Author: Philip Anast
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Consistency, Quiet Determination Keys To Realizing Achievement
I had a chance to read Angela Duckworth’s book, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” and it did not disappoint. The psychologist and University of Pennsylvania professor attempts to answer the question whether talent or effort is more important in achieving success and reaching one’s goals. Citing numerous use cases and research, she draws…
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Putting Your Communication On A Diet
On the cusp of a new year, many of us start thinking about exercise regimens. But the founders of Politico and Axios recommend we put our “prose on a diet.” In their book, “Smart Brevity,” they spell out effective ways to communicate in a world of 24×7 news cycles and social media. Theirs isn’t the…
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The Lifelong Learner In All Of Us
While searching for a high-school graduation gift this summer, I came across a book called, “Learn Like a Pro, Science-based tools to become better at anything.” Primarily a guidebook for students about how to learn, study and prepare for tests, it also has application for all who desire maximizing their learning abilities regardless of age.…
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How To Plan Communications For Your Next Crisis
A recent cyberattack on a fuel pipeline has hospital and health system officials rethinking what they need to do better to protect their own networks from breaches and the huge consequences that can result. For communications professionals at such institutions, rehearsing such crisis scenarios and what should follow can be the difference between saving a…
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“Lincoln’s Mentors” Imparts Importance Of Archetypes For Life
Michael J. Gerhardt’s book, “Lincoln’s Mentors,” teaches us about the thirst for knowledge and ambition of our 16th president. While Abraham Lincoln was an imperfect human being, we learn about the ways this self-made man educated himself and drew courage and insights from others during his lifetime. It is a model from which we can…
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“The Elements of Style” Never Loses Luster for Lovers of Language
While our digital age has ushered in not a few changes with respect to the written word and how we communicate, there is a 100+-year-old book that still has something to offer our sophisticated new world. The Elements of Style, written by William Strunk Jr. and later updated by E.B White, is a valuable reference…
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Aim for Progress, not Perfection in Crucial Conversations
In my last post, we learned that a key technique to resolving problems is fostering dialogue with another person, or even a group of people. This wisdom comes from the best seller, “Crucial Conversations.” Having the other person’s best interests in mind goes a long way toward resolving work and personal issues. That seems like…
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Don’t Let Emotions Rule “Crucial Conversations”
There is no shortage of books on communication in the workplace to improve collaboration and maximize teamwork. Harvard Business Review also provides wonderful, well-researched articles that can help one improve communication and leadership capabilities. But one book that I’ve read and re-read over the years stands out: “Crucial Conversations.” Perhaps the book stands out as…
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Make your speeches “move the human heart”
As a communications agency for healthcare and healthcare IT companies, Amendola Communications has built a reputation for strong speaker applications. Once a speaking engagement is secured, however, the real fun begins: the preparation of the speech itself. When looking for inspiration in oratory, one doesn’t have to look further than Winston Churchill. (Author Andrew Roberts wrote…