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Featured Columnist:
Steve Adubato, PhD.

Steve Adubato, PhD., has enjoyed a distinguished career as a broadcaster, author, university professor, and motivational speaker. His book with Theresa Foy DiGeronimo is called "Speak from the Heart: Be Yourself and Get Results" and demonstrates that being a great communicator is about making an authentic connection with people, it is not simply about being "a good talker." What follows is an excerpt from from his book.

Speak from the Heart: Chapter 14 – Leadership Through Communication

Do It Now
Today, evaluate how well you use positive communication tools in your leadership position. Incorporate some of the tools and techniques you have acquired in earlier chapters into your leadership style. Use positive body language and good eye contact to let others know you care what they have to say. Lecture less; engage more. Make time for meaningful conversation to connect on a personal level. Speak from the heart more often than from the corporate script. Make a resolution to try each of the following leadership communication skills at least once this week:

• Use precise language when you give direction. Catch yourself when you’re tempted to say, “Get that report done right away,” or “It’ll be a short meeting.” Consider saying, “I need that report completed by four o’clock today,” or, “The meeting will last fifteen minutes.” Precise language reduces confusion.

• Think carefully about the value of a meeting before you call it. Create a clear agenda to meet a specific goal. Tell those who attend what the goal is and stay on track. Never meet just to meet.

• Practice active listening. Stop yourself when you’re tempted to interrupt. Ask other people their opinion and listen to what they have to say. Make and effort to ask for feedback.

• Let others around you lead in specific situations. It will strengthen your leadership.

• Rethink the way you motivate others. If you yell, and threaten, and communicate anger and ridicule, you may be alienating the people you need to do your job successfully. Being nice doesn’t mean being weak.

Great leaders throughout history have recognized the power of words – choose yours carefully. Words have the power to build up or break down those around you. They can motivate people to do great things, or they can undermine their efforts. The choice is yours.

From SPEAK FROM THE HEART by Steve Adubuto. Copyright (c) 2002 by Steve Adubuto. Published by arrangement with The Free Press, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., NY.

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Member Spotlight:
FreshFarmFlowers.com

FreshFarmFlowers.com is a full-service online flower shop providing only the freshest flowers available through the internet. Get grower fresh bouquets and plants, gift baskets and corporate gifts with fast, reliable same- and next-day delivery.

A direct e-commerce solution, FreshFarmFlowers.com handles orders directly at the warehouse, resulting in quick and efficient request fulfillment. Plus, by ordering direct from the grower you are assured only the freshest blooms will be shipped with your order.

As an active member of The Marketing Co-op, FreshFarmFlowers.com maintains that the e-postcard system has improved business, even in off-peak periods. Management affirms that by using The Marketing Co-op's regular contact system to keep regular and prospective clients informed of holiday, birthday, anniversary and seasonal specials, The Marketing Co-op has become and invaluable part of their marketing plan.

FreshFarmFlowers.com has found that their online customers are more than pleased with the high quality product, attention to detail and incredibly affordable prices they receive with every order. Whether it is a friend's birthday arrangement, a client's thank you or sympathy bouquet, an employee's appreciation gift, FreshFarmFlowers.com covers all of your gift and floral needs.

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, FreshFarmFlowers.com wants you to remember those holding a special place in your heart – spouses, significant others, parents, children, and special friends. FreshFarmFlowers.com guarantees great prices and deliveries within 24 hours.

FreshFarmFlowers.com is offering a special $49.95 pricing for one dozen long-stemmed roses this Valentine's Day. Order early and save even more!

Remember your loved ones on February 14 and throughout the year, visit www.freshfarmflowers.com.

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Artist Spotlight
Elliot Christian

Elliot Christian is an Toronto-based artist whose work varies as much as his technique. From life art and sketch drawings to conceptual arts to animated shorts, his talent abounds.

Christian uses his ability as a visual storyteller to depict strong and complex action in a variety of traditional mediums. We uses watercolor, gouache and acrylic paints, tonal marker and ink rendering to develop his characters and concepts.

Having received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta, Christian went on to Sheridan College, where he graduated with a degree in Classical Animation. he has since spent time as a freelance illustrator.

Christian's work is featured as the Marketing Co-op's March postcard. For more information and highlights of Elliot Christian's work, visit http://www.elliotchristian.ca.

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