Archive for May, 2008
May 27th, 2008
The definition of communication is simply the exchange and flow of information and ideas from one person to another.
The problem with communication is that the message can easily be misinterpreted. Miscommunication or lack of communication is one of the largest problems that an organization deals with day to day. By avoiding the following barriers, you can improve the communication in your workplace.
1) Office Noise – Equipment or environmental noises can often distort the message being sent, and can affect the concentration of the receiver.
2) Incorrect Perception – Perception can be affected by the speed with which the message is delivered or the clarity of articulation. Too much or too little of either can greatly affect one’s grasp of the message.
3) Workplace Stress – Messages are delivered and received differently when under stress. This differentiation can cause problems relating to the interpretation of the message.
4) Message Smothering – Smothering occurs when the deliverer assumes the receiver is already aware of the message being given. It is, however, better to communicate this information regardless, to ensure the receiver is aware.
5) Culture – Past experiences or cultural background are examples of instances that can greatly affect the meaning of a message. Being unaware of cultural differences may interfere with the message being communicated.
6) Ourselves – Sometimes too much focus is put on our own individual. This narrow focus can cause conflict and confusion between two communicating parties.
Communication will never be perfect. However, an attitude of understanding and improvement is key to creating a clear communication environment. Make sure to keep your eyes and ears open to prevent communication barriers!
May 22nd, 2008
Truth be told, there are many people who are in positions of management that have very poor people skills. Not a good skill to lack when considering in addition to overseeing daily operations, leading and directing people is a pretty big part of the job description.
If you, as an employee, encounter a boss that struggles getting their point across and goes about providing instructions or discipline in an unprofessional manner, here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help you keep your cool:
1) Never get Confrontational: No matter what you think about your boss and what they have to say, it is not in your best interest to get confrontational. This is sure to only make matters worse. You can make your point in a way that it comes across non-threatening, but it is unlikely if your boss handled the situation poorly to begin with that they will all of a sudden be open to reasoning and conversation.
2) Too Much Information: When sharing your thoughts with your boss, there is such a thing as too much information. Understand that your boss is, like it or not, in a position where they have to make tough decisions, including decisions about staff. You will have a lot of thoughts going through your mind, and you will want to say many of them. I would advise to refrain from doing so. Do not give them a reason to cut you loose. A general rule of thumb is that no matter how difficult a work situation is, it is always better to leave on your own terms than to be terminated by the company.
3) Sounding Board: Identify a co-worker or a friend away from work that you trust and that you can go and vent to. Often times you will find that co-workers share the same view point as you. It can be healthy to vent to each other and get things off of your chest. Be careful about abusing this, especially with friends away from work.
4) Management Team: Take a look at the rest of the management team at your company, and determine if there is an individual that you would feel comfortable going and talking to about how your boss handled the situation. HR departments are often a good option for this discussion.
5) Update Resume: If the situation is to the point where you don’t feel you can see yourself working for the company or your boss, and you don’t feel change is in the near future, it may be time for you to prepare to make a change. Begin updating your resume and keeping an eye open for better opportunities. It is always best to be proactive rather than reactive in a situation like this.
May 19th, 2008
A colleague of mine returned from a conference with a book, Never Eat Alone, by Keith Ferrazzi. She heard him speak and was inspired by his approach to business.
So, I started reading and decided that we needed a Biz Blog Book Club. Keith Ferrazzi is a brilliant man that seems as much of a regular guy as any of us. He had a simple childhood with working class parents, and ended up at Yale and has a Harvard MBA.
What I do for a living is all about people. I rely on people every day and in every way to do my job. How I treat them is so key to have productive and successful relationships. Remembering them and details about them are vital to how I do things. I can remember what a pet peeve of a client was from 10 years ago. If I had to call that client today, I could already be a step ahead in trying to service their needs. Building relationships is key to every day life, even more key in a people orientated business.
Keith Ferrazzi takes all of those stories of his life and career and wrapped it up in 298 pages. It is so refreshing to see something in print with advice and guidance that real world people can use. Not preachy, not impossible, and not something that you need to follow to the letter to see your everyday life benefit.
Some of his core principals are so basic that your parents and/or grandparents shared them with you when you were 12. Why are some things that are so simple? I am going to get reading - stay tuned. I challenge you to get your hands on this book and read along. As I dig deeper, I will share points in the book and hope to have some blogging on never eating alone…
May 16th, 2008
Stress at work seems to be a very natural thing. There are too many tasks to complete and not enough time, or maybe it is difficult to deal with clients, customers, or co-workers. Stress can begin to affect your performance and productivity, and eventually, start affecting life outside of work. Here are just a few examples of ways to deal with stress at work:
Keep the lines of communications open – Talk to your supervisor/boss. They might be able to help you work through some ways to help you de-stress, or have some ways to help you get more organized.
Manage Your Time – Make a list and prioritize the tasks that need to be completed and stay organized. When you have completed your goals, be sure to mark it off, and move on to the next task.
Keep work and home separate – Leave your work at work! Even if you work at home, make sure to keep your personal life and your work life separate.
Enough is Enough – Know when you have reached the point when you cannot take it anymore. If work is really just too much for you to handle anymore and it is affecting your health and happiness, maybe it is time to make a change or re-evaluate the situation.
May 14th, 2008
As I speak with people from all over Illinois and Wisconsin, I find one common denominator with conversations about location. How long is your commute?
With the gas prices as they are, the length of commute has been a deciding factor with some people in the job search. Location has always been important to the active job seeker and the somewhat passive seeker. Now, it is right there at the top of the list and people are looking to be compensated according to their commute.
In the past, I have commuted over an hour and now my travel is about 10-15 minutes. I have given up a longer commute and I have a better quality of life for it! I spend less time in the car and since it takes over $50 to fill up my gas tank-that is a good thing. I see my family more and don’t suffer from the road rage I see out there.
How long does it take you to get to work and fill up your gas tank?
May 12th, 2008
The rising gas prices are now starting to change the every day routine of our lives. We are having to change our summer vacation plans, spend less on eating out, drive only when absolutely necessary, carpool to work, buy more fuel efficient vehicles, and maybe even move closer to work.
How are the gas prices affecting your lifestyle?
May 9th, 2008
Employers beware!
“How far are you willing to travel to work?” I don’t leave an interview without asking this question. It also happens to be a question that I already know the answer to before I ask it. The consensus is that if an employee has a similar opportunity closer to home, the cost of gas prices is making it easier for people to shed their loyalties and jump ship for a shorter commute.
As an employer, it is in your best interest to take a look at your staff and determine who might be a likely candidate to make such a move. If you value that employee, it might be a good idea to sit down and discuss different options for that employee that would help offset their cost of traveling to work. If you don’t, you may find yourself beginning a search for their replacement.
Odds are, you’ll be asking the question, “How far are you willing to travel to work?”
May 7th, 2008
Once you are past the first interview, how long do you wait before you contact the employer? Waiting for their response is a very difficult part of the interview process. Here are the best tips for waiting…..
Keep in touch – Don’t call every day, but do show that you are interested and touch base to stay at the top of the employer’s list.
Continue to Search – You want to have options, so keep looking for other positions. If you have other offers, you have room to negotiate and can decide the best option for you.
Keep the communication open – Let the employers know if you have other offers, or if you are not really interested- you don’t want to waste your time or theirs. Sometimes communicating your interests openly can speed up the hiring process.
Don’t give up! – The employment world is tough, and maybe you have been counting on a position, and it falls through. The best thing to do is realize that you have created great networking through the people you interviewed with, and you have built a good relationship with that company for future opportunities.
The biggest thing to remember is to STAY POSITIVE! It’s easier said than done, but it is the only way to stay on top. Here is a quote to live by: “It is not the number of times you get knocked down that make the difference, it is the number of times that you dust yourself off and get back up that really matters!”
May 5th, 2008
Most employers respect that making the best choice for your family and your career is a process, and they want to be as accommodating as possible. If you decide not to accept a position, do so in a professional manner and be clear as to why it is not a good fit. There might be something that is uncovered that can be resolved. If not, at least you have laid it out on the table.
Never burn a bridge. You never know how that can haunt you in your professional future.
May 2nd, 2008
Are you hesitating because you have salary or benefit concerns? Ask up front if there would be a sign on bonus or additional compensation for relocation. You won’t know unless you ask, and an employer is more likely to find a solution that would be beneficial if you inquire professionally and timely. Your employer is counting on your decision to plan their business needs.
