Achieving Clarity with Focus and Space
Posted On July 3, 2019 BY Hannah Morris
This post was written by Hannah Morris, Director of Assessment & Advancement at The Latimer Group. When tackling big questions and conversations, we often need to get out of our normal routines and surroundings. Amidst the clutter of our busy desks and with the frequent interruptions of our typical office flow, it is hard to […]
Why It’s So Important to Be a Good Listener
Posted On May 1, 2019 BY Dean Brenner
We write and speak frequently on the importance of being a good listener. But most of our content is usually focused on listening tactics — how to listen better. But today I want to write about why it is so important to listen well. Listening, at its most basic level, is essentially a commitment to two-way […]
Jaws Vs. Glossophobia – Attack of the Podium II
Posted On April 22, 2019 BY Dan Cooney
In my last post, I used Chief Brody’s character from Jaws fame as an example of how our fight or flight system is triggered. Its manifestations run from sudden dry mouth, sweaty palms, flushed neck, butterflies in our stomach, and a brain that sputters like an old Fiat rather than performing like the Porsche 911 […]
4 Questions to Ask for Effective Problem Solving
Posted On April 8, 2019 BY Dean Brenner
In so many organizations, we see discussions around problem solving go wrong. To be an effective problem solving organization, there has to be a framework of questions that will lead towards full alignment on the issue. Once we have that alignment, then we can have a serious conversation around legitimate solutions. In a world where everyone […]
A Story About Respect
Posted On February 27, 2019 BY Dean Brenner
I am going share a personal experience with you today… the kind of story that is emotional for a lot of people in 2019 America. It is a story about an interaction I recently had with a police officer. I am making the choice to share this story with you with a healthy dose of […]
10 Time Management Tips to Make You a Better Communicator
Posted On February 20, 2019 BY Dean Brenner
Simple idea today, that comes up in our coaching sessions from time to time. My colleagues and I talk all the time about great communication skills, and all the things that help create those skills. We believe that when we take the time to prepare for our meetings, presentations and calls, we will do a much […]
The Message Makeover Podcast: An Interview with Choate Football Coach L.J. Spinnato
Posted On January 30, 2019 BY Dean Brenner
“Get good at something, and don’t try to be something that you are not. Don’t try to do something that you don’t fully understand, . If you try to be something you’re not, it will come off as disingenuous.” ~L.J. Spinnato, varsity football head coach, Choate Rosemary Hall In this episode of The Message Makeover, […]
Three Simple Messages for Stronger Communication
Posted On December 10, 2018 BY Dean Brenner
The other day I was playing with my kids, and my elder child asked me more about what I do at The Latimer Group. I gave him what I thought was a good answer… “we provide coaching and training to…” But my answer wasn’t super helpful to a nine-year old. So I took another stab […]
George H.W. Bush, 1924-2018
Posted On December 3, 2018 BY Dean Brenner
On November 30, America and the world lost a great man and a good man, with the passing of our 41st President, George Herbert Walker Bush. His passing gives us the excuse to examine him and his legacy… and to take a good, hard look in the mirror. President Bush (often referred to as “41”) […]
Giving Thanks
Posted On November 21, 2018 BY Dean Brenner
This is Thanksgiving week here in the United States, my favorite holiday. Forget for a moment the mythologized origins of the holiday… what I love most about Thanksgiving is the opportunity to pause, take a deep breath, visit with friends and family and give thanks. And it seems to me like this is harder to do […]