Make no mistake, COVID-19 is very serious and requires precautions, attention, and vigilance. However, fear and panic run counter to what will help us move through this global threat. Stockpiling toilet paper and water, incessant reading and watching multiple news sources, and staying caught up on social media only serves to underscore the feeling of panic. It reminds me of the time my husband insisted I become licensed to carry mace when I’d walk thru campus at night. There had never been an incident and I walked fearless; until I started carrying the mace. Then, every shadow, noise, or movement struck terror in my heart. 

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In 2007, genomics researcher Steve Cole from UCLA School of Medicine released a study that showed very lonely people have blood cells in a high state of alert which mirrored how cells would react to a bacterial infection. That study prompted extended work in the field of loneliness. According to Louise Hawkley, a senior research scientist at the University of Chicago, the absence of a social network has very real consequences in terms of mental and physical health. 

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I must admit - when I first read Jeb’s article I had to suspend my judgement until I got further along in his piece. And then I understood the merits. Too often, I’ve been “the nice guy” and ended up feeling taken advantage of and the relationship goes south. Be patient and read. Here’s the big take-away for me "In sales negotiations, you cannot lose sight of the lifetime value of the relationships you’ve developed and nurtured." In other words, relationships matter and must be protected.” And that’s a two way street. Enjoy Jeb’s article! 

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Children have a marvelous way of celebrating who they are. I remember watching my children with awe. It didn’t matter if they were playing a game with others, eating lunch, talking about their day or even watching a movie, they showed joy in everything they do.  And then there’s birthdays… On that day, a child goes from joy to pure ecstasy. 

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Entering a new decade pushes us toward envisioning what the future will bring. We set targets, make strategic plans, and talk about what where we want to be in 2-3- and 5 years. 

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Make no mistake: everyone is in sales. Whether it is your official role or you're a manager trying to sell an idea to a team; whether you’re a city official seeking a vote on a bond measure or a college student trying t get a great date for the football game—WE ALL SELL. This article first appeared in Jeb Blount’s web site Sales Gravy and I was also interviewed by him. Rejection requires resiliency as does acceptance because you’ll need energy—the hallmark of resilience— to achieve an outcome. Jeb has a new book "INKED: The Ultimate Guide to Powerful Closing and Sales Negotiation Tactics that Unlock YES and Seal the Deal" on sale today. To get a signed copy visit his site Sales Gravy or to buy on Amazon visit Amazon.com. 

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My colleague Susan Fowler has written a thought provoking article that I asked to share with my readers.  Susan tells the story of Tiffany Haddish a breakout star on television and in movies.  Tiffany had a terrible childhood while being shuttled from one foster home to another. Rather than living a life of misery Tiffany grew stronger and wiser.  I hope you enjoy the article as much as I did. 

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Positive role models are always touted. But I believe, we can learn just as much—if not more—from negative examples. What do we NOT want to do? How do we NOT want to behave? These lessons are often more powerful and easier to grasp.  

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The Institute for the Future teamed up with the University of Phoenix Research Institute to pinpoint critical skills essential to thrive in 2020. Here are the top two: Sense-Making and Social Intelligence. 

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Time to throw down the towel and admit there are some events in life over which I have no clue and stand helpless. Perhaps you have had them, too. This is the time when you frantically search your data base or your brain and say, “Now, who can help me?” 

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