Deb's Communication and Leadership Blog

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

Giving and receiving developmental feedback from anyone is challenging. And for middle managers, this can be especially tricky.

Why? First of all, many middle ...

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

Every time I teach workshops for managers, I hear one question over and over: "How can I motivate my employees?" It's an important question. Motivated employees...

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

We all feel challenged at one time or another by colleagues, managers, clients, or customers. When we don't take into account differences in expectations, commu...

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

When it comes to gravitas, many of us think that you either have it, or you don't. We tend to look at people who exude confidence under stress, act decisively, ...

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

After you email an expensive proposal to your price-sensitive client, or leave a message for your boss request for vacation time during the busy season, or ask ...

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

We've all worked with that person. Which person? The negative one who complains about everything, from looming deadlines and long commute times to the carb-heav...

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

Whether you're a startup, a new leader, or a seasoned professional taking on new responsibilities, you're trying to master every aspect of your business. But yo...

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

As a leader, it's your job to help motivate, engage, and coach your people. And to do this, you need to have ongoing conversations with each member of your team...

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

Scientist and best-selling author Hans Selye wrote: "Stress is not necessarily bad for you; it is also the spice of life." A certain amount of stress is actuall...

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

As a professional speaker and speaking coach, I rarely refer to notes while I'm actually speaking, and that's for three reasons: First, it's my job to know my c...

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

According to Michael Frese from the University of Amsterdam, and Wolfgang Kring, Andrea Soose, and Jeannette Zempel, University of Giessen, initiative is define...

Originally published in Inc. Magazine.

We're no longer "going remote" or "transitioning to online." It has already happened. If you're going to be leading online meetings, learning sessions, webinars...