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Welcome to our blog!
We're delighted to have you here. Our posts offer stories, reflections and
practical tips to transform both your meetings and your leadership.
Join us as we explore the rewarding world of collaboration together!
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Improving science writing
I used to feel really good about my writing, but I've had a couple abrupt wake-up calls when my writing didn't match the needs of the audience. Now, I’ve discovered something that’s improving my writing, and it can help you too, especially if you are a scientist.
Barb Bickford
May 93 min read
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How to create more engaging conferences
People attend conferences to get energized and connected. But often, they leave feeling overwhelmed and isolated. How do we engage them?
Barb Bickford
Mar 265 min read
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What is yours to do?
In a remarkable series of events, I discovered that What Was Mine to Do was a humble act of listening.
Barb Bickford
Mar 133 min read
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On Grief and Engagement
"Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of community." --bell hooks in All About Love It's Valentine's...
Barb Bickford
Feb 142 min read
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Balancing Conversations and Presentations in Science Conferences
This post suggests practical ways to promote conversations among those who attend science conferences.
Barb Bickford
Aug 25, 20245 min read
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Rethinking Science Conferences: A Call for Change
How can you create truly collaborative science meetings and conferences? Start by focusing on purpose.
Barb Bickford
Jul 25, 20243 min read
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Balancing task and group focus
Do have trouble choosing between accomplishing tasks and building connections within a group?
Barb Bickford
Jun 11, 20243 min read
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4 Ways to Refocus Your Meetings
Unfocused meetings are common. Here's what to do to keep everyone interested and ready to go.
Barb Bickford
May 22, 20243 min read
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Creating Safer Meetings
If we want to strive for open dialogue, empathy and dignity in our meetings, how exactly do we do it?
Barb Bickford
Apr 9, 20243 min read
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Group Leaders: Are your meetings safe?
Safety in meetings is more than just an absence of physical aggression. Leaders need to be aware of signs that a meeting might be unsafe.
Barb Bickford
Mar 29, 20243 min read
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How Conversations Smooth Transitions
What's the relationship between conversations and transitions?
Barb Bickford
Feb 7, 20243 min read
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Listening Skills: The Power of Humble Listening
Listening with humility is paradoxically powerful. It has nothing to do with humiliation.
Barb Bickford
Jan 24, 20242 min read
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Listening Skills: The Power of Respectful Listening
Respect is the cornerstone of successful communication, both speaking and listening. Here are five reasons why respect matters in listening.
Barb Bickford
Jan 19, 20242 min read
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Listening Skills: The Power of Curious Listening
Listening is an important skill for everyone, and curiosity can make your listening transformative.
Barb Bickford
Jan 5, 20242 min read
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Embracing life transitions
Life is a series of transitions, and embracing transitions is part of leadership.
Barb Bickford
Jan 2, 20245 min read
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Ask for specific feedback
In order to be clear in our requests for feedback, we need to provide basic details about why what, how, who and when.
Barb Bickford
Dec 16, 20234 min read
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Listening skills for when you don't have time
There were just a few minutes left in our conversation. I asked Dr. Todd (names have been changed), "And regarding your staff retreat,...
Barb Bickford
Oct 16, 20233 min read
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Beyond Bob – Why we should consider alternatives to Robert’s Rules
Guest blogger Daryl Yankee points out some limitations of Robert's Rules of Order and what can be done to create inclusive board processes.
Barb Bickford
Aug 13, 20234 min read
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What’s better than good old strategic planning?
I used to roll my eyes when I heard the words “strategic planning.” In my experience, strategic planning was developed and imposed...
Barb Bickford
Jul 27, 20233 min read
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Leading Change
Thoughts on leading change through big and small experiments
Barb Bickford
Jul 6, 20233 min read
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