Brief, Bright, Back To The Future:  How To Think And Speak Like Best In The World

1.  Brief

Be short and to the point, keep your communications concise:  text messages of one sentence or less, emails of five sentences or less, one-on-one conversations of five minutes or less, meetings of fifteen minutes or less

What to avoid:  over-explaining, having unnecessarily long one-on-one conversations and meetings, sending unnecessarily long text messages and emails 

“Long-windedness can be perceived as indecisiveness. And it cost you respect and trust.  Speed is as important as content.  You have to be quick today.  Concise communication is really what we have to be thinking about.”  -Dr. Alan Weiss

2.  Bright

Use positive, solution-oriented, continuous improvement-minded language 

What to avoid:  gossiping, complaining, criticizing, condemning, blaming, venting 

“The best CEOs don’t complain.  I’ve known Alan Mullally (Ford Motor Company) and Francis Hesselbein (Girl Scouts) for over 30 years.  I’ve never heard them whine, I’ve never heard them complain, I’ve never heard them say “poor me”.  Never.  They say, “I am up, I’m positive, life is good, let’s make the best of every day”.”  -Dr. Marshall Goldsmith 

3.  Back To The Future

Hold future-focused discussions

What to avoid:  long history lessons, backstories, archeological digs, long narratives, and “he said, she said” conversations

“The athletic champions, the high achievers, they rarely talk about what they have done in the past. They talk about what they are going to do.  The athletic champions, they don’t talk about what they won last year, they talk about “this year they want to win it”.”  -Gunnar Peterson, former director of strength and endurance for the L.A. Lakers


I am a performance enhancement specialist and 7x author who helps successful people achieve life-changing goals both personally and professionally. My clients include CEOs, entrepreneurs, executives, doctors, law enforcement leaders, professional athletes and professional entertainers.

To work with me to dramatically improve your performance, achieve breakthrough goals, and transform your life, message me here or go to coachajmadden.com. 

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