Answer the question
Communication breaks down when people fail to address someone’s question. Even if you can’t come up with a ready answer, acknowledge that you heard the question and provide a preliminary or qualified response.
Year: 2010
Out-of-Alignment?
Is there a gap that feels as big as the Grand Canyon between your aspirations and your accomplishments, between the dreams you want to achieve and the reality of your current circumstances? Why do we think one thing, say another and then do something else? It’s because we’re what I call out-of-alignment.
Deploy the power of your smile
It’s an old bit of advice that smiling while you’re talking on the phone is one way to improve your phone demeanor. But how many people actually follow that advice? New evidence may convince you to try it. Now scientists say that the people on the other end of the phone line really can tell whether or not you’re smiling.
You lose–twice–by not negotiating
Fail to press for a pay raise and you’ll sacrifice more than salary. You’ll also miss an opportunity to show your bargaining savvy, which is a key skill in any position you crave.
1-Minute Strategies: Nov. ’10
Become an effective networker even if you’re an introvert, writes Devora Zack, author of Networking for People Who Hate Networking … Know when to use—and when to skip—skycaps while traveling … Track your personal spending with two free online tools … Give your “audience”—the people around you—a new, great story.
Ditch perfection
Aspire to perfection, but don’t let the pursuit slow you down. And don’t dwell on mistakes. “If you deal with any business faux pas properly, others will get over it and you should, too,” advises executive coach Marjorie Brody.
Setting yourself up for a future promotion
Question: “My manager encouraged me to apply for a promotion to senior accountant. Unfortunately, after I submitted my résumé, the position was changed to one with supervisory duties. Although I was one of four finalists, the job went to an outside candidate. I feel that I was set up to fail. Now, much to my dismay, I’m expected to train my new supervisor when he starts work. At the same time, I am single-handedly running a critical project and also training another employee. I feel that management is taking advantage of me, so I have begun to look for another job. Am I wrong to resent this situation?” — Fed Up
People skills trump technical skills
New research by Right Management shows organizations prefer employees who are a good motivational fit with the team and the organization’s culture. HR pros say that interpersonal behaviors and organizational fit are bigger factors than technical skills or experience.
Promise less, deliver more
Guarantee people less than you know you can produce. Then wow them by surpassing their expectations.
Give digital aids a needed rest
As Dianne listens to her iPod, she taps out an e-mail on her iPhone and watches the TV screen—all while walking briskly on a treadmill. But Dianne might be clearer-headed if she went for a run without gadgets.