Learn to Think in Color

What’s the Best Way to Give Bad News? How to Communicate Hard Truths Without Destroying Trust 📦  Framing the Question Giving bad news is one of the greatest tests of emotional intelligence . It’s easy to communicate well when things are going great—but how we speak in times of disappointment, disruption, or distress reveals who we are as leaders, friends, and humans. Whether you’re informing someone of a job loss, a broken promise, or an irreversible diagnosis, the  how  often matters just as much as the  what . In this post, we explore how to deliver bad news with clarity, care, and credibility—without eroding trust or dignity. The SPIKES Protocol: Structure with Compassion One of the most trusted methods for delivering difficult news comes from the field where the stakes are literally life and death: medicine. The  SPIKES protocol , developed by Dr. Robert Buckman , offers a structured yet sensitive roadmap: S – Set up the conversation : Create the right cond...

How Should You Approach Your First Three Months at a New Job? Start Strong: How to Lay the Groundwork for a Lasting Impact Your first three months at a new job are more than just an onboarding period—they’re your launchpad. This early phase sets the tone for your reputation, relationships, and rhythm within the organization. The keyword here is  first three months at a new job , and it’s vital to understand what this transitional window means for long-term success. In this guide, we’ll break down how to use this time to observe, learn, connect, and contribute meaningfully, all while building trust and confidence with your new team. Picture this time like moving to a new city. You wouldn’t immediately build a house or throw a party. First, you’d explore the neighborhoods, meet locals, learn the routes, and understand the culture. Your new job deserves the same thoughtful navigation. Understand the Landscape Before Planting Seeds The first 30 days are about learning, not proving. Thi...

How Can You Achieve Trust with Someone? Building genuine bonds through reliability, transparency, and empathy Framing the Question Wondering  how to achieve trust with someone  in both personal and professional settings? Trust is earned through consistent actions, clear communication, and genuine care. In this post, you’ll learn a step-by-step framework—from the “1% Rule” micro-improvements to quarterly trust audits—that shows you exactly  how to steadily earn someone’s trust  and measure it over time. The Trust Paradox We All Face I learned about trust the hard way when I was 28, working as a consultant for a tech startup. My client, Sarah, had been burned by three previous consultants who over-promised and under-delivered. When we first met, she literally said, “I don’t trust consultants anymore, but I need help.” Six months later, she referred me to four other companies. What changed? I discovered that trust isn’t built through grand gestures—it’s forged in the mu...

How Can Transparent Communication Improve Trust and Collaboration Within Your Team? Openness Builds Bridges: Why Transparency Turns Teams Into High-Trust Collaborators  When a team operates behind a fog of half-truths or unspoken worries, small misunderstandings can snowball into big problems. Transparent communication is the antidote: it builds trust, aligns goals, and transforms coworkers into true collaborators. If you want your team to perform at its best, understanding how to practice openness is essential. Why Our Brains Crave Transparency Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a neurochemical edge. When team members perceive transparency, their brains release  oxytocin , the “trust hormone,” calming the brain’s threat detector. This means: Less energy wasted on scanning for hidden agendas Better focus and flexibility More willingness to share ideas and admit mistakes Without transparency,  cortisol  floods in, triggering stress and defensive behavior. The resu...