Sometimes people get in trouble at work or in their relationships because they don’t pay attention to the rules of engagement, when negotiating a deal, making changes in a relationship, navigating the workplace, etc. Knowing the rules of engagement is important for successful communication outcomes.

How do you discover these rules?

Ask yourself: What happens when I challenge the status quo, when I speak my mind? What happens when I have a great idea? How do I take it forward, what are the barriers?

To change the rules in any relationship, marriage, friendship, with a co-worker, your boss, etc., one has to first acknowledge what exists. Switching is not hard, it just takes courage — such as saying: “I know it has been done this way up until now but .…”. “I know I have never said anything before…”. Fill in the blank.

What circumstance or relationship in your life is ripe for change?

I am listening …