Category: Uncategorized
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The childhood game “Simon Says” has a lot to say about how to improve person-to-person interaction. When we were in kindergarten, “Simon Says” seemed like nothing more than a silly game that kept us amused. But hidden inside the fun were surprisingly important lessons about person-to-person relationships. Remember the Rules? Simon says, “Touch your nose.”…
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“Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?” “You stole the cookie from the cookie jar!“Who, me?” “Yes, you!” “Couldn’t be!” “Then who?” If you grew up singing these words in an early childhood classroom, then you remember laughing as every child playfully accused one another. The game was harmless fun because everyone knows no…
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The childhood game Red-Light/Green-Light can enlighten us about how to engage in a conversation. Think back to when you stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a school gym or playing field with friends, eyes focused on the leader at the front. As soon as you heard the words green-light you sprinted forward, only to freeze in place as…
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Remember splashing around in a swimming pool, eyes squeezed shut, calling “Marco!” and hoping someone answered with “Polo”? Playing Marco-Polo was an adventure because you had to rely on communication, trust, and show a bit of courage. Surprisingly, finding and maintaining a friendship isn’t all that different. Whether you’re a college student, changing jobs, or…
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Do you recall playing “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” at birthday parties? Someone spins you around, puts a blindfold on your eyes, and sends you stumbling toward a paper donkey while everyone else laughs, cheers, and offers “helpful” directions about where to place the tail you’re holding. More often than not, the tail ends…
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Do you remember what it was like to play musical chairs when you were a child? All the kids would circle the chairs, smiling, and trying to look casual, until the music stopped. Suddenly, everyone wanted a seat. And there weren’t enough seats for everyone. The modern workplace is eerily similar. There often are more…
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Communicating effectively at work feels a lot like playing a game of catch. Whether you’re tossing a ball in your yard or sharing ideas in a meeting, success depends on focusing, working together, and keeping the ball moving. Are Your Eyes on the Ball? When playing catch, take your eyes off the ball, and you…
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At some point in our lives, we all play tug of war. Two teams grab opposite sides of a rope, dig in their heels, and pull with all their might. The goal? Make the other side lose. Conflict often feels like a game of tug of war. Whether it’s a disagreement with a friend, a…
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Interpersonal relationships involve people, emotions, and communication. Jump rope involves a rope, a little coordination, and occasionally tripping over our own feet. Yet, the two share a lot in common. TIMING MATTERS In jump rope, timing is everything. Jump too soon or too late, and you end up tangled in the rope. Relationships work similarly.…
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You bet it is! Sometimes when two people interact, one of them may be trying to hide what they really mean, think, or are feeling, while the other person is trying to uncover meaning and seek understanding. And just like the game we played when kids, the outcome of the interaction can be surprising, competitive,…
