A recent study proves that meetings can actually lower your IQ. Seriously.
According to research led by scientists at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, the act of seeing someone who seems smarter while doing a presentation can make us feel stupid and get in the way of how our brains process information.
The scientists used functional [...]

Once upon a time, I wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle. So my husband bought me a dirt bike and took me off-road.
Ever a man of few words, he showed me how to shift and brake and told me the best way to learn was by doing. So I hopped on and [...]

Recently, my friend Judy Kucharuk turned my attention to a TED talk given by Shawn Achor, CEO of positive psychology consulting group Good Think, Inc, in which he laid out five simple habits that are proven to make humans happier and more successful.
In the talk, Achor explains, “Ninety percent of your happiness is predicted not [...]

Del Close, a true improv legend, was fond of saying that the first responsibility of any improvisor is to make his or her fellow players look good. I have found this idea to be invaluable when it comes to business.
Applying this idea to my network of business relationships and friends has smoothed and facilitated partnerships; [...]

 
While the use of improv as  an effective personal and business development tool continues to rise, one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen is it’s use as a rehabilitation tool.
Recently my friend Shannon Assion posted a link on my Facebook page to a CBS news story about how one experienced performer is using improv [...]

We’ve all been there.  You’re stuck in a bad relationship, or your having trouble finding employment or you dream of doing something that you just don’t have the guts to try.
Sometimes it’s a phase in life that we can’t do anything about. But more often that negative cycle is a mindset we’ve settled into that [...]

I was recently asked to develop a fun activity that would help a large group of builders understand the importance of placing orders that are clear, complete and on time.
I have to say that brainstorming about this topic with my Eventprov colleague Jeanette Knight, made me realize how crucial the ability to communicate clearly is [...]

Are you kind to yourself when you fail? Do you try to help prevent others from suffering when they fail? Research has begun to show that this ability is a key to success and happiness in life.
Identified as self-compassion, cultivating this life skill is very different from current western parenting theories [...]

I’m sure I no longer have to make the case that gaining skills that allow you to adapt to change quickly is of vital importance these days.  A look at the state of the economy and technology seems to make my case in new ways on a daily basis.
But if you want more proof, a [...]

When I saw the film Harold & Maude at the age of 19 I was immediately captured by the character of Maude, an old woman who seemed to break all the rules and died happy as a result.
This, of course, was so counter to all the examples I saw around me. Unlike many old people [...]