By Clyde Noel

Main Street Forum speakers keep it all in the family: From left, Laura Hollands Steck, Jean Hollands and Tom Rohrer.

It was family night at the Main Street Forum last Thursday when three local authors, who happen to be family members, discussed their latest books at Main Street Cafe & Books in downtown Los Altos.

Thomas Rohrer discussed his third book, “A Woman Called Catherine,” as a quagmire of passion, intrigue and political scheming of two 60-year-old lovers.

The evening was the first public speech Rohrer made. He was asked where he got his ideas.

“I get them from groups like you or maybe even having lunch with another person.” Rohrer said. “Those ideas can grow into a novel.”

Corporate psychologist Jean Hollands, Rohrer’s wife, discussed her latest book, “Approachability” co-authored with her daughter Laura Hollands-Steck.

Speaking among friends and interested business executives, Hollands referred to Carly Fiorina, the recently discharged CEO of Hewlett-Packard.

“What got them there won’t keep them there,” said Hollands. “She ruled like a man. She roared and made things happen and she was intense. I wish I could have been her coach just to help her.”

That was Hollands’ introduction to the subject of approachability. Her book reminds everyone that unless you use a little approachability in your interpersonal relationships, both on and off the job, you will probably lose.

“Approachability is looking like you care. It’s looking like you want to talk to the other person,” Hollands said. “It’s the ability to engage someone with your own personal appeal to make them feel better about themselves.”

Laura Hollands Steck is president of the Growth & Leadership Center, a 22-year-old corporate psychology organization started by her mother. When prompted to contribute to the discussion, she said her favorite challenge is dealing with conflict resolution.

Hollands Steck said there are questions to ponder such as, “What do you need to hear from me?” or “What could I do to be more open without giving up on my principles?”

Hollands said the magic words are “Tell me more. It’s the ability to have someone feel better in your presence. Look interested even when distracted or busy. Force yourself to acknowledge the other person and their communication quickly.