A recent survey shows that the 3 top peeves are condescending tones, reprimands in public and micromanaging. There is one rule that it important.......criticise in private, praise in public.
When emotions rise take a moment to think about your reaction. By doing this you will not destroy the relationship....don't let your emotions rule your words.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
The Eyes Have it!
To improve your relationship with people and especially your contribution at meetings, make sure that you make eye contact with people. Eye contact shows that you are interested and illustrates that you are listening and that you value the person.
Now when I say make eye contact - don't go over the top and stare as that can make people feel uncomfortable! But at meetings try not to be looking down at your writing pad for minutes on end. This gives the impression that you are not interested, bored etc. Look up and make that eye contact with the person speaking, it will also help pull your body posture up which again illustrates a more professional approach.
So the eyes have it....make it your aim to show your interest, to show your commitment, to show your professionalism.
Now when I say make eye contact - don't go over the top and stare as that can make people feel uncomfortable! But at meetings try not to be looking down at your writing pad for minutes on end. This gives the impression that you are not interested, bored etc. Look up and make that eye contact with the person speaking, it will also help pull your body posture up which again illustrates a more professional approach.
So the eyes have it....make it your aim to show your interest, to show your commitment, to show your professionalism.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Listening
Dr Joyce Brothers said "Listening not imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery"
Listening is such a skill and I use the LADDER approach - I can't remember where I got this from but it works very well
L= Look directly at the person
A= Ask questions periodically
D= Don't interrupt the speakers train of thought
D= Don't change the subject
E= Empathise with the feelings of the speaker
R= Respond both verbally and non verbally.
Has anyone else got ideas of how to listen effectively?
Listening is such a skill and I use the LADDER approach - I can't remember where I got this from but it works very well
L= Look directly at the person
A= Ask questions periodically
D= Don't interrupt the speakers train of thought
D= Don't change the subject
E= Empathise with the feelings of the speaker
R= Respond both verbally and non verbally.
Has anyone else got ideas of how to listen effectively?
Thursday, May 25, 2006
The Difference Maker
We all launch new initiatives, new ideas but what is the difference between engaging people and merely interesting them...is to create one thoughtful detail.
Something that they didn't expect.
When you launch, or do a team brief etc....add that seasoning...think about a little thoughtful detail that will make it stand out. It may be in the design or the service. Think about what the customer wants and then take it one step further......that is when you know that you truly delight the customer!
Something that they didn't expect.
When you launch, or do a team brief etc....add that seasoning...think about a little thoughtful detail that will make it stand out. It may be in the design or the service. Think about what the customer wants and then take it one step further......that is when you know that you truly delight the customer!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Potential
"Treat a person as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat him as he could be, and he will become what he should be" Jimmy Johnson
One key frustration for me are those managers who do not see the potential in people. People are often capable of so much more than they realise. It is your role to bring out the potential and build the self confidence so that they can achieve that potential. Some questions to ask yourself:
One key frustration for me are those managers who do not see the potential in people. People are often capable of so much more than they realise. It is your role to bring out the potential and build the self confidence so that they can achieve that potential. Some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you have a reputation for building peoples confidence?
- Do you provide a positive environment for people to make a mistake and help them see this as a learning?
- The development of my people is one of my key objectives?
- Do you clearly state what is expected of them and show them what they can achieve and who they can become?
- Do you listen, really listen or do you just hear the words while you are forming your response?
- Do you have a pool of talent for the future?
These questions will help you frame in your mind how seriously you take the development of your people. Be honest, the best feedback that you can get, is in the mirror if you are willing to be honest with yourself.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Lead!
My favourite quote comes from Edgar Shalton who states
"Do something. Either lead, follow or get out of my way!"
I love this - simply because even the words give the sense of action. Too many people think of all the obstacles, reason why they can't do something, the problems......sure you can do that and be miserable! I prefer to take a small step forward every day and be happy!....sometimes leading, sometimes following but trying not to be in the way. Success needs action, make a decision you can always tweak later on. But not making a decision at all, is accepting mediocrity and accepting the problems....go on try it take action!
"Do something. Either lead, follow or get out of my way!"
I love this - simply because even the words give the sense of action. Too many people think of all the obstacles, reason why they can't do something, the problems......sure you can do that and be miserable! I prefer to take a small step forward every day and be happy!....sometimes leading, sometimes following but trying not to be in the way. Success needs action, make a decision you can always tweak later on. But not making a decision at all, is accepting mediocrity and accepting the problems....go on try it take action!
Monday, May 22, 2006
goals Remind Yourself
A great way to keep your goals top of mind is to use your screen saver or your wallpaper on your mobile phone. You can put on here your goals, or use it to put affirmations on it. A quick, free way to speak to your subconscious.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Positive Self Talk
Great trick to use when you are struggling with learning something new, or overcoming a problem. Instead of saying "I can't do it" say "I haven't quite mastered it yet". This convinces your brain that you believe that you will achieve it....thus positive self talk moves you forward.
Other words to avoid are can't, never, it's no use.....always remember one thing you can achieve anything if you want to......
Other words to avoid are can't, never, it's no use.....always remember one thing you can achieve anything if you want to......
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Focus
Bill Gates of Microsoft says that it is only through focus that you achieve ...no matter how capable you are.
Focus is necessary to achieve, too often every problem arives on your desk and you get drawn into dealing with it.
Today, sit down and write 8 words about what your role is really about. Then look at your to do list and prioritise the items that will move you towards your goals. Don't be sidetracked by issues that you can delegate or that are non critical. Success depends on achievement. Turn the email off - look at it 3 times a day. Delegate those tasks that can be - even though you enjoy doing them. Focus on what is really important - and if you dont know what that is, then your focus needs to be on determining it.
Focus is necessary to achieve, too often every problem arives on your desk and you get drawn into dealing with it.
Today, sit down and write 8 words about what your role is really about. Then look at your to do list and prioritise the items that will move you towards your goals. Don't be sidetracked by issues that you can delegate or that are non critical. Success depends on achievement. Turn the email off - look at it 3 times a day. Delegate those tasks that can be - even though you enjoy doing them. Focus on what is really important - and if you dont know what that is, then your focus needs to be on determining it.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Managing Your Time
How do you spend you day, week, month?
The way you spend the hours at work says a lot about what is important to you. Look through your diary and ask the following
The way you spend the hours at work says a lot about what is important to you. Look through your diary and ask the following
- How much time is dedicated to coaching. When I say coaching I don't mean managing workloads, problems etc - I mean real coaching?
- How much of your time is spent talking to your customers - be it internal or external?
- How much of your time is spent on your own development?
- How much of your time is dedicated to looking at the future and what you need to do to achieve the company vision?
Your diary will not lie! You have time to spend on the above...you have 35-40 hours a week to spend how you want to....so take a long hard look at the above, and be honest about why you are avoiding the above - fear, don't see it as important, motivation, lack of clarity, don't know how to - then address it. You cannot afford not to!
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