At ithrive31 , we believe that strong relationships are the cornerstone of success. Our business thrives on relationships, but effective communication lies at the heart of these connections. Trusting relationships are built on strong communication practices in professional settings and at home. Why Communication Matters Organizations that invest in improving communication skills see significant returns. Research shows a direct link between effective communication and increas

In recent years, the significance of storytelling in communication has been increasingly recognized. Courses, books, and expert mentors abound, all focused on helping individuals refine their personal narratives. We acknowledge the power of storytelling when it comes to communicating with others, yet often neglect the most crucial stories of all—the ones we tell ourselves. Recently, I had a conversation with a young woman about the challenges of being a working mom. She share

If I ask “What does it mean to be resilient?”, what picture comes up for you? For me it is someone in a boxing match who just took a hit, and yet they get back up. They clearly have some sense of resilience since they got back up. But what, actually, does it mean to be resilient? A few years ago I learned there are different types of resilience, and I found it helpful to break this down. In the case of the boxer who just got back up after taking a hit: Physical resilience: th

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right – for you’ll be criticized anyway.” – Eleanor Roosevelt Do you ever feel like nothing you do is good enough? You put time and energy into a project or relationship and all you get is either no response or a response you could live without. This can be especially challenging for people that need positive affirmations to feel good about themselves. Can you relate? Yes! I know I am not alone because I have clients that express the same

I have spent as much time as I can this summer with family and friends. That was not easy, considering I broke my foot and was wearing a boot for the first six weeks of summer. I am now making the most of the next six weeks. My daughter is home from college after her freshman year. I realize I may not get too many more summers with her, so I want to enjoy every moment. We have spent time traveling, shopping, and eating! What about your summer plans? Are you being purposeful t

I was having a conversation with a new acquaintance who was recently promoted to a leadership role in the company. While excited, they also expressed feelings of self-doubt, citing a lack of experience in the new position. I shared a few perspectives with her and thought I’d offer them here as well! Potential over perfection Nobody knows it all Stories we tell ourselves Potential over Perfection When interviewing for a job, the focus is often on skills, background, and experi

In today's society, disagreements are increasingly common, extending into the workplace where differing approaches, styles, or opinions are to be expected. How we handle these disagreements significantly impacts our well-being and influences those around us, including coworkers and children. The other day, a client and I were having a conversation about her boss, who was taking credit for a project her team worked on. She was feeling very angry and resentful. She was ready to

I've spent many years in leadership roles and now work as a coach. There’s one fundamental shift that leaders can make to drive significant returns. This skill requires intentional effort and doesn't come naturally to most leaders. This is the art of Asking Questions Why this is important: By asking questions, leaders can help others grow and build capabilities. Organizations value critical thinking, and through questions, leaders can develop this skill in their teams. When e

The Ladder of Inference is a helpful tool that explains how we move from data toward action. This process often happens quickly, almost as if it is second nature. Candidly speaking, though, sometimes it can lead us down the wrong path. Our brains like to work efficiently, and they tend to default toward the most familiar path (even if that path is unhelpful), and this process is no exception. This tool is a helpful visual tool for breaking this pattern and building awareness