The New York Times’ Post

Tips on how to be a stellar guest. Read this before you say yes to the next invitation.

Wisdom from Priya Parker - how do you start your meetings? With a bang or a whimper? Does everyone feel welcome and know why they are present? Good things to consider for your next meeting or training session. I know I'll be considering my first five minutes.

Trainers, Facilitators, instructors, coaches, if you only read the tips in this post, you'll likely learn something new or be reminded of ideas you already have experienced. The article is helpful too with nice examples of how to make the first 5 minutes (of any event) more meaningful and memorable for the participants.

Boost your likability and build trust by discovering common ground with others. Here's how: People like people who are like them, so finding similarities in shared interests, values, or experiences can make interactions more enjoyable and increase empathy. This is also a key ingredient in developing deep and meaningful relationships. Think about word-of-mouth recommendations. We trust suggestions from friends, family, and colleagues because we know them and the source. When friends introduce us to people they believe are compatible or ask a friend with similar taste to recommend a restaurant, their opinions carry more weight than any advertisement. So, the next time you meet someone new, dig deeper! Ask questions, listen actively, and seek out that "golden thread" – a common passion, story, or belief. You might be surprised how close you are to discovering a fantastic connection!

Discover 20 amazing Miami date ideas that will turn an ordinary day into something out of a fairytale! This video guide includes insider tips, useful info and lots of fun and romantic places to go! https://lttr.ai/AQja2

Our world is increasingly less personal, yet at the same time, we crave authentic connection. We secretly fear that we’re not enough, not living up to whatever standards we think we need to meet. This hinders us from connecting with others. In hospitality, this can hold us back from providing authentic, caring service by keeping us hidden and assuming that we are the only ones who feel this way. Authentic, caring service is not difficult, but it does take some effort on our part: 1. Being knowledgeable about your offerings 2. Having confidence in your knowledge 3. Being intentional about desiring to connect thoughtfully 4. Paying attention to the verbal and physical cues that the guest is giving 5. Offering appropriate connection in a thoughtful and caring way Increasing confidence in your practical knowledge allows you to adapt to each guest knowledgeably and personally. Intentionality is huge. You have to want to provide an unexpected level of service. From there, pay attention and look for ways you can personalize an interaction. That doesn’t just mean use their name (although definitely do so if appropriate). Maybe you notice someone is acting like they’re cold, but haven’t said anything. Offer to turn on a heater for them, or just do it if it won’t adversely affect other guests. If it would, maybe take a blanket over and offer it. Say that you noticed they looked cold, and you thought they might want a cozy blanket. Bring them some hot water, or offer tea or coffee. Maybe a guest seems really stuck deciding what to eat. Proactively ask if you can describe dishes to them. Asking what questions they have might open the door to you being able to provide something that isn’t expressly on the menu, but that is easily accommodated. Maybe they’re not getting along with whoever they’re with or seem distracted. Offer a warm smile and a caring attitude. This goes a long way and may be just what is needed. One time I did that and found out my guest was grieving and they welcomed the pure human connection. ♟️DM me if your team needs help discovering ways to naturally connect with their guests. It’s what I’m known for.

Remember: Your mission is your own, and there is space for you to pursue what you have been created to do. Just take a look at Lydia Wood, who sees it as her personal mission to sketch each of the ~3,500 pubs in London. She's calling it the Pub Project: https://lnkd.in/g48U3iRY What's your equivalent? What is your specific purpose that brings together your skills, service of others' needs, and passions?

My first published article explores the "myth" of Shangri-La, its complicated origins and its far-reaching impact. It's a good read, even if I say so myself. https://lnkd.in/eDMBEqpQ

Listening is a form of hospitality. When we give our full attention, we extend an invitation—an invitation to understand, validate, and honor the speaker’s perspective. It’s an act of presence, akin to welcoming someone into our home. In our fast-paced, screen-dominated world, listening has become scarce. Yet, we can transform this landscape. Let’s weave together the threads of research and practice to create a tapestry of meaningful connection.  Seek to understand, not just respond. Show empathy. Be curious.     P.S. If you haven't read Kate Murphy's You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters yet, I highly recommend it. It's a game-changer. 📚🎧 

How can you build more confidence? In a word: Adventure! 💃 By definition, an adventure means taking a risk. It’s the key to growth! But when it comes to building confidence, you want to do it in healthy, manageable ways where the stakes are low. Last weekend, I went to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. It’s a festival where people dress in costume to visit a small recreated section of Victorian London during Christmas time (similar to a Renaissance Fair). There are shops, food vendors, performers, and even characters from famous Dickens novels, like A Christmas Carol. I love dressing up in costume, so going to this festival is really fun for me. But many of the vendors and guests speak with pretend British accents to be more in character. As a former language teacher, this part is challenging because I feel very self-conscious when my accent doesn’t sound correct. But I also know that I won’t get any better at it if I don’t try! My goal was to try using the accent for at least a couple of hours, and I’m pleased to report that I managed to stick with it for most of the day! That’s a big improvement over past years, and it was really fun! What do you do to get out of your comfort zone? #confidencebuilding #confidence