Resolve to Become a Better Communicator

By Caroline M. Cole Wrapping up one year and launching into another, many of us will spend a few moments reflecting upon the successes and challenges of the past 12 months so as to identify ways to make this new … Continue reading

How to Mentor with the Greatest Impact

By Caroline M. Cole The post “How to Find a Mentor and Foster a Meaningful Relationship” discusses how we might find and work with mentors to achieve professional and personal goals with greater ease. On occasion, however, we may find … Continue reading

How to Find a Mentor and Foster a Mutually Rewarding Relationship

By Caroline M. Cole The first recorded use of the word “mentor” appears in Homer’s epic tale The Odyssey, which focuses on the final days of Troy and Odysseus’ attempt to return to Ithaca after the war. Readers learn that … Continue reading

Strive for Excellence, Not Perfection, in Communication

By Caroline M. Cole A beautifully plated appetizer, justifying a chef’s reputation or a restaurant’s multi-star rating. An elegantly designed smart phone or tablet that prompts consumers to wait in line for hours or even days. An impeccably executed pas … Continue reading

Setting Boundaries to Increase Productivity, Sanity, and Good Will

By Caroline M. Cole You’re working on a report that’s due by the end of the day and the phone rings; it’s a client you haven’t talked to for a while, wanting to discuss an idea for a new campaign. … Continue reading

“To My Dearest Reader:” Salutations to Target and Engage the Unacquainted

By Caroline M. Cole In a digital world, letters are less common than they used to be, but when they do appear, they may incorporate outdated salutation references or presumptuous forms of address, both of which can start communication on … Continue reading

Bypass Slogans and Develop a Mission Statement to Build and Pitch Your Reputation

By Caroline M. Cole DeBeers claims a “diamond is forever,” Exxon wants to be “a tiger in your tank,” Timex “takes a licking and keeps on ticking,” Energizer “keeps going and going and going,” and “Like a good neighbor, State … Continue reading

Early, Prompt, Fashionably Late, or Rude? Punctuality as a (Slippery) Virtue

By Caroline M. Cole Colleagues walking into a meeting mid-discussion. Classmates strolling into a lecture in progress. Patrons looking for a seat once the movie or performance has begun. Patients checking in after scheduled appointments. Guests showing up as others … Continue reading

To Understand Why Everyone Should “Do Grammar,” Look to Ancient Greece

By Caroline M. Cole A National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) discussion on LinkedIn asked members to list their “BIGGEST grammar pet peeve… the one you would seriously consider giving real years of your life just to get students … Continue reading