Chapter 2:  Best & Worst of Things

Is there a food or product that is no longer produced that was once a favorite of yours?

(Page 103)

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How Mars and Venus Communicate on Earth

No matter how hard men and women try, there are often a gaps the size of The Grand Canyon when it comes to communicating with one another. Maybe that is why the other sex is often referred to as the "opposite sex."

So what is the big difference?

Well, just as men and women have physical differences, there are specific differences in the ways we communicate.

Men want to be admired, appreciated and accepted. Women have the need to be respected, validated, understood and cared for. Understanding these motivations are important. Couple this knowledge with active listening and you will be well on your way toward keeping conversations here on planet Earth, as opposed to jettisoning them to another world.

Bottom Line:  Follow the advice above and everyone's a winner.

 

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Chapter 6:  Professional Life

Have you ever taken office supplies of any kind (pens, pencils, paper clips, etc.) from work? 

(Page 266)

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Understanding the Sense of Dollars and Cents in Relationships

Realize that there are communication gaps in most relationships. One area where communication is vital is when it involves finances.

A recent article by Humberto Cruz entitled "Communication is Key for Finances in Marriage" (Tribune Media Services) underscores how the words of Alison Krauss' hit country single "When You Say Nothing at All" is better suited for a love ballad than for real life.

It is not uncommon for couples to act as individuals when it comes to spending. He buys a golf bag and tickets to the game. She buys 10 pairs of shoes and gets a manicure. No one knows what the other is doing until the credit card bill hits the mail box. If that isn't bad enough, many couples do not have a plan for their retirement nor have they discussed when either will actually retire (of course, when you want to retire and when you can retire usually are sometimes at two separate ends of the spectrum.)

Make a point to pick a time each week or each month where the two of you will sit down and discuss (without distraction) your financial plan now and for the future. Your wallet and relationship will benefit from it.

Source:  www.ohio.com

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Chapter 9:  Self Matters

Describe something you did that was self-destructive.

(Page 381)

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So You Think You Can Flirt?

From the streets of New York to the wilds of New Guinea, everybody flirts. It is one way to communicate our interest of someone else. It is also a way to "play safely" with others without committing oneself.

Here's a quick guide on the history of flirting and some of the interesting facts behind it all:

1)  Experts have defined at least FIFTY TWO ways we flirt!  (Heck, you just might be flirting right now and not even know it.)  The most common way to flirt?  The hair flip.

2)  In the Victorian Age, the hand fan was used to communicate interest (or disinterest) of the opposite sex. A fan across the lips meant "You may kiss me." while opening and closing a fan meant, "You are cruel!"

3)  In Little Rock, AR, there is still an old law on the books that fines a man $25 for looking at a woman desirously. A second offense requires the law breaker to wear blinders while in public.

4)  Flirting is now regularly used while emailing and  text messaging. More than 40% of user have done it at one time or another.

5)  Unfortunately, men tend to be confused by friendly personalities vs. flirting.

So the next time you have an interest in someone else, remember, there are many ways to communicate your intentions, but to avoid confusion, Empower Yourself ... Ask!.

Source:  www.msn.com

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Chapter 5:  Looking Back

When was the last time you challenged yourself?  How often do you routinely challenge yourself?

If seldom, explain why. 

(Page 213)

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How to Say Goodbye (with an emphasis on the "Good")

Clearly there are good ways ... bad ways ... and down right wrong ways to leave an employer. The bad and wrong ways are better understood (with only a fair amount of common sense of course). The good ways ... well, that takes a little delving into.

According to Psychology Today, leaving a job under your own terms can involve a whole host of emotions from telling your boss to "shove it", to leaving with hesitation with fear of the unknown.

Author Pamela Weitraub gives five rules to follow that can provide you with peace of mind now and more importantly, for the future:

1) Give Plenty of Notice
The standard is two weeks but other arrangement can be made. The purpose?  To ease the transition before departure. The last thing you need (especially if you ever want a good recommendation) is to say "See Ya!  Wouldn't Wanna Be Ya!" and then needing a much needed favor in the future!

2) Help Your Employer
Assist your employer by making sure everything is in order, possibly help find a replacement, and if time permits, become involved in the training of your replacement.

3) Stay Involved
Leave the Lame Duck status for others. You are still employed with the company ... so work like it!  Until it's your last day, each day at work should be no different from the first.

4) Leave Complete, Written Records
Make sure your work is aware of your business contacts, your processes, your procedures and any other details that your colleagues need to know.

5) Stay Accessible
Don't fall off the face of the globe!  There may be a time when your former employer may require your assistance for any last questions. Help where you can.

6) Don't Let Colleagues Disappear From Your Life
You never know when you may need former contacts for future ventures. The best way to get ahead is networking, so don't lose your network!

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Chapter 3:  Childhood and Family Life

Describe one really stupid thing you did as a child. 

(Page 148)


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A How-To Guide on Celebrations

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, most men wait until the very last moment to buy gifts for their sweetheart...and then most of those end up ordering the blue plate special:  roses, chocolates and a Hallmark.

While no one ever complained about getting a dozen roses, chocolates and a card ... roses typically die a week or two later, chocolate becomes a concern when your significant other is struggling to keep her weight, and a Hallmark is, well, paying 4 bucks to use someone else's words as your own.

To make this Valentine's Day extra special, make it a celebration to remember by acknowledging your commitment to one another and communicate those thoughts and feelings to your partner.

What exactly does this mean?  For starters, no television, no cell phone interruptions and no checking email!

Thank your partner for adding value to your life and discuss how the two of you can improve your relationship going forward.

Nothing says "I Love You" like openly and honestly communicating gratitude.

Need a gift idea?  Ask! makes a great Valentine's Day's gift for couples!  Click HERE.

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Chapter 5:  All About You

What is your biggest insecurity?  What have you done to overcome this insecurity? 

(Page 28)

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When Parents & Kids Unite

Good communication is not just something that happens...it takes effort. Not only does good communication between family members involve active and thoughtful speaking, but they require active listening skills as well.

Better communication empowers parents to add structure to their children's lives, and allows children to take better control of their own lives.

When a child has mastered effective communication (instead of acting out, for example), he or she is in a better position to be a part of a stronger family unit.


When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses.

Dr. Joyce Brothers

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Chapter 2:  Best & Worst of Things

What is a favorite activity you like to do on your day off from work? 

(Page 104)

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Many people are often frustrated as to how to effectively communicate with their boss and often don't have a solution -- a solution that, of course, won't land them in jail!

Be Clear
It you don't understand directives, ASK!  There is nothing wrong with saying, "I don't know." The average person has between a 25,000 and 150,000 word vocabulary ... so be smart and USE them!  Your job is ultimately to meet your objectives, so if there is any doubt, clarify directives with the head honcho.

Be Smart
The last thing you need in your workplace is to be a expert on mazes. Leave that to mice. Use the powers that be to clear roadblocks and implement the K-I-S-S method of management (Keep It Simple Stupid).

Be Focused
Whether your boss is in charge of you alone, or has scores of others, make sure you do what is expected of you, and your boss is aware of it. Your assignments ultimately pay your way.

No workplace ever thrived with poor communication. Make sure you excel with yours.

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Chapter 7:  Relationships

What does your ideal man/woman look like? 

(Page 329)

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It has been said that when you change your thoughts, you change your world. Simple, yet true.

The act of ASKing is one of the most important steps toward action and change in your life. ASKing is the key to enhanced conversation, more meaningful relationships, and quite possibly a starting point for personal development, discovery of the self, and a clearer understanding of a purpose for being.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Anonymous

Ask! makes a great gift for birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.  Go to www.littlebookofquestions.com today!

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Chapter 10:  Miscellanous You

What phobias do you have (i.e. fear of mice, spiders, snakes, etc.)

(Page 465)

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1. Have a Desire to Get Better - Without an initiative to change, nothing will happen.

2.   Assume Nothing - Assumptions get you nowhere. Clarity is key to successful communication.

3.   Listen, Listen, Listen - Actively listen instead of actively planning a response.

4.   Become an Interpreter - Learn how the other person uses words to communicate, and take note.

5.   Know How to Respond - Certain words can trigger a fight or flight response. Think before you speak.

This life is not a dress rehearsal. Empower yourself ... Ask!<< MORE >>

Chapter 8:  Sex

Have you ever walked in on someone else during sex?  Has someone ever walked in on you during sex?  

(Page 349)

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OK, so one day has passed and you have already broken THREE resolutions. What gives?

Experts tend to agree that many times we put too much pressure on ourselves to do TOO much!  Relax!

The best bet for New Year's success is the find OBTAINABLE goals and then once you pass the test on those, then you can gradually take your commitments to the next level.

For example, let's say you want to lose 100 lbs. Rather than using that as a pass/fail goal, why not cut that amount in half or even a third. Obtainable goals are the key.

So the next time you need to motivate yourself to greatness, communicate those goals to yourself one reasonable step at a time.

Be reasonable!  See www.littlebookofquestions.com and Empower Yourself today!<< MORE >>