Notes for the 2025 Lunch Coaching Hour on Business Communication

This is a “popular” topic which we received many questions about; it is also a tricky one because it is “informal, hidden, with no rules…” as pointed out by Coach Ric. “Do you choose to play the game?” Ric asks. But wait a second, we can treat office politics like a game? The more interesting question, though, is do you play the game to win? Find the session’s slides here. Check out coach Ric’s series on “Proven Strategies for Managing Difficult People, Difficult Conversations” for more practical tips.

Ah, handling difficult conversations—never an easy topic! But it’s one Coach Ric has a lot to say about, and for good reason: people are always asking about it. Among all the useful tips Coach Ric shared, I hope I can remember “firm and fair” when handling difficult situations. The “win and lose” analysis of a conversation is also eye opening. Can we actually “win” a conversation? Find the presentation of this session here.

The conversation about personal branding becomes more philosophical than practical. Why do we need self promote, and should we self promote? Is it fake if we do something strategically and deliberately? Is being authentic stopping us from connecting with other people? Check out the material from this session here.

Coach Ric started the 2025 Lunch Coaching sessions with a slide that reminded me that human nature is at the core of communications – people would connect for 3 reasons: they like/believe in you, they like/believe in your cause, or ROI. There were many questions we discussed that lie at the heart of networking. Ric also shared some practical networking formulas and tips.