Quote EQ4U UPDATE – JANUARY 2023

This month’s quote encapsulates a deeply meaningful reflection for the advocation of peace, applicable to scenarios between individuals and groups as well as nations at war – a fitting contemplation for New Year 2023 and beyond:

‘If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.’
HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

The above is listed in EQ4U’s quotes section:
COMMUNICATION & UNDERSTANDING – EQ4U

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

Grammar/communication notes to be resumed in February.

Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year,

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – DECEMBER 2022

The Christmas season of goodwill prompts reflections of seeking meaningful understanding of and engagement with others:
 

‘If I cannot understand my friend’s silence, I will never get to understand his words.’
ENOCH POWELL
‘I don’t think’ …..’then you shouldn’t talk’ said the Hatter
LEWIS CARROLL (from Alice in Wonderland)
 
‘People will forget what you said and will forget what you did but will never forget how you made them feel.’
MAYA ANGELOU

 
The above are listed in EQ4U’s quotes section:
COMMUNICATION & UNDERSTANDING – EQ4U
 
*GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES
 
This month’s grammar notes from Kathy’s book, pages 60 – 62 referencing clarification of common Latin abbreviations and correct comma usage:

  • i.e.,- Latin ‘id est’, meaning ‘that is’ or ‘in other words’, generally followed by a comma.
  • e.g., – Latin ‘exempli gratia’, meaning ‘for example’. It, too, should be followed by a comma.
  • et al – Latin ‘et alii’ meaning ‘and others’. It does not require a comma.
  • etc. – Latin ‘et cetera’ meaning ‘and the rest’, ‘and so forth’. It should be preceded by a comma.

Please continue to let me know if you have any grammar or communication notes that you would like me to include or if you have any comments.
 
*Grammar notes are dedicated to the memory of ‘Ruthless Editor’ Kathy Watson.  Kathy’s book: ‘Grammar for people who hate rules’ is a helpful reference source. Link to book: https://amzn.to/2AaV5bE

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – NOVEMBER 2022

The teamwork theme for this month is encapsulated in a quote that encompasses the core attributes for team effectiveness. Relevant to all teams regardless of context, with application of its message critical to the recently appointed Cabinet members appointed by the UK’s new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak:

‘A team is a group of people who function together in an extraordinary way – who trust one another, who complement each other’s strengths and compensate for each other’s limitations, who have common goals that are larger than individual goals, and who produce extraordinary results.’
PETER SENGE

The above is listed in EQ4U’s ‘Team’ quotes section.

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

COMPLEMENTARY VERSUS COMPLIMENTARY

A reminder of the difference in meaning between ‘compliment’ and ‘complement’, included in August 202 update, noted because of several examples recently seen where the incorrect term was used.

The simple rule to distinguish between them is that a compliment is something that is given as a free item or something that’s said or written that expresses admiration, regard or congratulation, whereas complement refers to enhancement or completion. The misuse of ‘complimentary’ when it should be ‘complementary’ is frequently noted, although rarely noted the other way round.

Please continue to let me know if you have any grammar or communication notes that you would like me to include or if you have any comments.

Warmest & best wishes,

Jan

Quote EQ4U UPDATE – OCTOBER 2022

In recognition and appreciation of unwavering dedication given to a life of service, October’s quotes are in remembrance of the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth. An unparalleled leadership exemplar of promise fulfilment.

‘The influence of each human being on others in this life is a kind of immortality.’
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’
GANDHI

The John Quincy Adams (the 6th President of United States) quote is listed under EQ4U’s ‘Philosophy’ section, and Gandhi’s under ‘Wellbeing’.

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES – To be resumed in November

Warmest & best wishes,

Jan

EQ4U UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2022

This month’s political and military leadership theme reflects the ongoing catastrophe of the war in Ukraine. Its repercussions affecting not only the tragic victims of military aggression, but also the global economic outcomes that impact on us all. The JFK quote would be infinitely more meaningful if attribution was to Russian military leadership, and the Jimmy Hendrix ‘love of power’ quote referencing a dominating element that underlies Russian presidential purpose.

‘I look forward to a future in which our country will match its military strength with our moral restraint, its wealth with our wisdom, its power with our purpose.’
JOHN F. KENNEDY

‘Military power wins battles, but spiritual power wins wars.’
GENERAL GEORGE CATLETT MARSHALL

‘When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.’
JIMMY HENDRIX

Quotes above are listed in EQ4U ‘Military’ section: MILITARY – EQ4U

A further deeply disturbing, chillingly descriptive and astute description of emotional impact is the fictional reference to a meeting with the Russian Head of State, described as ‘a ruthless tyrant, schooled in oppression both subtle and cruel’ and the feeling this incited:

‘His personal presence was intense. Standing close to him felt like being next to an explosive whose trigger was held in place by a tightly strung elastic, stretched to breaking.’

From – ‘State of Terror’ by Hilary Clinton and Louise Penny, p419

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

Descriptors that apply to the military leadership perpetuated against Ukraine:

• Pernicious – wicked or malicious, causing grave harm
• Bellicose – warlike, aggressive, eager to fight
• Execrable – very bad, abhorrent
• Malevolent – malicious, having evil intent
Please continue to let me know if you have any grammar or communication notes that you would like me to include or if you have any comments.

Warmest & best wishes,

Jan

EQ4U UPDATE – AUGUST 2022

This month’s theme indicates the critical topic of perpetual learning and development, applicable to us all and key to effective EQ leadership. While formal instruction’s value is recognised, interpretation of the Oscar Wilde quote includes an underlying theme suggesting the need for self-recognition and reflection. The following apt and thoughtful reminders also include reference to opposing feedback approaches:

‘Education is a wonderful thing, provided you always remember that nothing worth knowing can ever be taught.’
OSCAR WILDE

‘The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise that saved by criticism.’
NORMAN VINCENT PEALE

‘It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.’
JOHN WOODEN

Quotes above are listed in EQ4U ‘Learning & Achievement’ section:
LEARNING & ACHIEVEMENT – EQ4U

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

An ongoing frustration with incorrect grammar on BBC News ‘Breaking News’ rolling updates, noted in a broadcast on 13th July – using it’s with an apostrophe incorrectly instead of its. Error picked up on typing this with autocorrect below, but evidently not checked before transmission by BBC for correct grammar.

X The government is to tackle it’s own confidence motion – should be:
The government is to tackle its own confidence motion

And a few words that you may find useful to use in the appropriate context:
• Vituperative – berate or rail against abusively/ blaming
• Abstruse – hard to understand
• Homophily – seeking out ’people like us’ (Aristotle, Plato & Socrates spoke about its danger and the need to encourage divergent thinking/ cognitive diversity)

Please continue to let me know if you have any grammar or communication notes that you would like me to include or if you have any comments.

Warmest & best wishes,

Jan

EQ4U UPDATE – JULY 2022

This month’s principled leadership theme quotes have been inspired by a political leader, recently interviewed for the EQ Political Leadership book I am currently writing in partnership with co-author, Daniel Kawczynski.

Hassan took over as an independent candidate Prime Minister of Lebanon in December 2019 when the country had reached breakdown point, and when many of its problems had been hidden or carefully concealed by previous administrations. Amid civil unrest following the Port of Beirut explosion in 2020 and in recognition of the overall accountability he held for the government’s performance as its leader, Hassan resigned as Prime Minister. After his resignation, he continued to serve as caretaker Prime Minister for over 13 months.

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to engage with Hassan, not only when he was interviewed for the book, but also on subsequent occasions during his recent visit to UK.

‘Effective leadership means having moral authority rather than formal authority’

‘Focus not on ego but on what can be achieved.’

HASSAN DIAB

Both quotes are listed in EQ4U ‘Leadership’ section.

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

The first word below is one of my favourite words, essential to principled leadership. The second word also expresses a desirable leadership trait.

  • Sagacious (adj) – foresight, discernment, ability to make wise judgements
  • Perspicacious (adj) – quickly gaining insight into things

Please continue to let me know if you have any grammar or communication notes that you would like me to include or if you have any comments.

Warmest & best wishes,

Jan

EQ4U UPDATE – JUNE 2022

Amongst the negativity, complexity and concern about issues that are affecting people across the globe, a more positive and upbeat ‘success’ theme for this month’s quotes:

‘Success is not measured by height attained but by obstacles overcome.’
BRUCE JENNER

‘Passion plus vision plus action is the equation for success.’
MARILYN KING

‘Whoever I am, or whatever I am doing, some kind of excellence is within my reach.’
JOHN W. GARDNER

Quotes are listed in EQ4U ‘Learning & Achievement’ section.

GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

A couple of words this month that incorporate meaningful expression in one word instead of several:

• Meliorism – the notion that the world can be improved by human effort.

• Verisimilitude – the appearance or semblance of truth or reality / seemingly true

Please continue to let me know if you have any grammar or communication notes that you would like me to include or if you have any comments.

Warmest & best wishes,,

Jan

EQ4U UPDATE – MAY 2022

EQ4U UPDATE – MAY 2022

Sobering reflections on the global effect of the chillingly shocking and infinite stupidity demonstrated by Putin’s leadership of Russia’s war in Ukraine are encompassed in this month’s quotes:  

Two things are infinite: the universe and man’s stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.’

‘Three great forces rule the world: stupidity, fear and greed.’

EINSTEIN

Both quotes are listed in EQ4U ‘Philosophy’ section.

*GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES

That vs. Who

This month’s grammar notes from Kathy’s book, pages 44 & 45, referencing that who is correct when referring to people. Examples as follows where that should be replaced by who.

  • “I’m sorry there’s at least one of my colleagues that who can’t take a joke.”
  • “You have a friend that’s who’s got your back.”

Please continue to let me know if you have any grammar or communication notes that you would like me to include or if you have any comments.

*Grammar notes are dedicated to the memory of ‘Ruthless Editor’ Kathy Watson.  Kathy’s book: ‘Grammar for people who hate rules’ is a helpful reference source. Link to book: https://amzn.to/2AaV5bE

Warmest & best wishes,

Jan

EQ4U UPDATE – APRIL 2022

This month’s quotes denote excoriation of the unthinkable leadership behaviour of Vladimir Putin and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The first relating to denial of intentions and actions, applicable not only to Putin but also to others who deny the evidence of their behaviour. The second a reflection on the internecine factor of the war in Ukraine:

‘You can’t talk yourself out of what you’ve behaved yourself into.’
STEPHEN COVEY
 
‘We will not submit to injustice – not merely because it is destroying us, but because it is destroying you as well.’
MAHATMA GHANDI
 

Both quotes are listed in EQ4U Quotations section, the first under ‘Character’ and the second under ‘Military’.
 
 
GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES
 
Three words applicable to the Putin style of leadership:
 
Egregious – outstandingly bad / shocking/ obviously wrong beyond any
reasonable degree
Pernicious – wicked or malicious/ causing grave harm
Bellicose –    eager to fight
 
Please continue to let me know if you have any grammar or communication notes that you would like me to include or if you have any comments.
 
Warmest & best wishes