Posts by Will Adams
Listen with Empathy
Our ability to openly share information, build meaningful relationships, and make well-informed decisions often gets derailed by one common problem: an inability to listen. More specifically, an inability to listen with empathy. Listening with empathy is a skill. It takes practice. And like every skill, the more you practice, the better you get. Understanding and sharing…
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6 Lessons from the Vacation Sales Boiler Room
There we were, lazily stretched out on a beach bed, aimlessly gazing out at the aquamarine water of the Caribbean. It was the third day of our five day vacation. My wife and I hadn’t done much, which I suppose is the whole point of a vacation. But as my traveling companion for the past…
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If You Want to Change the World, Start by Making Your Bed
I’ve always admired the men and women of our military, those who are with us today and those who have come before us. I’m humbled by their service and sacrifice. I admire their bravery. I’m inspired by their grit and determination. And when an accomplished military leader speaks, I listen. May 17, 2014, marked one…
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The Three R’s of Character
We’ve all been there. Sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, slowly inching your way forward, when you notice a car at a stop sign with their blinker on, patiently trying to turn in to traffic. One by one, the drivers in front of you do everything they can to block that car from entering their lane. When…
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Take Time to Learn Someone’s Story
The expression “don’t judge a book by its cover” is a metaphorical phrase which means, “You shouldn’t prejudge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone.” When such advice is ignored―and let’s be honest, we have ALL been guilty of ignoring it―there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on new relationships, fruitful…
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Have You Developed Your Opinion Filter?
In a world where everyone has an opinion, who should we listen to? Marketers bombard us with products and services that we must have in order to live a happy and productive life. Our social media feed barrages us with advice on how to feel. News pundits tell us how we should think. Employers, colleagues,…
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Do Your Verbals, Vocals, and Visuals Match?
While email, texting, and instant messaging have improved our ability to communicate quickly, our overreliance on them may be undermining our ability to communicate successfully. Countless research studies have shown that we communicate most effectively in real-life, real-time conversations. Albert Mehrabian, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at UCLA, has conducted numerous experiments dealing with the communication…
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Appearance Still Matters
During a recent meeting with a salesperson, I was reminded of one of the most powerful realities in business: appearance matters. As the salesman and I began to talk, I couldn’t help but admire his well-kept, professional appearance. His attire was just right—professional, trendy, but not over-the-top. As I shut the door to my office,…
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Why We Fear Failure
Fear. A four-letter word that we all struggle with. Fear—especially the fear of failure—impacts the decisions you make and the actions you take. When left unchecked, it can become an obstacle that stands between you and your goals. Fear of failure is a real thing. It’s an emotional, mental, and behavioral reaction to the anticipated…
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The One Trait That Separates Successful from Average
As a successful restaurant owner neared retirement, he had a decision to make. He could find a buyer for his restaurant, give it to one or both of his sons, or close it down altogether. After carefully studying his options, he made the decision to pass his restaurant to his youngest son. When he pulled…
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