What you can learn simply by being aware of your audience is astounding, yet very few people actually pay attention to how others respond to them/their message. For instance, when someone responds to something you’ve said, you’re probably formulating a reply in your mind rather than observing the other person. Your focus is on you, …
Questions: My manager blows hot and cold. One moment he’s your best friend, the next he’s literally screaming at people. So far I’ve not been targeted but I’m new to the group and I’m sure he’ll turn on me soon. Any advice? J.D., New York, NY Answer: Good for you that you’re proactively planning how …
You can learn a lot about a person by paying attention to how they explain their decisions. They’ll go down one of two paths: justifying or providing a rationale. Unlike a rationale, which is simply a list of reasons why a certain decision has been made, a justification is a defense of a decision. It …
Office politics are about building relationships to achieve a result. Think about the last time you started a new project. Once you knew your goal, you needed to identify who was who in your company, who knew what, and who had power and influence. Those are the basic ingredients needed to execute any task. Your …
When you have an important meeting or presentation coming up, it’s common to prepare by practicing your key points and anticipating the objections others might have. Bringing this type of thinking to your everyday work is a powerful, yet often overlooked technique. Think about the key messages you want to reinforce about your team, your …
Question: My manager just told me that I’m getting a reputation for being curt and unfriendly. I am shocked. I always, always, always ask, “How can I help you?” when someone comes into my office even though I am swamped. What should I do? T.T., New York, NY Answer: When people come to you, do …
My coworkers think I’m unfriendly and have gone to my boss, help! Read More »
Stop Critiquing and Start Listening Criticism plays a very important role at work. It helps us evaluate ideas, think though rationales, and determine our best course of action by testing assumptions, logic, and likely implications. However when we habitually criticize, we create an environment where people worry about being judged. In such a setting, people …
Question: My manager thinks I should be running a department—I’m not sure if I want it or not. What can I do before I am forced to choose that would help me decide? D.D., Mt. Prospect, IL Answer: It may not feel like it but this is a good problem to have. Most people end …
Yikes, my manager is advocating for me to be promoted! Read More »
Given all the outlets that exist for personal expression, it’s ironic that people feel less “heard” now than ever before. One of the best gifts you can give another is giving them your full attention. It’s practical, too. When you’re in conversation, really focus on the other person, stay in the moment, and seek to …
Almost everyone feels some level of overwhelm given the sheer volume of info that comes in daily at work (and home!). The chaos that can result makes it difficult to perform at your best and can be a real drain on your time and energy. To take control of your immediate environment, set firm boundaries. …
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