RelationShifts

Have you ever noticed that the people we struggle to understand the most are often the very people we need most in our lives?That’s why I’m excited to announce the release of my new book, Crossing Generational Lines.This book was written to challenge the myth that people from different generations can’t truly connect. In today’s world, too many relationships are divided by age, assumptions, communication styles, technology, and misunderstanding. But the truth is this: we can build meaningful, impactful relationships across generational lines when we are willing to learn, listen, and grow together.In Crossing Generational Lines, I introduce practical and clear ways to connect through the LEARN Framework. It’s a simple but powerful approach designed to help individuals, families, leaders, teams, churches, and organizations bridge the gap between generations and build stronger relationships grounded in understanding and respect.Whether you’re trying to connect with your children, parents, coworkers, employees, mentors, or younger leaders, this book offers practical tools to help you move from frustration and division to influence and connection.You can find Crossing Generational Lines now on Amazon or through the Eagle Center for Leadership website. And good news—the Audible version will be available soon!Also, be sure to check out the latest RelationShifts podcast episode, where we dive deeper into the ideas, principles, and practical applications found throughout the book.When we shift from thinking, “I can’t connect because they are different,” to “We can learn and grow together,” it will make a difference.www.eaglecenterforleadership.com/test

Take the Little Personality Profile: www.eaglecenterforleadership.com/testMother’s Day is a time to remember the women who helped shape our lives. Some moms were steady encouragers. Some were strong protectors. Some showed love through sacrifice, hard work, laughter, meals around the table, handwritten notes, or simply by showing up day after day when life was difficult. No mother is perfect, but the impact of a mother’s love often reaches farther than words can explain.For some, Mother’s Day carries a quiet ache. Many of us miss moms who are no longer with us, yet their fingerprints remain on our values, our memories, and even in the way we now love others. Their influence continues to live on in our hearts. This week is a reminder to honor those memories and to recognize the lasting difference mothers make.If your mother is no longer here, consider encouraging another mom — whether it’s a grandmother, a single mom, a foster or adoptive mom, or someone simply carrying the responsibility of caring for others. A little encouragement can go a long way.This week on the Relationshifts podcast, Larry and Melissa share a fun and meaningful conversation about the many ways moms express love through their different personality styles. It’s filled with laughter, insight, and moments that may remind you of your own family gatherings around the kitchen table.In this episode, they talk about shifting from:Misreading personality to understanding personalityIrritation to curiosityConflict to balanceTaking moms for granted to acknowledging their loveWe hope you’ll listen, laugh, and maybe even gain a fresh appreciation for the unique ways moms show love.When we choose to shift from taking moms for granted to honoring the impact they make in our lives, it will make a difference.Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.Larry

www.eaglecenterforleadership.com/testThere are conversations we all know we need to have… but somehow keep putting off. Maybe it’s finally saying what’s been bothering you. Maybe it’s clearing the air, setting a boundary, or stepping into a difficult conversation.What if the very conversations we resist are the ones that unlock connection, trust, and clarity?Consider these shifts:From hinting to naming what’s realFrom blame to ownership of your partFrom all-or-nothing thinking to ongoing dialogueFrom withdrawing to leaning in with courageThese aren’t easy shifts, but they are powerful ones.Take a minute to check out our newest episode of the Relationshifts podcast, where we explore why we avoid these conversations and how that avoidance quietly shapes the health of our relationships.If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation thinking, “I wish I had said that differently,” or “I wish I had said something at all,” this episode is for you. It’s practical, honest, and designed to help you step into conversations that actually move relationships forward.Take one step toward the conversation you’ve been avoiding. Because when we choose to shift from avoiding to engaging, it will make a difference.Larry

www.eaglecenterforleadership.com/testMarch Madness is officially underway, and my bracket has already taken several hits. Fun fact: no one has ever completed a perfect March Madness bracket. The odds are so extreme (far worse than being struck by lightning) that it’s considered nearly impossible.We do know that playing good defense helps teams win. And the same is true in relationships. But when we overuse our defensive skills, we can unintentionally damage the relationships that matter most.This week, we’re focusing on the People Loving Parrot.Parrots bring energy, joy, connection, and life into every room. They have a natural gift for lifting others up and making relationships feel warm and engaging. But when a Parrot overuses their defensive tendencies, they can push people away and miss opportunities for deeper, more meaningful connection. Learning to adjust their responses can be a powerful shift.Here are a few key shifts for Parrots to consider:From Comic Relief to Emotional Relief. Let others see what’s really going on beneath the smile.From Avoiding Disappointment to Allowing It. Recognize that disappointment isn’t the end of connection—it’s often where growth begins.From Filling Silence to Feeling It. Not every quiet moment needs to be managed.From Attention-Seeking to Attachment-Building. Lasting connection isn’t built by being the most noticed person in the room, but by being fully present and emotionally available.Take a minute to listen to our Relationshifts podcast, where we explore each of these shifts in a practical and meaningful way.The best kind of defense is the kind that no longer keeps people out. When the People Loving Parrot shifts from protecting through performance to connecting through presence, it will make a difference.Larry

Strong analytical thinkers bring clarity and stability—but when those strengths turn into over-analysis, correction, or over-explaining, connection can suffer. In this episode, we explore how the “Camel” personality can shift from defensive habits to relational impact by using their strengths in more intentional, connecting ways.www.eaglecenterforleadership.com/test

www.eaglecenterforleadership.com/test

www.eaglecenterforleadership.com/test

Take the Test: https://eaglecenterforleadership.com/make-a-difference/take-the-test

www.eaglecenterforleadership.com

’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the land, Each personality creature had a plan well in hand. The stockings were hung, every detail just right, Each one preparing in their own unique light.

Gravy, Gratitude, and Ground Rules. In this lighthearted but practical episode, we talk about how to navigate family gatherings with boundaries, grace, and a whole lot more peace this Thanksgiving.

Take the Little Profile Personality Assessment

Take the Little Profile Personality Assessment

Do you know what gets on my last nerve? It’s when someone has expectations that can never be met. I call it perfectionism. We live in a culture of over achievement. There are consequences for those who put irrational expectations on themselves. Studies show that perfectionist people are more likely to experience depression, become more anxious and have a greater level of toxic relationships.That last data point is significant. Many times perfectionists not only have unrealistic expectations for themselves, they place unattainable expectations on others. This is damaging to their personal and professional relationships.Instead of playing the “I have to be perfect” game, why not take a step back and make a couple of shifts that will improve the relationships in your life? First, try shifting from judging yourself to allowing yourself to learn from your mistakes. Be a learner instead of a critic. Then apply the same concept to those around you. Allow the people in your life to grow from their failures. Stop criticizing and give space for the person to grow.Check out our latest episode of the RelationShifts podcast, all about perfectionism. I think it will give you practical help for the perfectionist people in your life. Especially if you are one of them!When we shift from perfectionism to becoming a life long learner, we will make a difference.

Stuck in the same old patterns in your relationships? In this episode, we explore why adaptability—not stubbornness—is the key to lasting connection. Learn how making small shifts in your communication and mindset can lead to stronger, healthier relationships.Take the profile test here

Take the profile test here

Take the profile test here

Take the profile test here

Just like a well-seasoned Southern cornbread recipe, great relationships have key ingredients that make them fulfilling, effective, and lasting. In this episode, we explore the essential “recipe” for strong connections—learning to speak the emotional language of others, practicing intentional listening, and putting people first. Whether in leadership, friendships, or family dynamics, finding the right mix in relationships can transform the way we connect with those around us.Join us for a short but impactful conversation about what makes relationships thrive and how you can bring the right ingredients into your own interactions.

Ok, can I be honest? I don’t like funerals. I understand the value and think it is the right thing to do to honor someone’s life. I just don’t like the whole flowers, casket, wake, vibe. Recently, I have found myself going to …. you guessed it….funerals. While it was admittedly uncomfortable, I have noticed a pattern.  While celebrating the life of the deceased, no one talked about their great or grand accomplishments. Instead, I heard stories of love. Simple at times but consistent. Small acts that made an impact on those around them. A conversation, an act of kindness, being present when someone needed them, making time when there was a need. I heard over and over about the legacy that they lived. I heard about relationships and fond memories. I learned of the fun they had with those they loved.It was the experiences and simple acts of caring and love that those who were celebrating their lives talked about. Living a legacy of love is a choice. It’s not a feeling or wishful thinking. Love is an action, or rather, it is a series of actions taken throughout the course of an encounter, a relationship, or a lifetime. Take a minute and listen to our latest episode of the Relathionshifts podcast about living a legacy of love. I think you will find it to be a helpful reminder that we all are living our legacy.It’s the small relation-“shifts” that will make a big difference in the lives of those you care about.

How do you navigate family relationships through the divisive waters of politics? My daughter, Ren, and I took on the topic in the latest episode of our Crossing the Line podcast. We strived to have an open, honest, and hopefully helpful conversation about politics. Ren tends to support one party, and I typically support the other. We shared how we deal with our differences without blowing up our relationship.

In this recent episode of Crossing The Line we discuss how to deal with the storms in our lives and in our relationships. Take a minute and listen to this short podcast. It could be just what you need.

In this special Mother's Day episode of our leadership podcast, "Remember the Moms," Larry takes a heartfelt detour to interview his own mother, exploring the invaluable lessons she imparted about leadership and nurturing relationships. Tune in as we delve into stories of resilience, care, and influence that will inspire you to remember the women in your life who have shaped you into the person you are today.

Join us for Season 5 of Crossing the Line, as Dr. Larry Little, author and creator of the ‘Make A Difference’ book and personality profile, is joined by co-host Melissa Jackson. Together they’ll have in-depth conversations to explore personality and relationship dynamics, and leave you with thoughts, tips, and advice that you can use to make a difference in your relationships and in the lives of others.

I learned a valuable relationship hack recently. It is something that I can use immediately with others in my life.  It’s called the “yes, and” rule. It requires strong listening and then taking a conversational route that might not be comfortable for you. Instead of defending or justifying your behavior during a conversation, listen and then respond with, “Yes, and ….”. You will be shocked at how this can improve your communication skills. This “hack” came from a couple of very interesting and talented men. Their names are Jacob Simmons and Tim Casper. They are professionals in the improv industry. They are dedicated to using the skill of improv to teach people how to improve their relationships. Beyond that, they are incredibly skilled actors who perform on stage regularly in various improv theaters. They also own their own theater called The Faraway Theater located in Birmingham, Alabama. I decided to do an improv interview with these gifted performers after one of their shows. I encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to this unique edition of our Crossing The Line podcast. The interview was surprising, interesting and a whole lot of fun.I learned some really helpful and interesting things from Jacob and Tim. When we choose to use the relationship hack “yes and “ we will make a difference.

Dr. Larry Little has a conversation with Steve Riat about life, leadership, and the moments they chose to Cross the Line.

I introduced you to Mosheh Oinounou last week. He is an incredibly gifted and skilled news reporter who took the time to talk with me on our CTL podcast. Last week, we sent out Part One of the conversation. Today, we drop the rest of his story. Mosheh knew things were not where he needed them to be, both professionally and personally. He made a bold decision to do something about it. He started a new venture, an independent news agency and podcast called Mo News. It now has over a million viewers/listeners and is truly disrupting the news media arena.Take a few minutes and listen to how Mosheh made the decision to start this venture. His authenticity and courage will inspire you.

There seems to be an inverse correlation between humility and success. In other words, the more notoriety and success someone gains, the less humble and approachable they become. This is not true with Mosheh Oinounou. Mosheh has found great success in the news reporting world. He is an Emmy, Murrow and Webby Award-winning Executive Producer and has led teams at Fox News, Bloomberg TV, CNBC ad CBS News. He was the youngest ever executive producer of the CBS evening news. Recently Mosheh has founded a ground breaking news podcast that reaches millions of listeners.Mosheh is different than most. Through his journey he has learned valuable lessons on life, relationships and priorities. I had the opportunity to interview Mosheh recently on our CTL podcast. He shared his journey with humility and authenticity. I came away from the interview truly impressed with this leader who chose to be vulnerable and has a desire to speak truth into the lives of others.Take a minute and listen to the part 1 of this intriguing conversation with one of leading news reporters in the country. Mosheh’s style is refreshing and enjoyable. Choose to walk with humility and authenticity and you will make a difference.

It should be easy as A-B-C. But instead, it is the opposite. Gaining trust in today’s culture is incredibly hard and losing trust is incredibly easy.It is something that we all seek but rarely find. The importance of trust cannot be overstated. It defines every aspect of our lives and relationships. With that thought in mind, I decided to re-release a podcast where I spend some time talking about the ABCs of trust.It helped me to take another look at this important issue and I hope that you will feel the same. Click below to watch or listen to this short episode of Crossing The Line on The Importance of Trust.I challenge us on this podcast to be Authentic, Benevolent and Competent in our relationships.When we earn trust from those around us, we will make a difference.

It is a word that is commonly misused and misunderstood. The word is Vulnerability. Many times we view those who choose to become vulnerable as soft or weak. The truth is that choosing to admit our vulnerabilities is a sign of strength and courage. I had a conversation with a man a couple of years ago who shared how he had to become “weak enough” to truly become strong enough to handle the trials and adversities in his life.His name is Rick Burgess. He is Rick on the nationally syndicated radio talk show entitled The Rick and Bubba Show. His story is one of valleys and peaks. Rick has walked through failures, pain, and incredible success. I invite you to listen to this re-released interview as Rick takes us on a journey of his life and then talks about the woman who changed it. He also shares a vulnerable story of loss and hope. Rick’s message of strength through weakness is more relevant today than ever. When we choose to become aware that our strength lies in our vulnerabilities, we will make a difference.