Entries Tagged as ''

Communicating with Employees in Uncertain Times

 

A  new e-book by Wendy Mack of T3 Consulting called, “Transforming Anxiety into Energy: How to Prevent Panic and Promote Productivity in Turbulent Times,”  is a terrific resource for any employer dealing with anxious workers in this uncertain economy. While I normally write about workplace behaviors that employees need to demonstrate, this new e-book is a jewel for employers who may be facing this issue.

 

Wendy gives a four-step process she discovered through research, interviews and a review of best practices.  They include building trust, communicating openly, helping employees figure out what to focus on and what actions to take, and how to unleash energy to promote productivity and protect profitability.

 

Get a free copy of Wendy’s e-book at http://wendymack.com/anxietyintoenergy/

Tags: Training by Marcia Hall
No Comments »

Body Language Resource

 

I’ve been reading a great book called The Definitive Book of Body Language by Allan and Barbara Pease.  Of particular interest to me is the research they and others have conducted where people were asked to cross their arms to see what effect that gesture had on retaining information. 

 

In these studies, two groups of volunteers attended lectures with one group sitting with their arms unfolded and relaxed. The other group kept their arms tightly folded across their chests.  They were both tested on the retention of the subject matter and the “results showed that the group with the folded arms had learned and retained 38% less than the group who kept its arms unfolded.” 

 

Research has also shown that you appear unapproachable when you cross your arms.  These are two good reasons to avoid using that gesture!  For other books the Peases have written, check out their website at http://www.peaseinternational.com/

 

 

 

Tags: Body Language by Marcia Hall
No Comments »

Soft Skills Rule: Don’t Be Too Familiar

 

I heard quite a story the other day.  A colleague told me about a new employee who greeted the president of the company by saying, “Hey, dude!”

 

What was interesting to me was that this employee didn’t know this type of greeting was likely inappropriate.  He was excited to be in his new position and wanted to appear friendly. 

 

As an employee, if you try to be too familiar with your boss it will likely be perceived in a negative way.  Your co-workers may be suspicious of what you are doing.  Your boss may think you are immature or unprofessional.  When you assume your boss is your friend, you may tell inappropriate jokes or talk about subjects that should be avoided in the workplace. 

 

I believe it is best to be positive and friendly, but don’t assume that your boss will or wants to be your friend. 

 

 

 

 

Tags: Respect by Marcia Hall
No Comments »

Introducing CONNECT! A Soft Skills Coalition

 A group of organizations in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, has come together to form a coalition to promote the importance of essential workplace behavior skills.  Reputation COUNTS is a proud member of CONNECT! and our goal is to eliminate negative workplace behaviors by helping workers understand and practice the skills employers expect.

 

The coalition will provide training to a variety of groups, including students and underserved populations such as public assistance recipients, out-of-school youth, older workers and offenders.  While academics, technical and occupational skills are critically important, the lack of soft skills is the reason most people lose their jobs.  Since employers tell me all the time that too many of their workers are late, dress inappropriately, complain or resist change, bringing more attention to the relevance of soft skills can only help workers be more productive, thus helping companies prosper as well.

Tags: Soft skills by Marcia Hall
1 Comment »

National Clean-Off-Your-Desk Day

Tomorrow, January 12th, is a nationally celebrated day to help you get all that clutter off your desk.  A neat looking office space does wonders for your own psyche as well as creating the impression that you are organized and professional.

 

Back in December I wrote about taking time over the Thanksgiving holiday to organize my home office.  I threw away old files, magazines I never read, and articles I cut out and didn’t use.  Then I put files that I would like to refer to occasionally in boxes to store in the basement.

 

I’m touching on this subject again because of the Clean-Off-Your-Desk day tomorrow and because I’m still quite amazed about the difference it has made to me.  It is now easy to get a file out and put it back when I’m done because I know exactly where it should go.  It’s been over six weeks and there are no stacks of papers any where!

 

I encourage you to take the time to clear away the clutter. 

Tags: Organization by Marcia Hall
No Comments »

Smiling Makes You Feel Good

 Today I read an article about the physical benefits of smiling.  In addition to appearing friendly and likeable, the bonus is that your body releases endorphins, which makes you feel better.

 

Some days, you may not feel like smiling, particularly if you read or listen to the news lately. So it’s handy to have a list of activities close by that brings a smile to your face.  Here are some of my favorites:

 

  • Dancing with my grandchildren or having them say, “Hi Grandma,” and giving me a hug
  • Watching old episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond or The Cosby Show
  • Eating a chocolate chip cookie right out of the oven
  • Watching a waterfall
  • Lying down in the sun on a Sunday afternoon
  • Seeing a spectacular mountain or pictures of one
  • Getting a letter in the mail from a friend
  • Going to a fabulous brunch with lots of choices
  • Sitting by a fire in our family room fireplace

Just thinking about any of these things cheers me up.  When you recall favorites that make you smile before going to work, you feel content when you arrive.  Co-workers and customers are then affected in a very good way too.

Tags: Attitude by Marcia Hall
No Comments »

Soft Skills Rule: Smiling Creates a Chain Reaction

 

The other day my husband and I were in the garage ready to leave when the garbage truck stopped at our house.  One of the men collecting the trash walked the empty container up our driveway and gave it to my husband rather than leaving it by the curb.  “What a thoughtful thing to do,” I said.

 

As I drove up the street, I waved and smiled at this man.  He responded with a grin and wave.  His simple act started a chain reaction of good feelings.  I thought about what he did for several hours and found myself smiling a little more.

 

In January, I celebrate Simple Way #1: Smile and Be Positive from my book Jumpstart Your Job: 12 Simple Ways to Shift Your Career into High Gear.   I think being positive, friendly and likeable can create a variety of opportunities and attract people to you.  It all starts with a genuine smile.

Tags: Attitude by Marcia Hall
1 Comment »