Ekkentricities:

Image via WikipA good deal of stress and miscommunication can occur during the holidays. Families come together. Conversations cover topics that should be broached over a series of natural interactions rather than one big kahuna of a "talk." Feelings are hurt. Poor impressions are made. So on and so forth.....

While most television personalities have seriously disappointed my expectations for how useful and entertaining I believe they should be, Dr. Phil, of all people, has really shocked me by how concrete, helpful, and balanced his advice can be. Dr. Phil.

Before you scoff at the idea, I do recommend you check out "Family First." While it focuses on how you can create a great family, it provides practical, and dare I say, *powerful* advice on how to improve your own personal goals, relationships (family, friend, and even work related), and just be a better, smarter, more guided person.

There are a number of topics I hope to cover, but one golden rule was:

"You have 2 ears and 1 mouth."

The gist was that this should roughly be the ratio in which you listen:talk in important conversations. A great reminder for us all as we are told to "emote" and "share" more, be the "leader" in our lives and in our relationships, and "influence" people. Less isn't just more. There's a rough ratio of what we should be taking in, that should shape how much we learn and connect with others. Listening may also give us a chance to think through (with care) a truly worthwhile response.

Dr. Phil.
Not just for Middle America and the Oprah-faithful.