Q18: How can I criticise my boss?

Offering feedback is often tricky. How much more so, when it is directed 'upwards', to somebody above us in a hierarchy. How can we ensure our feedback is respectful and appreciated? Is there a way to stop critical feedback sounding critical?

Q17: Why can't I let go of my feelings?

"Be positive!"... "Just let go!"... "Laugh it off!"... We so often hear this advice.
But what if we try – and we end up feeling worse?  

Q16: How can laughter resolve conflicts?

Laughter is famously good for us. A peek at Google reveals over 10.5 million sites which refer to its health benefits. And I've just discovered that laughter doesn't have to be 'real'. Even fake laughter apparently leads to health and happiness.
[This is the claim made by Dr Kataria, founder of Laughter Yoga, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laughter_Yoga]

So I decided to give it a go....

Q 15: "Love, love me do!" What can we learn from a love song?

How we can ask for things in such a way that others are happy to respond? In a month overflowing with pink love hearts, I take my inspiration from a love song ...

TIP 10: ... And a joyful new year!

Wishing all my readers a joyful new year!

I'm sure many others have already wished you a joyful new year - so here's a short tip about making the most of our joy! But in case 'joy' is not a word you often use, please feel free to find another one ...

TIP 9: Listening - The perfect gift!

Why is listening the perfect gift?

How do we feel if we're fully heard and understood? Relieved, perhaps! But much more too. When somebody really listens to us, we feel it viscerally; we sigh deeply, our whole body relaxes and responds; we feel valued, affirmed, respected, confident, happy, empowered and ready to move on, to take the next step. Being fully seen and heard brings possibilities of change. Like all communication when it works well, it naturally carries us forward.

TIP 8: "What? Christmas in the shops already?" - How grumbling can change the world

Every year, around November, I have the same grumble: "Christmas displays so soon?" ... "Christmas carols already?"

A small grumble maybe, and harmless enough. But when it's about other people, the effects can be more serious. 'Negative' thoughts and feelings creep into our communication. We use up valuable energy, replaying conversations in our heads, battling inwardly against the obstacles.

Moaning, groaning, sneering and sniping - it's all too human! So is there anything we can do to make our complaints less burdensome for us, and more productive for others?