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“Grandpa Don’t Worry” Children’s Book Furthers the Mission to Explore Feelings & Values

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“Why did you pivot to add children’s books to your list of published works? It seems as if they’re on opposite ends of the spectrum,” asked a new acquaintance on LinkedIn.

“Yes, I can see why it appears as if business books and children’s books are on ‘opposite ends’. However, whether it’s the business books I write and the consulting and training I’m doing, or it’s the children’s books and the interviews I’m giving on parents and bonding with children, they all stem from a place of FEEL. Looking inward and managing your own feelings, helps you to connect, better understand and be receptive to the feelings of the people around you. Feelings and how you communicate them are at the core of every relationship.

We ended the conversation with my new friend and colleague wanting to check out all my books. I was happy to tell her that we’ve added a new one to the growing list!

So here it is …

 ‘Grandpa Don’t Worry: Another Whisper from Noelle’ was released by Outskirts Press on June 6, 2021.

The book, Grandpa Don’t Worry, takes Noelle’s whispers even further than before. If you’ve read our first book in the series, “A Whisper from Noelle,” you would know that an Angel, named Noelle, is whispering to the main character, Ashley-Ann. These messages help Ashley-Ann to learn what it means to feel and to discover important values that will shape her life. Ashley-Ann shares these messages with her mommy.

Tuning into to the whispers and exploring what it means to feel, including what to do when you’re afraid, what it means to be kind and caring and to trust others, and to be true to yourself, are all cornerstones of our 1st book.

Grandpa Don’t Worry exemplifies what it means to be empathetic. Through Noelle, Ashley-Ann learns what her grandpa feels and why he feels strongly about certain values or Loving Lessons. In the book, Ashley-Anne moves beyond listening and hearing to feeling deeply. She also expresses her care and love for her grandpa through important actions.

The Two Reasons We Wrote Grandpa Don’t Worry

First, in our books, we wanted to focus on trusted relationships, starting with Ashley-Ann and her mommy and now her grandpa. Eventually, Ashley-Ann will also receive messages about additional family members to strengthen values and increase their family bond. Ashley-Ann learns her grandpa worries and what this means to him and to her as well.

Listening carefully, placing yourself in someone else’s shoes (as close to their experience as you can get) and having a deeper understanding is the road to empathy. Empathy practiced in the home may lead to more empathy practiced in other important areas a child’s life: School, relationships, community, etc.

The 2nd reason we wrote Grandpa Don’t Worry was to pay tribute to both of our dads, Michael G. Skrobola and Irving S. Ziegler, who were the best grandpas to our children. They read, played, and spent time with our kids, and, yes, they would bring up subjects that had them worried.

In Grandpa Don’t Worry, we wanted our dads / the two grandpas to know that no matter the age of their grandchildren and great grandchildren, they were a large part in the shaping of feelings and family values. In fact, it was their Loving Lessons, mentioned in our book, which will continue to inspire our families in generations to come. 

Worry is a Part of Human Nature

Is there a bittersweet lesson here? Well, yes, there is. it’s often wishing that Grandparents and parents didn’t have to worry. However, worry is a part of human nature. After all the definition of worry is to give attention to issues whether they or actual or a potential unknown. We live in a world where news, social media, technology, and disruption may increase the feelings of the unknown. Our advice is to tune out those distractions and be more present in the moment and aware, especially when you’re spending time (those precious moments) with your children.

So rather than silent thought and stressful worry, why not get present and bring it out in the open, in loving and kind ways. Start a practice to uncover thoughts, feelings, and values early. Explore how different feelings will continue to shape your child’s growth and development, even when they are grown and on their own.

Whether it’s an angel, like Noelle, or it’s your inner guidance system that brings up these feelings and values, it’s important to explore them early. Is there an angel who whispers in your ear? These whispers may call attention to feelings and values you have as an adult and a professional, or as a parent tuning into your children. The best words we can offer are to explore feeling together and often.

If you want to learn more about Grandpa Don’t Worry, you can check out the book on our website. You can also purchase our book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. All proceeds from A Whisper From Noelle and Grandpa Don’t Worry got to The Noelle Skrobola Outstanding Research Scholar Award at the College of New Jersey (TCNJ) where Noelle received her undergraduate degree in Psychology.

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How Different Generations Face Fears [FEEL First eBook Part I]

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It’s here! I’m launching the first ebook in a four-part series, all based on the data and analysis of the results from the FEEL First Test online.

Here’s the “Why” Behind the FEEL Test …

The FEEL First Test is part of an ongoing passion project and research experiment. When my stepdaughter, Noelle, who was a Millennial, passed away in September of 2018, I wanted to know what Millennials were thinking and feeling.

Many questions crossed my mind. Rather than guessing, I set off on a research journey gathering qualitative data from over 100 interviews with Millennials. At the time, I didn’t realize I would be analyzing and using the data to build a communications model, an online interactive test, and a roadmap to help professionals be present, self-aware and more tuned into and self-reflective of their interactions.

I wanted to know from Millennials, who were born between the years 1981 and 1996, the answers to these questions:

  • How do you show up to your conversations?
  • Are you sharing your authentic self?
  • What do you value?
  • How do you want to be perceived?
  • How do you want the leaders / supervisors, managers and mentors in your life to communicate with you?
  • What do you look for from a leader, supervisor, manager or mentor?
  • What do you look for in a relationship?
  • What does it take to build trust with people, whether you’re on social media, at your company or in any setting?

The 100+ Millennials I spoke with had more to say than I had ever expected or imagined. The one-on-one interviews scheduled for 15 to 20 minutes started to turn into 60 and 90-minute conversations.

I encouraged the flow of the discussions and the transparent sharing of stories and feelings. Some of what I heard enlightened me, and the process was eye-opening to say the least. At the same time, what was shared was jaw dropping and unsettling, which led me to ask another very important question. 

Do you ever really know how someone feels? 

The Millennials I interviewed told their stories with passion and from the heart. They stated exactly what they were thinking and feeling. It was then I realized, in order to tune in, and truly embrace the verbal and non-verbal cues shared daily, you have to be present and aware in each and every moment. Those interviews and those moments really opened my eyes.

When I stepped back to record the data from the conversations, I saw an interesting pattern develop. Four buckets quickly emerged based on the stories, the sentiment and the insights shared for the questions I initially asked. Clearly, and overwhelmingly, the Millennials wanted the people around them (with a focus on their leaders, supervisors, managers, etc.) to:

  1. Be more open and inclusive, which meant they had to face FEARS.
  2. Show kindness, be understanding and have EMPATHY.
  3. Live with truth and transparency and show good judgment, living with ETHICS daily.
  4. Have passion and show it by unleashing their LOVE for important causes and standing up for what they believed in.

For me, those four buckets, and understanding each one, has become a life purpose and an ongoing passion. They spelled a word that can make a difference in your personal and professional communication. The word is: FEEL.

If you apply FEEL or feelings, at the point of every interaction, and each communication you encounter, then you are more likely to deepen your conversations and move toward genuine relationships. 

The word FEEL has changed my life and career journey, and it’s the lens through which I evaluate my communications. Applying a FEEL lens to your connections and communication helps to build trust, loyalty and advocacy with every interaction.

Having Emotional Intelligence (EI) means understanding your own feelings/ emotions and reactions. So, I ask you …

  • Are you self-aware? 
  • Do you have self-discipline? 
  • Do you exercise self-management?
  • Are you also self-reflective? 
  • Do you manage your own emotions, so you can tune into and handle/manage someone else’s? 

Pondering the questions further, I realized there was no test to evaluate whether you FEEL first, before you engage in communication with the people around you.

Of course, evaluating your level of FEEL or how open, inclusive (and not fearful you are), empathetic, ethical and passionate toward a cause, is not just for Millennials. It’s for all generations and every human being. 

As a result of my qualitative research study, which focused on Millennials, regardless of your gender, age, generation or profession, the FEEL First Test came to life with a goal to help you realize how you feel about yourself, the people around you.

    After collecting over 9,100 answers from about 350 test participants between February 2020 and February 2021, I’ve created the 1st ebook you can download with findings from the FEEL First Test.

    To get your complimentary copy of the ebook, How Different Generations Face Fears, you can fill out the brief form and download below.

    Download The Feel First Test eBook
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    Book Announcement: Answers For Ethical Marketers Published as a Guide to Good Business Communication

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    When I started my public relations and marketing career journey, I thought ethics and values always entered the equation. Every professional, journalist, and media outlet practiced ethical conduct. Naive, I know!
     
    What I’ve learned quickly, and, in some cases, with a big lesson attached, is that ethics and values are a personal choice and a professional practice. Defining your values and applying your good judgment in decision-making goes with you, down every road and at every crossroad. You do not leave your values at your company’s doorstep and automatically adapt their “best practices.” Suddenly, the ability to pause, question, involve smart people in decisions, and course correct are critical actions. Upholding the standards of truth, objectivity, accuracy, fairness, with a “Do No Harm” approach is also what you want to rely on every day. This way, at the end of your day, your integrity is still intact.
     
    Answers For Ethical Marketers Released  in April 2021
    Now, there’s a book with personal stories, shared experiences with business thought leaders, and plenty of questions asked and answered about ethical conduct in communications. I’m excited to announce I’ve collaborated with Routledge Publishing to release my book, Answers for Ethical Marketers. It’s the 2nd book in the ‘Answers’ series after releasing Answers for Modern Communicators in 2017.
     
    My new book is just the beginning of pressing conversations about ethics and values. Some we’ve had in the past and other discussions that are new due to ever-changing technologies and the evolving media landscape.
     
    Breaking Down the Book
    As for the writing process, there was plenty of fodder for the pages of this book. I wrote it during a global pandemic, the 2020 Presidential Election, and, at a time, when there was racial violence. Yes, challenges lie ahead, and leaders need to be ethical role models. They should be setting an example for their employees, customers and the other stakeholders they serve. However, is it just leaders and their communications teams responsible for ethics in communications?
     

    Who is the Ethical Marketer? Well, it’s you, whether you’re a marketing / PR professional, a business person, or anyone in the company who is communicating and sharing about the brand. That’s a wide range of professionals.  There are opportunities and challenges when it comes to ethics and values permeating every level and position in an organization. Answers for Ethical Marketers breaks down the landscape. The book starts by probing the ‘essentials’ of what Ethical Marketers need to know.

    Some of the chapters include:

    • Applying ethics through media channels in PR, digital marketing, and social media programs.
    • Delivering ethical communication through cause marketing.
    • Taking ethics into media interviews.
    • Learning the actions steps of leaders who are ethical role models.
    • Identifying your ethical mentors. 
    Moving Forward With Ethical Marketing
    I look forward to the discussions, passionate perspectives, decision-making processes, and highlighting the professionals demonstrating ethical conduct that speak to truth, transparency, integrity, and the character professionals need to uphold in their communications today. Yes, words matter, yet actions will always speak louder than words. At the same time, I realize we’re all human, and mistakes will happen. It’s what you do with the learning moments and how you move forward with action steps knowing that you “Do Well By Doing Good.”
     
    Answers For Ethical Marketers is a compass to guide you, and a resource to help you tap into your inner “Ethics GPS,” regardless of your organization, position, or the situation at hand.
     
    Here’s my video explaining the book and launch. If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out Answers for Ethical Marketers here.
    Buy The Book Here

    Answers For Ethical Marketers Book Announcement

    A Whisper From Noeel Book

    Announcing the Launch of a New Book: A Whisper From Noelle

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    I’ve spent years writing business books on PR, branding and social media. However, I never imagined writing a children’s book on what it means to FEEL as a way to help parents and children to explore feelings together.

    As I was working with professionals to FEEL First (my research passion project), which explores facing Fears, having Empathy, living with Ethics and unleashing Love, my husband, Mark shared that he wanted to write a children’s book as a way to honor the memory of our daughter (my stepdaughter) Noelle. 

    Then, I thought about about some of the resistance I’ve encountered in business around my FEEL model. Depending on your industry and company culture, showing your feelings in the workplace setting can be difficult for professionals.

    Together we had an “AHA” moment and something clicked! Mark and I knew that the FEEL “work” must start younger, with children and parents, in the home. So, I mediated one morning and right afterward wrote the story, A Whisper From Noelle.” Mark took the ball and ran with it. He worked closely with the illustrator and the publisher to bring the book, A Whisper From Noelle, to life.

    Children are impressionable. They are molded by their families in the home environment. Making sure you are present and actively listening to what scares your children, or what makes them happy, really matters. Helping children to learn what it means to be kind, caring and compassionate lays the groundwork for later years. Understanding why it is important to be true to yourself and to trust your “inner GPS” guides children more smoothly into adulthood.

    Our hope, passion and purpose is to bring grandparents, parents and children together so they learn, understand, discover and accept different feelings. After all, there is nothing more precious than the feelings of your children as you help them to find their way in this world.

    Mark and I have created a short video about the book you can access below. You can also visit our website to learn more about A Whisper From Noelle. All proceeds of the book go to The College of New Jersey’s Outstanding Research Scholar award.

    Please help us to celebrate the launch of our new book and the importance of sharing feelings in the home.

    A Whisper From Noelle Book Launch

    PR Expanded Video Contest Winner #1

    The 1st Winner of the PR Expanded Student Video Contest is …

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    When I teamed up with Professor Jennie Donohue last year, we wanted to create an assignment for her UMASS at Amherst Intro to PR class that was an opportunity for students to create content based on what they learned during the semester. The question quickly became, “should it be another blog post contest?”

    In the spirit of students and professionals being PR Tech Testers, we thought it would be a much more interesting assignment for students to create videos based on what they learned in class.

    After reading my latest book, “Answers for Modern Communicators,” each student was tasked with creating a short educational video sharing tips and insights based on one of three communication practices – i.e., media relations, strategic communication/integrated marketing communication, or employee communication – that related to class content. 

    We selected two winners. Winner #1 is (drumroll please) … Wei Cai, who is an undergraduate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Winner #2 will be announced next week.

    Wei Cai, UMASS at Amherst Undergraduate Student

    Wei’s academic studies are in journalism, consumer technology, and resource economics; he is passionate about the intersections of the fields. If you want to learn more about Wei, you can follow him on Twitter at @weicai_.

    Here is Wei’s winning video. Let’s congratulate and support Wei by sharing his video on social media!

    Social Media for Strategic Communication

    Book Review: Social Media for Strategic Communication By Karen Freberg

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    Author Karen Freberg Social Media For Strategic CommunicationOne of the best ways to kick off the New Year is with a good book that offers great guidance and takes a deep dive into being more strategic with your storytelling. Social Media for Strategic Communication by Author, Consultant and Professor Karen Freberg is a book that’s jam-packed with strategy, creative techniques and communication tactics. There are so many reasons why I like this book and would recommend it to students, professors and professionals.

    Thank you, Karen, for writing another book for the classroom and for business pros that gets two thumbs up (and a big high five from me). Once again, you’ve published a resource that will guide many in their communication in 2019 and beyond!
    You can check out my video review to learn why you need to pick up a copy.

     

     

    Richard Bistrong and Deirdre Breakenridge, FPRA Annual Conference

    Rebuilding Your Reputation: From White Collar Crime to Industry Thought Leader

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    I’ve been writing a lot about the Modern Communicator and answering questions that have flowed in through Twitter, Skype, LinkedIn and Facebook. Who is the Modern Communicator? What does it take to become one, and how can you be more effective with your communication, whether it’s for your professional brand or your business? All great questions. My article, “If You’re a Modern Communicator, Then You THINK AHEAD” addresses these questions.
    However, there’s one fundamental quality of the Modern Communicator that has to become an automatic part of your practice. It’s your ability to make tough choices, and to move outside of your comfort zone, as the communications landscape continues to evolve. Here’s where you have to trust your gut and know when to shift into your “uncomfortable zone.”
    I’ll share a little story with you. In 2014, Richard Bistrong, a former international sales executive, contacted me after he was released from prison. He had read my books while he was incarcerated for 14 months. When he reached out, he asked if I would help him with his messaging for the media , work with him to navigate social media, and to rebuild his damaged reputation.
    Here’s where, as a Modern Communicator, I had to make a choice. Should I step out of my comfort zone to take on this account? Should I align my work and brand with someone I had never met before, and I’m only first learning about his story? Even some of my closest colleagues said I shouldn’t take the assignment (all good intentioned professionals). I rose to the occasion and decided to work with Richard.
    Richard and I will be discussing the details his journey in a Fireside Chat at the FPRA 80th Annual Conference on August 7th in Jacksonville, Florida. Until then, here’s a little bit about the Richard’s story (from the Modern Communicator’s perspective).

    Of course, if  you’d like to know more about my journey with Richard, you can email either of us at Deirdre@PurePerformanceComm.com or RichardTBistrong@gmail.com.

     

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    If You’re a Modern Communicator, Then You THINK AHEAD

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    I know a lot of professionals who are storytellers. But, here’s a little profile test to see if you’re a modern communicator who shares stories that resonate and create impact with your audiences.

    Deirdre Breakenridge, NBC CT News InterviewFirst, if you consider yourself a modern communicator, then you’re ready to (1) navigate media and build relationships through new channels, (2) you understand the shifts in consumer preferences and behavior by analyzing data, and (3) you’re continuously evolving with technology. In addition, your approach to storytelling is flexible and you easily adapt to a global communications landscape.

    But, let’s take the profile of the modern communicator a step further … most of all you’re trained to THINK AHEAD. Do you?

    The approach is simple. First, you need mastery of the “THINK” part, and then the proficiency of the “AHEAD” steps to create communication that connects, resonates and helps you to grow your relationships with customers and your loyal advocates.

    Here’s how the THINK AHEAD approach breaks down, so you’re a storyteller with purpose, who stands out and builds stronger relationships in a fast-paced, ever-evolving and very noisy media landscape.

    Start with THINK:

    “T” is Timing. Modern communicators know how to attach their stories to the timely and relevant news. The more you can be a part of an unfolding story and you can add value and context to a meaningful conversation (whether it’s local, regional or national) the more you’ll be recognized for what you have to say.

    “H” is Heart. You must have a heart or empathy for those who are on the receiving end of your communication. This takes tremendous discipline and a great deal of EQ (Emotional Quotient) to be able to walk in someone else’s shoes. You’re able to show compassion and empathy, especially when passionate voices collide, opinions vary and yes, tempers flare.

    “I” is Independent. When there is a lot of noisy communication and you see parties taking respective sides, you have to trust your gut and go with your instincts. Sometimes the communities and groups that generally share your opinions may not be upholding your values. Don’t jump on the bandwagon and don’t be a part of “group think.” Remain independent when you have to and always be true to your own brand.

    “N” is New Navigation. You have to be ready to step out of your comfort zone and to navigate in new and exciting ways. This means embracing new channels and methods to reach people that don’t always feel comfortable and familiar. Modern Communicators can never be too complacent. When complacency sets in, you may also be missing opportunities to grow relationships and meet people in places where they prefer to congregate. Operate in your “uncomfortable” zone for maximum growth potential.

    “K” is Knowledge. Modern communicators always have to be learning and growing. Professional development will keep you 10-steps ahead of your customers, and other important stakeholders. If you’re the smartest person in the room, then you’re hanging out with the wrong people. You should always be challenging yourself with new opportunities to learn.

    When you can master the THINK part, then you’re ready for the AHEAD steps, which break down as follows:

    “A” is Anticipate. Modern communicators know the facts, understand a situation thoroughly, before they communicate and learn as much as they can about the people or groups with whom they want to connect.

    “H” is Head Off. When you head off any issues or concerns, as a modern communicator you can neutralize potential adverse situations before they bubble up, from small molehills into massive mountains. Heading off the negative also means acknowledging what’s occurring, and letting people know you’re aware, accountable and getting more information.

    “E” is Evaluate. Make it your job to evaluate situations by gathering input from all parties involved. You can’t get part of the story to solve a problem or to stop an existing condition from getting worse. When you can evaluate and speak with everyone involved, you’ll have a much better handle on the situation so you can move toward action and resolution.

    “A” is Action. In a dynamic, real-time communications landscape, you have to act quickly. You can’t just say what you’re going to do, you have to show it and mean it. Saying “sorry” is always a good start. A good heartfelt, “Mea Culpa” will get the ball rolling. But, then you have to take additional steps to make sure you’re demonstrating you’re sorry and making good on your promises moving forward.

    “D” is Determine Success. Modern communicators are always learning from past missteps or the successful ways they’re able to THINK AHEAD. When you can take the time to see what’s worked in your communication and what hasn’t, you’re ready to make your engagement stronger and create better relationships that lead to loyalty and advocacy.

    When modern communicators can THINK AHEAD, the success of the approach shows in all of their communications and resulting relationships. Modern communicators are known for their ability to raise the bar on storytelling and for their strong bonds. They’re respected, trusted and connected in their communities.

    Do you match the profile of the modern communicator because you THINK AHEAD? If you want to learn more about modern communicators, building relationships, navigating new media and how to be more effective in your business communications, then check out my book, Answers for Modern Communicators.

     

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