Donn King Creative

Category: Uncategorized

  • Suspend judgment for better relationships

    Judge Judy

    This is one of those posts that, if I could send it to my younger self, could have changed my life.

    We’re going to deal with two related and yet entirely separate issues, but at the same time: judgment and rush to judgment.

    Humans seem to have an innate need to form opinions and judgments. Do you agree with that statement? Do you see how quickly you form an opinion? Because almost inevitably, you immediately had a response to my question about agreement.

    That’s not necessarily a problem. The problem for communication comes in because a judgment can get in the way of hearing.

    (more…)

  • Help The Princess get a ride?

    We are seeing the effects of social media unfold right before our eyes in a very personal way.

    We have a severely disabled daughter, and she has a chance to get life-changing (for her and for us) transportation. (more…)

  • Bonus: Infographic guides your phone persuasion

    Phone influence

    OK, call it “phone selling.” You probably do it whether you realize it or not. You may not work on commission (or you might), but almost certainly there are times you need to move someone to action via telephone.

    That’s where this infographic comes in. I’ve looked it over in detail, and realized it’s really about effective communication. Tada! Few of us (including me) use the phone effectively.

    (more…)

  • What was that idea again?

    Dutch Scullery Maid

    I had a great idea for a blog post. It came to me while I was in the kitchen, working on making an omelet for me and fried eggs for my wife. The stove was hot, the butter at just the right temperature in the pan, so I couldn’t go write the idea down right then. No problem, it was a great idea, I would remember.

    Yeah, right. How many times have you done that? Based on your experience, how likely was it that I would remember it? (more…)

  • Help me help you, OK?

    Lonely bear

    I sent out an email to subscribers. I sent it because they used to open my emails a whole lot more. But then my daughter had some issues and I quit writing for awhile.

    I have a severely disabled daughter, who went through a long period of rough times. I got so overwhelmed that I stopped writing for a long time, and people got used to not hearing from me.

    I started writing again a little over a month ago (April 3), but I’ve noticed that people aren’t opening the emails nearly as much as they used to. I’m trying to figure out why. (more…)

  • Graphic helps with public speaking fears

    Glossophobia

    Lydia Bailey, content coordinator of Masters Programs Guide, has shared with us a handy graphic that pulls into one place many useful insights in dealing with the fear of public speaking. (Full graphic at the end of this post.) (more…)

  • Thoughts on Mother’s Day

    rose

    Mother’s Day is tomorrow. It’s a difficult holiday in a convoluted sort of way–convoluted, because you want to celebrate mothers everywhere, but you also want to be cognizant of all the people who, for various reasons, find it a difficult day.

    Be clear: I’m not arguing that you should not celebrate the holiday. Enjoy your joy. Recognize that others experience certain sorrows. And if you are one who finds it sorrowful, allow others their joy also; your day of joy will come another time. (more…)

  • ‘Be kind’ depends on kin

    Crowd

    It seems built into our biology that we are tribal creatures. Much of what passes for racism or nationalism or sports rivalries are simply specific applications of this human tendency: I prefer members of my own tribe over those of any other. (more…)

  • Why are you not doing Toastmasters?

    gavel

    The headline makes an assumption, I suppose. But before you dismiss it with, “I am doing Toastmasters,” stick with me and read past the first three paragraphs. I can anticipate that you might have one of three reactions. (more…)

  • Avoid the common extremes

    Monkey in stereo

    Aristotle called it The Golden Mean. Both athletes and audiophiles talk about the Sweet Spot. I don’t have a catchy term (not yet), but the concept applies to choosing and developing a topic. (more…)