The (Wo)man in the Mirror: 5 Practices for Getting Out of Your Own Way
The following is a guest post I published on matchmaker Paul C. Brunson’s website back in 2013. It disappeared down the internet rabbit hole, so I’m reposting it here. —
social psychology
You Can’t Make Them Love You (Part 2)
In Part 1, I made the case for treating universal attraction like unicorns; neither one exists. Now, let’s explore some things that can tilt the odds in your favor.
How To Gain Someone’s Trust: Tips From An FBI Agent
Over at Farnam Street Blog, a member of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division drops five tips for winning the trust of the people around you: What are some strategies to build rapport while giving a talk, presentation, or interview? Ego Suspension / self-deprecating humor… Make it all about them! How is the information you are chatting …
How To Gain Someone’s Trust: Tips From An FBI Agent Read More »
The Importance of Pointed Questions and Clear Directions
Note: This is an excerpt from my book, “No” Doesn’t Always Mean No. One of the biggest reasons teams falter is poor communication. When giving orders or directions to other people, one of the worst things you can do is be ambiguous. Do yourself a favor–devise clear and specific tasks and requests for others to follow.
Start A Success Journal
I’ve kept a ‘Success Journal’ since 2005. It’s a fantastic resource for chronicling both the mundane and major accomplishments in your life.[[MORE]] Compliments you’ve received, athletic triumphs, work completed on the job, instances you ventured out of your comfort zone—-write it all down. Make a detailed entry of what you did and the date you …
Dealing With People Who Cut The Line
I read this article on what to do when someone cuts ahead in line. Although it’s becoming increasingly rare, “speaking up” remains the most effective option for combating this sort of behavior.
Justtaptheglass.com One-Year Anniversary
It’s been one year since my first blog post. A reminder of how it all started: https://justtaptheglass.com/post/3114938453/origin. Great milestone. Maintaining a public blog is an excellent way to sharpen your communication skills and raise your technological I.Q. Over the past year, I’ve written a book, experimented with new health initiatives, thrown out some wild ideas, …
iPads and Jordans: The Economics of Hot-Ticket Items
December 2011 saw the re-launch of one of the most popular pair of sneakers of all time. The release of the Air Jordan XI “Concord saw mini-riots and consumer craziness in cities across the country. Long lines are the norm for the release of a highly-anticipated consumer good. So is widespread disappointment. The onllne marketplace …
iPads and Jordans: The Economics of Hot-Ticket Items Read More »
The Secret to Managing Expectations: Under-promise and Over-deliver
I was sitting on the tarmac of JFK airport after an uncomfortable cross-country flight when I was reminded of an important lesson for maintaining good relations with the people around you: Under-promise and over-deliver. After a mundane landing and relatively smooth flight, the pilot told the passengers that there would be a ‘10 or 15 …
The Secret to Managing Expectations: Under-promise and Over-deliver Read More »
Stop Asking For Permission
You should get into the habit of acting without waiting for permission from an authority. Along with thinking for yourself and examining the conventions around you, it is a ‘best’ practice. Waiting for permission may delay or even halt your progress on a goal entirely. It provides a ready excuse for procrastination and adds opportunity …