For some people the word negotiation conjures up images of salesmen in suits on opposite sides of a table, trying to strike a major deal. Whilst this is certainly one type of negotiation, it often surprises people to learn that most of us have opportunities to negotiate every day – whether it is in business or with friends and family. Most people have a preferred negotiation style and when they are offering or being offered a deal will respond in a particular way.

Communication is the way in which we exchange ideas, opinions and information. Most of us understand that there can be many barriers to effective communication such as age, experience and culture. We can undertake training to overcome these barriers. But there is one other barrier which is the silent cause of misunderstanding and that is gender – and we need to understand that in fact men and women do communicate differently and how that can impact on the way we understand each other.

Do you have any of “those people” on your team – the ones who don’t seem to do enough or seem perfectly happy to just skate by? Leadership and learning expert Kevin Eikenberry shares five tips for turning complacent people around.

Jane was 15 years old when she started caring for her brother and sister. She sacrificed her life for them by leaving school and working as a maid in various houses since they lost their parents. She needed the money, so she could feed herself and her siblings.

There is a distinct difference between being assertive and being aggressive. One can move you up the corporate ladder while the other can alienate you. Let’s start by defining the two words. Assertive is putting forward positively and with confidence even in the face of adversity. Aggressive is putting forward in a combative readiness. Both are forceful only one does it by breaking you the other by working with you.

Who is really listening? … Genuinely, sincerely and honestly listening? I’m noticing a lot more telling and a lot less listening lately. You only have to watch the ABC program ‘Q&A’ to see the number of politicians who have great trouble listening – to anything except themselves. They interrupt others giving answers to questions that were never asked. No wonder we are a bit jaded and cynical.

Having problems communicating with your partner? The 3 things you need to overcome so as to communicate effectively with your partner.

Suspecting that someone you care about is lying to you is very difficult. You want to believe them because you’ve already placed so much faith in them. Finding out that they were being dishonest would likely mean a change in the relationship or at the very least, broken trust issues.

This article will share with you some great tips on how to become an assertive person.

Every relationship hits bumps along the road, but are you seeing the warning signs of a breakup? This will be easier to fix now than if you let it go unattended and your partner splits with you. Find out what to do immediately when these signs appear.