In January 2022, Carrie Fox set out on a blog series called Finding the Words because she had something to say. By the end of the year, you were doing more than listening. You were deeply in this work with her. And because of you, we’re keeping this series going, every week through 2023 and beyond. Our promise: Carrie will keep delivering these essays each Wednesday morning to further support your work as a communicator for change. Your promise: keep telling us how these insights are impacting and influencing your work.
Here are some of the most regularly shared columns. If you like what you see, then subscribe here.
Common Ground.
Lederach is a renowned peacebuilding leader who has engaged with peace processes around the world for four decades. In his latest book, available as a free download on his site, he offers practical insights grounded in global experience to help readers navigate and address the conflicts we face in our communities and country. John Paul gives context, structure, and a frame for finding common ground, and for re-investing in the power of "improbable dialogue."
Ditch the DEI Speak.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging matter, and they always will. But labels, lexicon, and technical talk can get in the way of explaining why. So, ditch the DEI speak and get back to the heart of what matters: treating people fairly, caring about each other, and creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Are You Prepared?
When it comes to preparation, there will always be forces of distraction. Stay focused on your audience, your objective, and your preparation, and success will follow.
Crisis Response.
As if the scorching summer temperatures weren't enough, American politics have also heated up to a rolling boil this summer, with this past weekend's assassination attempt on one of our presidential candidates being considered by many a critical tipping point. Parties and politics aside, leaders at every level are being called to comment, weigh in, and do something.
So, what are you to do? What role do these weekend’s events have on you, your organization, and your community? If you think none, I suggest you think again.
How Will You Know It's Time?
Knowing when to step aside can be difficult, but it can be made easier by asking one key question: Am I prepared to let go? Knowing when to lead and when to make room for others is one of the single greatest leadership skills. Don’t wait until it’s too late to start practicing it.
Leading with Purpose.
Don't underestimate what is possible when you let your head and heart align. You may just find your greatest sense of purpose.
The Arc of Progress.
Progress can feel hard and, on some days, downright impossible. But progress is always possible, and it can be joyful. Do what you can do, day after day, to stay committed to learning and growing toward a better world of tomorrow.
New Beginnings.
Wherever you are in life, and whatever new chapter you may be entering, may there be wonderful possibilities ahead for you.
Your Body Language is Talking Even When You Aren't.
93% of what we communicate is nonverbal, so the little things we communicate through our bodies make a big difference to our audience. Use your body, tone, and the instrument that is your voice to help convey confidence, trust, and engagement to your audience. It may never be as good as face-to-face communication, but good digital body language can do wonders to bridge physical divides.
Confidence Boost.
When it comes to communicating confidence, remember this: we are often much better than we let ourselves believe. Start with some appreciation—for yourself, your skills, and how far you’ve come—and see how much more confident you'll feel as a result.
Planting Seeds.
Just as in gardening, delivering hard messages can be made more effective with preparation and care. Practice planting seeds to help your audience process information and support them in understanding important news. With time and attention, your audiences will hear just what you need them to, and they’ll grow through the news, too.
Be The Leader You Need.
Every day, ordinary people do extraordinary things. It is on each of us to display and practice the characteristics of the leader we need. So, the next time you lament current-day leadership, pause and look in the mirror. You are the leader you need.
Values at Work.
We will all have bad days and losses that can feel hard to swallow. Those moments may discourage you, but don’t let them distract you from your values. Because when your values are clear, the impact is undeniable.
Find the Good.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the uncertainty and chaos around us. It’s natural to feel lost. When you do, pause and take stock of the light you carry. Because in moments of chaos, you can always be the change.
Civility at Work.
Incivility at work is an intensifying reality. It can get the better of us and bring out the worst in us. This week, practice “ventilating your soul with tenderness,” and work to create spaces that foster civil conversation and muscle building. I think you’ll find the whole team gets stronger as a result.
Healthy Communication, Part 2.
It's common to feel at a loss when you need to communicate critical information, and you don’t feel equipped to do so. With these healthy communication skills, you can ensure that you get your message across, while also building deeper connections and trust with your audience.
Healthy Communication.
In service of this year’s theme, We Are All Public Health, I’ve compiled tips on how to improve the health of your communications practices while building and earning trust in the process. Communicating through challenging moments can be easier when we focus on the heart of the message and the people on the receiving end.
Life Through a Different Lens.
The generation gap isn’t an excuse for disconnection and engagement—it’s an invitation to get closer. If you’re leading or managing a team, take this week’s column as a prompt to initiate conversations that can help build back the social support systems we’ve been losing in recent years.
Handle Hard Better.
Lean into what’s ahead. Grow through the hard moments. Embrace the adversity and the struggles thrown at you so you can be stronger, more prepared, and ready for what’s ahead. You are capable of great things, my friend. Don't let yourself forget it.
Good To Be Here.
While a “no-agenda” lunch with an old friend won’t solve the complexity of problems we face today, it is something—and something particularly important—to help counteract social isolation and build back up social networks. The real kind. Yes, it’s good to be together. And it’s due time that we take a break from our devices to make it happen.
LOOKING FOR MORE?