Skip to content

Browse Topics Find an Expert Search About

Log InLog In Contribute

Browse Topics Find an Expert Search About

Home/
Articles

Browse SelfGrowth articles

Loading the searchable article library…

SelfGrowth.comThe Self Improvement Guide

Explore experts, guides, articles, videos, and events by topic.

Explore

All topics Experts Guides Articles Videos

Platform

About SelfGrowth Websites Newsletters Events Become an Official Guide Contact

Compliance

Legal

Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Cookie Policy

Your choices

Privacy Requests

Help improve SelfGrowth

Accounts

Personal account Create Professional Account Become a Contributor

SelfGrowth helps readers explore personal growth topics with clear paths into guides, experts, and related resources.

Home/
Experts/
Gian Fiero |/
Articles

Articles by Gian Fiero |

Browse published articles attributed to Gian Fiero |, with full-archive search.

articles: 28

Explore

TopicsBrowse every topic ExpertsFind people ArticlesRead guidance WebsitesOpen resources EventsSee sessions VideosWatch clips

⌕

SortRecommended Most viewed Most recent Highest rated Alphabetical

Showing 1–28

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

The Power of Observation

If experience is the greatest teacher, and hindsight is 20/20, then what can be said of observation? Observation is defined as: 1 a: an act or instance of observing a custom, rule, or law b: observance 2 a: an act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence often involving measurement with instruments b: a record or description so obtained 3: a judgment on or inference from what one has observed. No matter which definition one may choose, employing the power of observation is a choice. What derails us in this decision making process?

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

8,127 views★ 3.0 (6)

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

The Art of Empathetic Listening

Listening is such a simple process. One person talks, the other person listens. Or do they? We often confuse hearing with listening. The two are different, though both are done with our ears. Hearing is a natural function of the ear which involves the reception of sound. It's one of your senses.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

5,283 views★ 3.3 (7)

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

How Your Appearance Impacts Your Success

Look the part. That's what people from my grandmother's generation used to say. It meant looking like the professionals who belonged to the group that you wanted to be a part of. It also meant carrying yourself, through your demeanor, in a manner that's consistent with the expectations of the role you play in business. Over the years, things have become, in a word, relaxed. Too relaxed for people from my grandmother's generation.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

2,482 views★ 3.7 (6)

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

What Black Men And Peacocks Have In Common

The interesting thing about being the only black man, and black person, in an office is that I have this unique opportunity to educate white people about black culture. For me, and many black men in my position, we find that once the initial barrier of resistance is overcome and a right of passage is granted, a competent and professional black man can go about the serious business of shattering stereotypes, representing the entire black race, and engaging in the refined behaviors that engender trust from our colleagues.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

2,541 views★ 3.6 (5)

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Some Advice About Giving Advice

Over the years it's come to my attention that people - educated, accomplished, or just highly opinionated - tend to be very generous in giving advice. They mean well, for the most part, but they often don't weigh the outcome of their generosity. Advice, like food, tastes better when one is hungry for it. Ever try and feed a baby or a child when they are not hungry? Compare that to feeding both when they have sufficient hunger. The difference is stark. The former will make them seem undesirous.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,725 views★ 4.1 (7)

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

How to Impersonalize Criticism

Criticism is tough for most people. When we are criticized, we often develop a reaction to what is being said which makes us feel as though we are under attack. It's only natural to impulsively defend one's self under such circumstances. Granted, some criticisms are malicious and unwarranted, but all of them are not without merit.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,652 views★ 3.8 (5)

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Excuses, Excuses - What They Reveal About People

Parents are well-acquainted with excuses and reasons. After all, they get exposed to plenty of them while raising their children. Some children become adept at making excuses from the time they learn to talk. Left unchecked, the pattern becomes habit forming and lingers into adulthood. It also prevents children from becoming responsible adults. The difference between adults and children is that adults possess cognitive (reasoning) skills that children do not. Poor cognitive skills produce an immature thought process.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,479 views★ 3.0 (5)

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

The Real Reasons Why People Are Always Late

I know them. You know them too: People who are always late. It seems like no matter what the situation or event, they just can't seem to be on time. Some use a litany of excuses to justify their chronic tardiness, but the worse offenders are not only comfortable with being consistently late, but expect you to be accepting of their impunctuality as well. Not only is their behavior selfish, it's also disrespectful. People who are always late rob us of the most precious and valuable commodity that we own: our time.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

10,413 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

How to Cure the Monday Morning Blues

It's Monday morning. In any office, in any given city, you can find an ample amount of people who are suffering from that dreaded condition called "Monday Morning Blues." The exact origin of this condition is unclear. Does is it start the moment we open our eyes on Monday morning? Or does it slowly rise up as night falls on Sunday? More importantly, how do we cure it? This article will offer some solutions and tips on how to cure your Monday Morning Blues so that you can become a more productive and happier worker. 1.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

6,536 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

The Benefits of Reciprocity

Recently I severed a business relationship that I once valued. It was not something that I did impetuously; on the contrary, I had been contemplating this move for quite some time. The delay was not in the deliberation, but in maintaining the hope that things would get better - which it didn't. At the heart of the matter were my deeply entrenched feelings of being used (i.e., taken advantage of).

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

5,147 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

The Antisocial Aspect of Social Networking

It's estimated that more than one-third (35 percent) of U.S. adults have a profile on a social networking site, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project's daily tracking survey of 2,251 adults. A more practical survey can be done just by thinking of the number of people you know who use these sites - starting with yourself. While many will legitimately use social networking sites for broadcasting, distribution, and communication purposes, more people are attempting to instigate and manage friendships online. Therein lies the problem.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

4,100 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

The Therapeutic Value Of A Hug

Have you hugged your child today? It was a popular slogan that was coined in 1969. I think it’s time to modify the phrase to: Have you hugged your loved one today? Most couples report the perfunctory kiss upon their greeting or departure as their most consistent form of affection outside of sex. It’s not enough. We should never mistake or substitute sex for affection.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

3,596 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

What it Really Means to Be True to Yourself

I have been curious about the concept of being "true to yourself" (i.e. honoring one's true self) for a while. It's a motto for some and an aspiration for others. This article will provide you with deeper (psychological and scientific) insight into the phenomenon and offer a broader understanding of what it really means to be true to yourself. I chose to approach this subject (and this article) from the opposite end of the spectrum: the converse of being true to yourself which is being false (in behavior, action, or choice) to one's true self.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

3,577 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

The Challenge of Letting Go

There comes a point and time in everyone's life when they need to let go. It's easier said than done, and even when most recognize the need to let go they can't do it. Letting go is about freedom; freedom that can only be experienced through the disconnection of the things - or the person - that cause the mental imprisonment. It's about clearing a path that will take you from where you've been, to where you want to go. It's about stepping out of the shadows of negative experiences and emerging as a victor instead of a victim.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

2,920 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Talking Heads - Dealing With People Who Won't Shut-Up

We have all been in situations with people who seem to be talking at us instead of with us. They just open their mouths, take aim, and commence to rapidly moving their lips.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

2,795 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

The Barack Obama Effect on Black Men

When I was a boy, I would overhear older black men talking about this evil, mythical figure called "The Man." I thought there was Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and The Man. The Man was accused of selfishly hoarding power and resources that prevented black men from getting jobs, owning businesses, and having greater opportunities in general. As a young impressionable child, The Man seemed like one bad mutha.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

2,698 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Inspiration & Motivation - Similar But Different

One of my favorite movies of all time, Jerry Maguire, features Tom Cruise as an agent with a major sports management firm. He's enthusiastic, successful, a great negotiator and people like him.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

2,149 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

A Question of Value - Understanding Your Worth

With the marketplace becoming increasingly competitive for professionals, service providers, and contractors, more people are focusing on their marketing efforts than ever before. While marketing seems to be the logical answer to the complex problem of creating greater awareness of your products and services, it's not an all encompassing solution. At the heart of every marketing issue is value. Understanding value starts with understanding what it means.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,865 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Beyond the Persona - Getting to Really Know People

I recently attended the funeral of a young man I'd known for all of his life. As with most funerals, it was a somber experience marked by the outward display of sadness. Funeral services can be as formal or as informal as the family allows them to be. This particular funeral service was very informal. Family members, friends, and coworkers were allowed to speak in remembrance of the deceased. This is where this article found its inspiration. Each person took the podium with a sense of awkwardness and obligation.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,611 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Solid Brand Construction in 4 Easy Steps

What is branding? Branding is a set of qualities and characteristics that are associated with a person, product, company, or organization. Successful brands rarely have negative associations; brands with negative associations are rarely successful. What does branding have to do with you? In a word: everything.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,566 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Making Personal PR Work For You

Public relations is defined as: Positive communications and interactions between a person, organization, or company and the public on whom its success or failure depends. Like it or not, we are always engaged in public relations. From the time you step out of your house and greet your neighbor, until the time you say good night to the parking attendant when you leave work, public relations are inevitable. Who you are as a person, and how you are as a professional is delicately intertwined.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,562 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Taking Time To Think About Time

Time is not tangible, but yet we all feel its effects as we age. Time passes you by while you are standing still or when running at full speed. You can't outrun time; it's too fast and tireless. Time waits for no one. Some people try to save time, but time can't be saved like money. Money can be added; time can only be subtracted. Some people try to manage time in an effort to make the most of it, but it's not the time that gets maximized, it's the effort that really gets managed. From the time we are born, time surrounds and engulfs us.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,545 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Positive Reflections - Being Mindful of Who You Represent

For many of us our routine interactions with each other are not given much thought. We assume that how we conduct ourselves in our private and personal lives is a reflection of the actions, behaviors, and decisions that we make under our own volition. After all, we are the ones exhibiting the behavior and engaging in the conduct, so who else could our actions reflect upon? The answer is more people than you probably acknowledge. From the time that children can interact with others, they represent their parents.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,520 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Anticipation - The Real Key to Being Prepared

So often we mention the importance of preparation without discussing what it means and what it entails. That's a mistake. The definition of preparation varies from one person to the next; therefore it is possible to lack preparation from the very beginning of any process in one person's view, and to be totally prepared in another's.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,473 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Debunking the Myth of Not Having Enough Time

Professionally, we often hear people say that they are busy. Some people repeat it so much that they sound like broken records. But are they really that busy? Or do they suffer from faulty time management skills? In the vast majority of cases, it's the latter reason. There are 24 hours in a day. People who claim to be "super busy" will tell you that they wish the day consisted of 25 hours or more. The inference is that if they had an additional hour, they could get more done, and thus be more productive. Such is not the case.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,448 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Connecting With Others By Using Their Names

What’s the quickest way to build rapport with someone? Use their name when speaking to them. As simple as it may sound, it's a task that often gets undermined by forgetfulness. Why people forget names is the subject of much discussion, why they have difficulty remembering them is another. The truth is that most people are preoccupied with their own thoughts, judgments, insecurities, self-perceptions, and self-interests to free up the mental space that's necessary to have a name stick. Add to that the conce with remembering a person's name, and it's almost certain to be forgotten.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,398 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Why Experience Is Everything

One year while watching the NFL playoffs, an Old Spice commercial came on which featured a confident, dapper, middle-aged man. He was sitting on a chair in front of a lit fireplace with his legs crossed, striking a rather debonair pose while looking directly into the camera.

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,387 views

By Gian Fiero |Recently published1 topic

Using The Skills That Pay The Bills

If you are trying to get a job, or a better job, your chances of doing so will be greatly enhanced by the experience and education you place on your resume, but the "soft" skills that you demonstrate will distinguish and differentiate you from the gluttony of competitors who are vying for the same job. But what are those skills? Apparently, in spite of the flood of resumes that employers are receiving during a time when the market is saturated with job seekers, they are not as happy with their prospects as you might think. This is according to a comprehensive survey conducted by Randa

Primary topic: Success Principles

Success Principles

1,287 views

Back to top ↑