We all present, whether in meetings, explanations, or conversations. Each time we present, we’re wielding influence. Here are seven ways to strengthen your influence. 1. Know your stuff. The meaning, reasons, details, background, challenges, exceptions, and weaknesses. You don’t have to share it all, but you should know it. Uncertainty voids authority, and you can’t […]
Category: Sevens
Seven things I’ve learned about biking to work
When we moved to the city I tried commuting by car, bus, and train. They’re all OK. Driving is quick, you can read on the bus, and the train laughs at traffic. But the best option, if you’re not fussy about ironed shirts, is biking. After two years of it, here’s what I’ve learned. 1. Your ride […]
Seven Things I’ve Learned About Starting to Exercise
(1) It doesn’t fit my lifestyle. I like to eat and I’m too busy. (2) It’s worse than boring. It’s uncomfortable. There’s nothing to think about except how awful you feel. (3) It’s necessary. Eating cake and French fries makes you feel lousy. So does wearing tight pants. Plus, if climbing stairs is exhausting, there’s […]
Seven things I learned from The Giver, by Lois Lowry
1. Choice creates risk. With choice come wrong choices, and wrong choices bring harm. Given the harm, it’s tempting to eliminate choice. But choice brings joy and maturity. Better to equip the chooser to choose than to remove the choice. 2. Pain is something we avoid. Superficial avoidance is easy — simply find something to take your […]
Seven Things I’ve Learned About Commuting
(1) If you work from home you have zero commuting costs. Or wardrobe costs. Or going-out-for-lunch costs. You also never leave work. (2) If you work a mile from home you can walk, ride your bike, drive, or take a longboard. Pretty nice. Also pretty easy to work evenings and weekends. (3) If you work […]