Great leaders know that how they communicate is almost as important as what they communicate. They're constantly aware that everything they say will be taken to heart by their team, and that they'll be measured against their own words.

Looking to make a good impression with a new boss or improve your relationship with your current manager? Try adding a few of these powerful phrases into your conversations. You can easily improve your standing with your boss without being insincere or being thought a brown-noser.

I am not impressed by someone's ability to intimidate, cajole, persuade, manipulate, overpower or overwhelm others. No, what impresses me most are the people who have the ability to do these things, but who choose instead to let kindness lead them to success.

We're human, every single one of us. We feel happy, and sometimes we feel smart. Other times we feel stupid. We enjoy feeling loved. We cringe when we feel hated. We all get angry for sure. Some handle it better than others. Sometimes in my life I've been quick to anger.

For most working people, we spend more time at work than we do at home, so it’s important to have healthy relationships with the people we work and interact with, including employees, managers and customers. Dealing with personalities, moods and egos can be tricky. Since we can’t change them, then...

If you were to see my calendar, you'd probably notice a host of time slots greyed out but with no indication of what's going on. There is no problem with my Outlook or printer. The grey sections reflect "buffers," or time periods I've purposely kept clear of meetings.