Custom Search
Showing posts with label Life tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life tips. Show all posts

Monday, November 26, 2018

10 Signs of a Great Leader

"GREAT LEADERS FOCUS ON CULTURE, AND CULTURE IS THE ULTIMATE ELEMENT OF YOUR BRAND"

In our current time period, it can be difficult to identify the qualities that make a great leader. The definition of a leader is not the same as the definition of a “boss”. In fact, many leadership attributes may even seem to oppose those of a boss. The standard and (now antiquated) concept of what makes a boss is one who controls its’ employees, often instilling fear to get the work “done”. The boss tells the employees what to do and the employee is expected to do so, otherwise they risk getting laid off. The boss is aware of your every move and how you are supposed to perform your job.

It is easy to spot a boss, as the only requirement is to have a title of “manager” or higher. Anyone can be “boss-like”; it is the simplest form of management. The toughest job is rising up to become a great leader with visionary purpose and humble respect.

FREE CASE STUDY
I have been lucky to have had the experience of working with a few great leaders. In comparing the two types of management styles, I have found the list below to define the best qualities of a great leader.

1)   Visionary

A great leader has a crystal clear vision of the one direction that the organization or team is heading in. They do not waver easily from this position and they do not try to do everything all at once. Instead, they are positive in encouraging others to join their great vision and very patient in the process. It is often a lofty and grand vision and one that includes an aspect greater than themselves.

2)   Creates a positive environment

A great leader understands that positivity breeds more positivity, as well as the opposite being even more true. Therefore, it is to the benefit of the entire company or team to provide the most positive environment possible for the employees. This is not just the physical environment, but even more importantly is creating a positive environment interpersonally. A great leader does this by eliminating any unnecessary stressors in the environment and by encouraging respect and openness for anyone to speak their mind often. Disagreements should also be very much encouraged, however, they should always be done so respectfully. Having debates and differing in opinions is vital to the progress of organizations, without becoming argumentative. Providing the type of environment that respectfully encourages all ideas and opinions, no matter how outrageous or opposing is vital to the company’s future success.

3)   Humble

 Screen Shot 2018-02-22 at 5.31.06 PM.jpg
A great leader is always humble. It is impossible for anyone to know absolutely everything. We are unfortunately, not on this earth long enough for this to happen. Therefore, there will be always knowledge gaps and mistakes made along the way no matter the position or title. In fact, it is to the benefit of the great leader to hire those that possess the strengths that the leader is weak on. In this way, the organization as a whole becomes that much stronger. A great leader understands this and always treats their employees with the humbling respect of learning from the strengths that the employees bring to the table. They treat their employees as equals, while possessing a learning frame of mind to try to better themselves throughout their careers and lives.

4)   Encourages differences

A great leader wholeheartedly encourages all differences, whether they are cultural, work style, orientation, background or otherwise. A great leader will actively seek out these differences and experiences in order to further enrich the team or company that they are building, as well as themselves. I have worked in a few global settings and the best workplace cultures were those that had the most diverse group of people and encouraged all employees to further enrich the current culture by openly integrating their own background and experiences. Differences of all types are included in this to provide a truly open environment where employees are free to be who they are and thereby bring forth their best selves and work. When this type of environment is created, creativity and cohesive teamwork will flourish.

5)   Frequent constructive feedback

This is a very tricky aspect of management that most managers struggle with. In general, confrontation is uncomfortable and the easiest option is to avoid it at all costs. However, if done so properly, this will not only greatly benefit the progress of the company, but it will also shape the next generation of great future leaders. Confrontation should not be confrontational at all; rather, constructive feedback is the goal, while also providing a healthy balance of genuine positive feedback simultaneously. The frequency can be debated, but often once per week or about twice per month is most beneficial. The idea behind this is to provide the feedback often enough to allow time for improvement. Feedback should not be a criticism, but rather an opportunity to help the employee rise to the next level.

Feedback is best done when coupled with a few more positive (and genuine) compliments. A ratio or 2 compliments to 1 point of improvement (or a ratio of 3:2) is optimal. There is a psychological reason behind this. As humans, we are often our own worst enemy and when receiving any feedback, we will latch much more strongly to the negative rather than any positive. When outweighing the feedback with positive, this will help to balance the outcome when the employee self-reflects post meeting. The result is an elimination of potential defensiveness and instead an openness to try to improve upon the points that have been discussed, with the help of the leader.

Another feedback method is to use the O-I-S model, which stands for Observation, Impact and Suggestion when discussing the points for improvement. “Observation” is simply stating the point for improvement, in a reasonably gentle way, without sounding unnecessarily critical. “Impact” provides the reason for why this observation is being discussed and the impact that it has on others and/or the organization going forward. “Suggestions” for improvement on these are vital to providing genuine constructive feedback that has a clear and actionable goal. Additionally, a great leader expects constructive feedback in return and encourages employees to provide the same level of feedback for the benefit of the leader and organization as a whole. This may be even more important, as the tone from the top dictates the entire company and team culture.

6)   Emotional intelligence

A great leader is level headed, professional and respectful in every circumstance. They have a high level of emotional intelligence and they keep their emotions in check at all times, no matter the circumstances. Unfortunately, sleeplessness is a rampant issue in our work cultures and it has been proven countless times that this greatly stymies the prefrontal cortex to operate at its highest level of efficiency. Therefore, maintaining professional conduct becomes more rare in a society that demands an ever-growing amount of our time. However, the irony is that the highest levels of responsibility and decision-making abilities can only be performed when one is running at their most optimal level. Emotional intelligence takes work and practice. The easiest reaction is to burst into a fit of emotions. However, this is very toxic and can continue to infect the environment in exponentially detrimental ways.

7)   Trust

Trust has been thoroughly studied as being one of the most valuable currencies in the workplace. A great leader provides employees a sense of ownership for their work, by encouraging them with the opportunity to make increasingly more important decisions. They also understand the importance of allowing failure. Failure should never be admonished, as it is always a learning opportunity. Leaders encourage employees’ learning progress and therefore, failing now and then is inevitable and a very important part of the process.

FREE CASE STUDY
Leaders do not micromanage, as it has been proven to be detrimental. The reason is again a psychological one, where one loses a sense of control when they feel that someone is watching their every move. It also contributes to the sense that the manager watching them is, in fact, waiting for the slightest slip-up opportunity to admonish them. Micromanaging can even be as small and as seemingly “innocent” as asking certain questions. For example, if a manager frequently asks what work has been done that day, the implication is that there is a chance one has not done any work. This is a destructive way to communicate as it reveals the insecurities that the manager has in not trusting their employees to get the job done. A leader would instead ask for the progress of a particular project and if there is anything that they need assistance on.

8)   Respect for others' time

A great leader respects all team members’ time (regardless of position level) and furthermore, will encourage time off to unwind and reboot. Respecting other’s time is both necessary at work and outside of the office. Just as batteries will wear down when overused, people will become burnt out without taking the time to rest. Vacation time is often a controversial topic in the U.S., whereas European companies are often found to encourage at least 30 days off each year. Great leaders understand the importance of providing enough time for employees to explore other interests and talents outside of work, so that they can come back to the office and become a greater asset to the organization. The days of having “robotic” employees are over and technology has elevated business to breaking down the walls between home life and the office, as well as breaking down previous global barriers. We now have access to the entire world, while also integrating both work and personal life into each other. Providing the opportunity to employees for taking the time to enrich themselves outside of their job responsibilities is the golden ticket to retaining the best talent and great leaders will be rewarded with the benefit of employees returning to work as an even greater asset than before.

9)   Mentors others to become great leaders

Great leaders genuinely want to see others learn and rise up as far as they can and want to go, whether inside or outside of the organization or team. They will provide any tools they have at their disposal to assist teammates as much as possible in the process. Great leaders are never intimidated by others’ rise to the top. They know that it is a valuable asset to have another great leader alongside them, especially one that they have combed along the way. The leader will often take the time out from the daily work routine to provide insights and assistance to others to encourage them to be the best they can be. 

10)  A clear sense of their personal integrity

A great leader has very clear personal ethics and moral compass and maintains this no matter the environment, both within the workplace and within their personal lives. A great leader will have the same viewpoint on what is right vs. what is wrong, as they have previously taken the time to consider the type of person they want to be in life overall. They are deliberate in this decision and clear in execution. A great leader understands that who they are in life will bleed into their work and especially vice versa.

I believe that the last point is actually the most important one on this list. The concept of separating work and personal life used to be easier done before technology came into the picture. I don’t believe having two different “selves” inside vs. outside of the office can ever truly be accomplished (or should ever be accomplished), but I do believe that it is becoming more and more impossible due to the advent of advanced technology. Technology now has us tethered to our work 24/7. Therefore, if work is starting to integrate into our personal lives, our personal lives are also integrating into our work. We must be extremely clear on the values, ethics and virtues that we possess for ourselves and therefore are bringing to our work.

It has become a trend for companies to create a company-wide value system. However, if these values are not already genuinely reflected by the top leader of the organization personally, then this will not be truly implemented and it is, instead, just another sales gimmick to provide a certain impression to those outside of the organization.

A great leader will understand that just as an economy is made up of people within a country, a company is only as strong as the people who work within the organization. Employees are the company’s important assets and a great leader encourages and provides the tools necessary for others to step up, without ever feeling threatened by this. When one knows very clearly what they stand for and why, one can guide a company with that very clear and unwavering vision. A great leader always knows that the pie is not fixed, but a limitless expansion of opportunities for everyone.

What are the attributes that you have found in great leaders and what are some examples that you have encountered?



We are currently opening up the opportunity to accept guest writers! If you are interested, please write to us at info@ashworthstrategy.com.



Author: Tamara Ashworth, Marketing Strategy professional and founder of Ashworth Strategy

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

This simple trick prevents the traffic police from ever giving you a speeding ticket again - Best Tip ever

Every year hundreds get caught in police speed controls for driving too fast — with a great many caught by automatic speed cameras.
But did you know there’s a way to avoid the hefty fines that come along with speeding?
Online site, finddetbilligt.dk, has come up with a trick that means you never have to worry about getting caught speeding again!
It is absolutely brilliant. Best of all, the method works internationally, in every country in the world.


Here’s how to cleverly avoid speeding fines
1. Look closely at the signs on the road that show you the speed limit. The number indicated is the maximum speed you can travel. Whether you’re on foot, bike or car.
2. Try to locate your car’s speedometer. You normally find it somewhere in front of the driver’s seat, on the dashboard. It has an arrow pointing to the number that reflects the car’s speed. On newer cars, the speed is sometimes displayed digitally, with numbers.


3. This last point is also the hardest. Adjust your speed according to the number shown on the road sign. The police can not fine you if you do not drive over this number.
Strangely, there seem to be surprisingly too few who are aware of this simple yet genius trick. And best of all, if you stick to it, you’ll never have to pay a speeding fine ever again. Even better — the road will become much safer for everyone!

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

20 Things No Gentleman should ever do !

20 Things No Gentleman should ever do !


“A gentleman is one who puts more into the world than he takes out” – Theodore Roosevelt

1. Wear something ‘ironically’
Geek glasses, Hawaiian shirts, 80’s retro sportswear, you name it – a gentleman wouldn’t be seen dead in something purely for the sake of ‘irony’, leave this look to the likes of pop-up-store-come-vintage-clothing-come-speakeasy-bar-owners.

2. Get any part of you body pierced
Do what you like in your teenage, ungentlemanly years, but beyond these rebellious times and into the years of being a gentleman, remove all trace of past rebellions and never, we repeat never, pierce a body part.

3. Take up a seat while a less stable person suffers
This is more common manners than anything else, but a gentleman would never sit (on a tube or otherwise) whilst a woman, less-able or elderly person stands.

4. Break your word
A boy speaks, a gentleman acts on his word and stays true to it.

5. Lie
A real gentleman stays loyal, faithful and honest at all times.

6. Spend far too much time in front of the mirror
Vanity is deeply ungentlemanly.

7. Easily forget his roots
No matter how much a gentleman earns, or how much success he has garnered, a real gentleman will stay humble to his past.

8. Kiss and tell
Because a gentleman never tells.

9. Have one too many at a wedding, especially your own
Someone once told me that there is nothing tackier than a drunk bride, but in retrospect this applies as much to gentlemen as it does to brides to be. A gentleman knows his limits.

10. Be too proud to apologise
A true gentleman will apologise after a fight, even if he wasn’t in the wrong.

11. Urinate in public
Unless you’re an 18 year-old having his first beer, there is simply no excuse.

12. Drive recklessly with a woman or child in the car
You are not clever or rebellious. You are dangerous, and not in the cool, ‘rebel without a cause’ way.

13. Get a visible tattoo when you’re far too old to do so
Similar to number 2, it’s best to avoid this one too. If you did get drunk on a beach in Thailand and get your name in Arabic branded across your back, then consider keeping it covered up.

14. Sit cross legged
Unless you’re doing yoga, which is OK by the way, try and avoiding sitting like a child. There is just something strange about seeing a grown man sitting like a schoolboy.

15. Referring to yourself in the third person
Annoying doesn’t even begin to describe how unbecoming this is.

16. Drunk dial
Not classy, just embarrassing. A gentleman does not need to be inebriated to communicate.

17. Cancel at the last minute
A real gentleman makes plans and sticks to them, no matter what.

18. Swear in public
A gentleman would never let his mood dictate his manners.

19. Believe in luck, or chance
A gentleman knows the power of cause and effect.

20. Patronise
Your age does not define your maturity.


Monday, February 12, 2018

Wife !!!


A man wakes up after a heavy night of drinking to his wife happily cooking breakfast.
Confused, he approaches his daughter for an explanation of last night when he arrived home.
"You kicked in the door when you couldn't get your key in the lock, fell through the table and broke it, and pissed your pants.
" "Jesus! So then why the hell is she in such a good mood?"
"When she tried to take your pants off to wash them, you slapped her hand away and said, 'Get your hands off me! I'm married!'"

Monday, September 25, 2017

JIB: Job Interview Breakdown

Have you ever been a victim 
of a JIB (job interview breakdown)? These men and women have:


• “I was so nervous at a job interview, when he asked me what I wanted to be in five years, I said, ‘Race car driver.’”
• “The guy asked me to tell him 
a little about myself, and I literally forgot who I was.”
• “I got asked about punctuality. 
I went on about how it was good 
to speak clearly and politely, and 
it was nice to use proper grammar 
in speech and writing.”
Source: dailymail.co.uk

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Facebook Facebook - Beware

Facebook Facebook - Beware 



Police Questioning a Robber:_
Police: How did you come to know that there was no one in the house?
Robber:The update of the entire family with 15 photos was available on facebook. 
"Enjoying Holidays away from home for one week".

Think about this seriously.
Be careful what you put on facebook.
Discuss this with your children and realtives.

Stop sharing personal information on the social media!!!

📛 Don't advertise your happiness on social media.
📛 Don't advertise your happy marriage On social media.
📛 Don't advertise your holidays on social media.
📛 Don't advertise your kids achievements on social media.
📛 Don't advertise your pregnancy on social media.
📛 Don't advertise your expensive buys on social media. (Car, house etc).

‼ No one is going to be happy for you.
‼ All the "nice" comments you get are just fake.
‼ You just attracting the evil eye on you and your family.
‼ You are just attracting jealous people into your life.
‼ You don't know who's saving your pictures, & checking your updates.
‼ You really need to stop this, as it is going to ruin your life, family, marriage.
‼ Social media is the devil's eyes,  ears & mouth.
Don't fall into the devil's trap.
May God help us, and  save us from social media disaster !!!
*

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Life's Instructions for happy and successful life


  1. Have a firm handshake.
  2. Look people in the eye.
  3. Sing in the shower.
  4. Own a great stereo system.
  5. If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
  6. Keep secrets.
  7. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
  8. Always accept an outstretched hand.
  9. Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
  10. Whistle.
  11. Avoid sarcastic remarks.
  12. Choose your life's mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 per cent of all your happiness or misery.
  13. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
  14. Lend only those books you never care to see again.
  15. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
  16. When playing games with ! children, let them win.
  17. Give people a second chance, but not a third.
  18. Be romantic.
  19. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
  20. Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.
  21. Don't allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It's there for our convenience, not the caller's.
  22. Be a good loser.
  23. Be a good winner.
  24. Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
  25. When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
  26. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
  27. Keep it simple.
  28. Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
  29. Don't burn bridges. You'll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
  30. Live your life so that your epitaph could read, No Regrets
  31. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you'll regret the
  32. things you didn't do more than the one's you did.
  33. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
  34. Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
  35. Take charge of your attitude. Don't let someone else choose it for you.
  36. Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
  37. Begin each day with some of your favorite music.
  38. Once in a while, take the scenic route.
  39. Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them, 'Someone who thinks you're terrific.'
  40. Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
  41. Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
  42. Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
  43. Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
  44. Make someone's day by paying the toll for the person in the car behind you.
  45. Become someone's hero.
  46. Marry only for love.
  47. Count your blessings.
  48. Compliment the meal when you're a guest in someone's home.
  49. Wave at the children on a school bus.
  50. Remember that 80 per cent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
  51. Don't expect life to be fair.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Bertrand Russell’s 10 Rules for Living

Bertrand Russell, one of 20th century’s most important and enduring thinkers, previously gave us this beautiful summary on what matters most in life.


If that meditation answers the what, then these guidelines help us answer the how. Published in 1951 as part of an article on liberalism for The New York Times Magazine, the ten rules dictate Russell’s guidelines that he, as a teacher, believed he should advocate. Although the rules ostensibly relate to rules for teaching, they really can be said to be, in the broadest sense, rules for living well.
1. Do not feel absolutely certain of anything.
2. Do not think it worth while to proceed by concealing evidence, for the evidence is sure to come to light.
3. Never try to discourage thinking for you are sure to succeed.
4. When you meet with opposition, even if it should be from your husband or your children, endeavour to overcome it by argument and not by authority, for a victory dependent upon authority is unreal and illusory.
5. Have no respect for the authority of others, for there are always contrary authorities to be found.
6. Do not use power to suppress opinions you think pernicious, for if you do the opinions will suppress you.
7. Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.
8. Find more pleasure in intelligent dissent that in passive agreement, for, if you value intelligence as you should, the former implies a deeper agreement than the latter.
9. Be scrupulously truthful, even if the truth is inconvenient, for it is more inconvenient when you try to conceal it.
10. Do not feel envious of the happiness of those who live in a fool’s paradise, for only a fool will think that it is happiness.

Friday, December 9, 2016

82 Key Points to lead a satisfactory and successful life



  1. Respect people. Not because you want something from them– because they’re people.
  2. Take care of your body. It’s a temple– but don’t make it your idol.
  3. Social media is NOT for airing out your dirty laundry.
  4. Learn to fact-check, especially what you see online.
  5. Learn to listen well, especially when you’re angry.
  6. Make friends with people who are different than you.
  7. Travel as much and as often as you can–especially internationally. Experience new cultures.travel often
  8. Never invalidate someone else’s feelings.
  9. Don’t be ashamed of your emotions.
  10. Relationships are at the core of being human. Invest in them.
  11. Read often. Read fiction and nonfiction. Read authors that you disagree with.
  12. Learn to form an argument– not for the sake of arguing, but to know why you believe what you believe.
  13. Always argue fairly.
  14. Seek to understand first. Everyone has reasons behind their beliefs.
  15. Stay away from angry arguments on social media. No one wins.
  16. You don’t necessarily have to go to college. Find a passion and decide what fits it best.
  17. Find a job that means something to you– not just a job that pays well.
  18. Be an artist in whatever profession you choose.
  19. Look ahead and set goals. Write them down.
  20. Challenge yourself. Leave your comfort zone. Do better next time.
  21. Perfection is impossible. Excellence is not.
  22. Some subjects in school won’t be relevant to your life. However, your grades and the ability to work hard at something you may not care about, will be.
  23. Family comes first.
  24. Don’t you dare objectify women.
  25. Don’t stereotype people.
  26. When you find love, say it. Show it. Hold on to it.
  27. Love for intellect, personality, and heart– not for appearance or other superficial traits.
  28. Find a life partner who compensates for your flaws and accepts you in spite of them.
  29. Don’t rush into marriage.
  30. Always tithe. God blesses those who give generously and happily.
  31. Accumulate experiences and savings, not things.
  32. Commit important things to memory. Don’t rely on Google or your phone for everything.
  33. It’s okay to be angry. Just find a healthy outlet for it.
  34. Use your voice to speak for those who don’t have one.
  35. Use your influence to help, never to control.
  36. Competition is good, but not at all costs.
  37. Whether you’re rich or poor, be classy.
  38. Learn how to talk on the phone. It’s an important skill.
  39. Learn the art of conversation. Be friendly. Ask questions.
  40. Have a good, solid handshake.
  41. Anonymous good deeds are the most rewarding.
  42. Think about how your decisions will affect others.
  43. Pray first. Pray often.
  44. Think your own thoughts. Be original. Be honest.
  45. When (not if) people hurt you, don’t let it harden your heart.
  46. Think about how younger people view you, and try to set a good example.
  47. Never settle, but don’t be so picky that you miss a great opportunity.
  48. Words are important. Actions are even more important.
  49. Pay attention to the people around you.
  50. Try new foods.
  51. Engage with art: movies, music, paintings, theatre, poetry. Think about it. Always look for the message.
  52. Make decisions with the future in mind, but don’t forget to enjoy the present too.
  53. Everything in moderation.
  54. Remember the people who help you.
  55. Give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove you wrong.
  56. Don’t hold grudges. You’re the one who suffers the most when you do.
  57. Ask for help when you need it.
  58. Find friends that you don’t have to impress.
  59. Don’t do things you’ll want to lie about later.
  60. Put your dang phone DOWN.
  61. Take pictures, but don’t live life from behind a screen.
  62. Follow the rules, but it’s okay to ask why they’re there.
  63. Be a good leader, and a good follower.
  64. Trust your gut. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  65. Admit your mistakes.
  66. A lie of omission is still a lie.
  67. Repetition is the mother of all learning. (Brought to you by your grandfather, boys.)
  68. Maturity is the ability to do something you hate, well. (Also courtesy of your grandfather)
  69. You don’t have to agree with someone to love them.
  70. Respect your elders.
  71. Respect minorities. Listen to their stories.
  72. Spend time in nature. Let it inspire you.spend-time-in-nature-let-it-inspire-you
  73. Never stop asking questions. Never stop wondering.
  74. Go to church, even when you don’t feel like it. Especially when you don’t feel like it. No other institution can offer the hope that a good church does.
  75. Give others the spotlight.
  76. Complaining will never solve your problem.
  77. Do things you might fail at. Don’t let the fear of failure stop you.
  78. Learn from failure and try again.
  79. Learn when to keep your mouth shut, even if you’re right.
  80. Saying “I told you so” never helped anyone. Ever.
  81. Don’t sulk when you lose. Don’t gloat when you win.
  82. Have a family, however that looks to you. It’s scary and sometimes messy. But it’s also the greatest blessing anyone can have and the greatest investment anyone can make.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

8 Weird But Effective Strategies for Saving your Time


Got a minute? No, you say?

You need not be a superhero to effectively manage your time at the office. You just need some simple solutions that will allow you to maximize your efficiency. Here are eight weird but effective strategies for managing your time even when you work in a busy office with lots of people who are magnetized to you like moths to light.

1. Stand up.
If someone comes into my office while I’m feverishly trying to get work done, I stand up. I will absolutely engage in conversation, but it’s going to be a short one. When you go from sitting to standing, it sends a message that you are on a schedule. It is my experience that when the other party receives the message, they keep their questions, comments or idea sharing short.

2. Don’t have chairs.
I will admit, I don’t practice this, but I have a business associate who does and he swears by it. He has no guest chairs in his office. He says that the problem with chairs is that people come and sit in them and they chat. No chairs, no chat.

3. Share lunch.
Sometimes your co-workers, employees and staff just want to get to know you. That’s why if I am in the office working during lunch, I’ll have lunch with them so that get the opportunity to chat about fun stuff without losing valuable work time.

4. Set parameters.
If I am busy working in the office and someone asks me if I’ve got a minute, I’ll tell them yes and I’ll tell them how many minutes I’ve got.

“Sure, I’ve got about five minutes but then I need to get back to this project.”

At about the five-minute mark, I will start looking at the clock to signal that their time is nearly over. If I can’t answer the question or offer the needed assistance in that time, I’ll ask if we can schedule a longer meeting later in the day.

5. Know when to take calls.
This seems like a no-brainer. I never take an unsolicited call from a number that I don’t recognize, ever. People can leave messages and I will choose to call back if I am interested. If I am unsure as to whether I’m interested in taking the call, I will likely have an assistant call the person back to get more information with regards to the nature of the call.

It’s important to note here that an unwanted call can also come in handy at times. If you have someone taking up too much time and you are lucky enough to get an unexpected call during that time, take the call while saying to your guest, “I’ll reach out to you later, I need to take this call.”

6. Control dings, beeps and bops.
When I am working in the office, I set a limit on checking my email to every half hour. Important too, I make sure the volume is off on my computer and my phone. The dings, beeps and bops from email and social media are maddening. If my Facebook or Twitter beeps, I have to check it — I must keep the sound off so I can get work done in between emails.

7. Keep a power hour.
There are times when I simply cannot be disturbed. In those instances, I’ll do what every good hotel allows you to do when you want quiet time and hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. I have found it even more effective to make sure that I explain why on the sign, otherwise you will still get people who cross the line.

For example, my sign might read, “Do Not Disturb — Webinar in Process.” The sign coupled with the reason for it has been most effective.

8. Scrap the glass door.
There was a time long, long ago, when I had a glass door to my office. Big mistake! A glass door is like working in a fish tank and even when the door is shut, people wave you down and make bizarre hand gestures while trying to determine if you can talk. Get rid of the glass door in favor of one that offers full privacy for those times when you need to be super efficient.

STACEY ALCORN

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Body Language !!

Body Language - How People stand could say a lot about what they're thinking and feeling 


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Hit Leap

Traffic Exchange
Share/Save/Bookmark