Monday, July 30, 2007

Mixing Business and Social

Hi,

Research shows we are all working more, not fewer, hours — and spending a lot more time at work. For the first time in 28 years Richardson just celebrated its first in-company marriage. Many of us attended the wedding of Pat and John, two of our very special senior consultants. In addition to celebrating the marriage, it was truly great to spend time with colleagues, and get to know more about their personal sides.

What are creative ways you’ve found to mix business and social. Or should we?

Regards,

Linda

Friday, July 27, 2007

Dr. Ellis - Thank you and Goodbye

On Tuesday, July 24, Dr. Albert Ellis, passed away. He was one of the most influential figures in modern psychology. Most people don’t know this but he also was a major influence on the strategies and skills in Consultative Selling. Whenever I am asked about Consultative Selling Models and approach I have developed, I talk about Dr. Ellis, my mentor and dear friend.

I had the good luck and blessing to work for him for several years in the 70s at his Institute as a teacher and then the director of his Living School, a free, private elementary school that he founded and housed in his Institute on 65th Street, New York City. After graduate school when I got the job there, I could hardly believe it.

Yes, Dr. Ellis was controversial but to me he was a guiding light. He taught all of us on his staff to accept and believe in ourselves. Everything we teach at Richardson about questioning and listening has its roots with Dr. Ellis. He was the master — his probing was insightful, caring, poignant, and the key to problem solving, commitment, and action.

This is an affectionate salute to Dr. Ellis and a thank you and goodbye.

Linda

To read about Dr. Ellis in the New York Times, please click here

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Cell Phone — Shhhh!

Cell phones: How did we live without them? Watching pre 1990s movies, who hasn’t thought “Oh, that’s right. They had no cell phones then.”

As great as cell phones are, there aren’t too many of us whose work concentration and/or tranquility have not been disturbed by LOUD fellow passengers on planes, trains, waiting areas … who are on their cell phones. Many of us have suffered through the details of deals, travel delays, family problems, sales pitches, or office traumas. They could almost be entertaining, except for how annoying they are.

Amtrak’s solution is to designate one car the “Quiet Car.” But shouldn’t all cars be “Quiet Cars?” Why not name each car “Consideration Car?” In fact, because some travelers don’t know better, are totally oblivious, or don’t care, the Quiet Car is actually a “Silent Car” with extreme rules such as no cell calls even if you whisper.

Tell us what you think the etiquette should be for travelers with cell phones?


Linda Richardson


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