My monthly roundups are links to ideas and articles that help make relationships stronger, workplaces more dynamic, conversations more collaborative, and conflict more constructive:

Do you wish you could get a little more detachment from taking things personally on occasion? Check out Christine Kane’s How to NOT Take Things Personally: A Practical Guide. And while you’re on Christine’s site, check out her tour schedule…her concerts are as engaging, warm and smart as her blog.

One of the best ways to navigate conflict more effectively is to stay grounded in the big picture (the relationship you really want with the person across from you, or the project’s success, etc.). But it’s easy for our bigger dreams and goals to slip into the background of our day-to-day lives. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a timely reminder now and then? Now you can. Check out Dreaminder, which I found thanks to Phil Gerbyshak.

And for an even more powerful reminder of what’s really important, read Learning to Make a Difference and carve out the time to watch the video from Carnegie Mellon. You won’t soon forget it (not sure you have the time…watch the first 10 minutes and then decide). Nick, the article’s author, captures this take-away: “It’s not about how to achieve your dreams, it’s about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way the dreams take care of themselves.”

Warmly,

Copyright © 2007 by Tammy Lenski. All rights reserved.