Colette Carlson, M.A.

Colette Carlson, MA, is a communication skills expert who inspires individuals to speak their truth – to confidently say what they mean and mean what they say to save everyone time, money, and sanity. Her zany humor, creativity, and ability to connect with people drive her powerful message home. Audiences leave Colette’s programs with the confidence, dialogue, and practical skills necessary to gain the attention, support, and respect of others.

Colette draws on her 15-year background as a National Sales Trainer for a division of US West and her work experience with professional sales trainers Brian Tracy and Tom Hopkins. She has a degree in Speech Communication, a Masters Degree in Human Behavior, and is a featured author in Conversations on Success, a content-rich collection of interviews capturing the insights, strategies, and inspirations of success-minded people.

As principal of Colette Carlson Communications, she has worked with clients across the United States such as Merck, Boeing, Women’s Council of Realtors, International Association of Administrative Professionals and many others.

Colette is a member of the National Speakers Association and the 2005 Educational Workshop Co-Chair. Her article, “How to Say No” is featured at www.WomensMedia.com.

Keynote topics

  • Communication mistakes even smart women make
  • Yes, I can say “No”
  • Success strategies – Become a sales star!

Content Posted by Colette Carlson, M.A.

Playing politics to win

Office politics doesn’t have to be manipulative or sleazy. In fact, it’s one of the most direct, smart and savvy ways to make your mark with those that count. Here are three rules to win the game of office politics.

Adaptation, consistency, alignment

I recently read an article in Inc. magazine about the “5 Qualities of Remarkable Bosses.”  As someone niched in training administrative professionals, I feel strongly about adapting these skills to grow everyone’s career.

Stop and launch at 80%

Everyone is expected to do more with less and the only way we’re going to survive and thrive is to stop at 80% and then move to the next task.

Get your recommendations now

Personnel changes can occur quickly and abruptly. So it makes sense to obtain letters of recommendations before you need them.

Power up to own your own power

Being powerful doesn’t mean you’re brazen, pushy or trying to control anyone or anything. It simply means you stop focusing on how little power you have in a situation, and instead tap into your talent and determination to influence others to create better outcomes. Start using your skills to make your office or home better for everyone.

The art of daily discipline

Do you find yourself watching time pass and still not beginning—let alone completing—what you say you want? Well, there’s no magic formula that allows others to succeed while you don’t. It all boils down to daily discipline.

Putting your RAS to work

Can you hear a colleague mention your name three cubicles over while in the middle of a task? If so, you can thank your Reticular Activating Center (RAS), which is similar to a big filter at the base of your brain. It’s up to you to program it for its highest and best use.

The distasteful sandwich

Have you been taught to “sandwich” constructive criticism be­­tween two positive statements? I think this is a distasteful way of delivering feedback and here’s why:

Boost the value of your self-worth

Never before have decision-­makers looked more closely at their return on investment, but I believe the greatest return you will ever receive is from the investment you make in yourself. Here’s why:

Avoiding unwanted attention at work

Some of us have had that un­­comfortable moment with a co-worker—an unwelcome ad­­vance, an inappropriate joke, or a colleague who just doesn’t seem to accept your consistent “no’s” to lunch or happy hour invitations. Here are five tips to fend off unwelcome behavior.

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