anxiety interventions. Over five weeks, volunteers were asked to do one of three things a few times each week: plan an enjoyable social activity, write about their challenging thoughts, or perform random acts of kindness.   

After the experiment, all three groups felt less depressed and anxious. But the group that benefited the most, and that showed a higher level of satisfaction with life overall, was the group that deliberately acted kindly.

Writing in Inc., contributing editor Jessica Stillman points out the many advantages of this approach to anxiety management for busy managers and entrepreneurs. For one thing, it is easily put into action (no waiting for a therapist’s appointment or an opportunity to meditate alone). You can compliment a co-worker or offer someone your seat on public transportation easily.

Kindness can also have a ripple effect. Doing something nice for someone might well inspire them to “pay it forward” and enhance your entire workplace or community. 

When was the last time you performed a random act of kindness and how did it affect your mood? To join the conversation, click "comments" above. 


Learn more about creating a habit around masterful communication with our online learning courses awarded International Gold for Best Hybrid Learning of 2022. 
0 Comments
    Picture

    Sign Up for Our
    Weekly Communication
    Capsule Blog

    * indicates required

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013

    Categories

    All
    BreakThrough Conflict
    Children & Young Adult
    Communication
    Community Of Practice
    Hardwiring Teamwork
    Leadership
    Persuasion And Influence

Links
​Communication Capsule Blog

Press/Media Resources
​Learning Products

Organizational Culture Survey
III Survey
​
Get In Touch
[email protected]




​
Glaser & Associates, Inc.
Executive Offices
1740 Craigmont Avenue, Eugene, OR 97405
541-343-7575 | 800-980-0321


Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
© 2025 Glaser & Associates. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Courses
    • About
    • Membership
  • Ways To Learn
  • Trainer Training
  • Results And Testimonials
    • Results
    • Testimonials
  • About Us
    • Meet The Glasers
    • Meet The Team
  • Contact