There’s a lot of talk about impostor syndrome. At first, I felt out of step with the conversation because, in my mind, impostor syndrome was a specific clinical diagnosis—something officially recognized in psychological literature. I wondered if those who truly experience it might feel frustrated by how widespread the term was being used. Recently, though, […] The post Impostor Syndrome or Actually Feeling Inadequate? appeared first on Articulate Communication ..read more

We often think we’re masters of disguise, carefully concealing our inner thoughts and feelings behind a mask of composure. As leaders, we might believe we’re successfully hiding our concerns, distractions, or even boredom. We imagine the true story of what we are experiencing is safely hidden away. But the reality? Our attempts at hiding are […] The post Not a Great Poker Face? The Power of Transparency appeared first on Articulate Communication ..read more

We offer a simple post to remind each of us of the profoundness of the pause. As the year comes to a close, I like to lean into the pauses woven into our lives. They’re found in the calendar, in the waxing and waning of the moon, in the space between the exhale and the […] The post Let Breath be our Guide for a Powerful 2025: Three Tips appeared first on Articulate Communication ..read more

It’s that season again. We’re inundated with commercials showing the fun and joy of families celebrating and eating together.  The message is clear that Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings are opportunities to connect, grow, and celebrate with family and friends. Yet, reality lurks for all of us as they also stir up anxiety and tension. […] The post Thriving at Thanksgiving: The Gift of Being Present appeared first on Articulate Communication ..read more

We’re constantly bombarded with suggestions of “How To” do everything: How to effectively listen, build rapport, and give constructive feedback—the list goes on. Communication is already tricky, even without surprises. Recently, I’ve been coaching individuals who are navigating the challenges that come with additional responsibilities tied to a promotion. The most obvious example occurs when […] The post Essential Sales Communication Strategies: Now I have to Sell! appeared first on Articulate Communication ..read more

Increasing self-awareness is a frequently suggested idea to improve leadership/team dynamics, whether you identify as a leader, team member, individual contributor, or simply a human being making your way in the world. At ARTiculate: Real&Clear, we always recommend deepening self-awareness and emphasizing its importance. We’ve said it so often lately that we decided to share why we are deeply committed to this soapbox! The Power of Self-Awareness The greater the self-awareness, the more constructive the communication and relationship skills. And, stating the obvious, the opposite is painfu ..read more

Years ago, during a one-on-one meeting with a well-intentioned supervisor, I raised a concern in our meeting. Quickly, I was told, “Keep your pie hole shut.” While I knew they were well intentioned – even though the words were inappropriate and directive -I learned that my information wasn’t welcomed when it could rock the boat or cause friction. From that day, I chose silence over sharing, realizing that the supposed open-door policy wasn’t genuinely open. We’ve heard a lot about non-effective communication and not much about how it shows up in our cultures. Events of this week have caused me ..read more

At a recent convention, I was surrounded by solutions promising to enhance leadership and business success. These solutions, primarily assessments, micro-learnings, and formulas, are insightful and well-executed. However, I realized that ARTiculate: Real&Clear brings a unique element to this landscape: individual activation. In a world prioritizing scalability over personalization, we stand out by focusing on each person’s unique strengths. Our approach heightens individuality rather than fitting people into predefined processes. This realization became clear as I navigated the convention ..read more

The concept of curiosity and the directive of being curious are often shared without a deeper or more nuanced exploration of what that means for leaders and its impact. Without the focus on a real goal, without the depth of leaning into the relationship aspect of curiosity, leaders can genuinely miss the mark. Are you curious about what is going on with that person or situation? Or are you curious about how you are woven into that relationship with the person or situation? Are you looking at it over there as if it has no bearing on you? Or are you stepping into your part in it? The idea of bei ..read more

Observing others navigate, mitigate, and sometimes avoid risks has made me reflect on my own relationship with risk. Decisions, whether to jump in or step back, have never come easily to me. Typically, I meticulously weigh the pros and cons before making significant choices. I’ve often envied those who boldly throw caution to the wind, take chances, and find success. My internal dialogue usually follows with, “If only I could do that.” For many of us, fear becomes a powerful force, either keeping us safe or holding us back. Last year, during a visit to Ireland, I grasped the symbolism behind ..read more