Communication Advice “Build trust with people” – Sandra Schrift “Stop, look at and listen to the person before speaking.” – Jeanie McCain “Show respect to others.” – Ginger Hodges-Rodigo “Listen more, talk less.” – Pamela Haggins “Focus on effectively communicating your message (when presenting to groups); not individual attendees.” -Milo Shapiro “The less you say, the less you have to say.” -Debra…
What Annoys Employees at Work? Sarita’s Informal Survey In the 18+ years that I’ve spoken at companies, campuses and conferences on staying positive and working together better, I have received feedback from hundreds of employees on what annoys them at work. This feedback falls into four categories: 1. Lack of appreciation 2. No big picture 3. Lack of belonging 4. Slackers not confronted Let’s look at…
Ask for More: How to Receive Negative Feedback Without Getting Defensive We spend a lot of time and energy figuring out how to constructively GIVE negative feedback. How do we respond when we RECEIVE it? Do we respond gracefully or do we get defensive? One of my first mentors suggested that we ASK FOR MORE! I often share the example of…
Got Gold? As I listened to interviews with the 2012 Olympic Gold Medal winners, I noticed several themes. I’ve summed up these themes using the acronym G-O-L-D: Gratitude Optimism Lessons Determination Perhaps we can use these in our own endeavors! G – GRATITUDE Gold medal winners mentioned how grateful they were for the love of their family, others who…
12 Tips for “Enjoying the Ride” We sometimes spend lots of energy trying to fix or change negative situations that are really beyond our control. (ie – corporate decisions, the economy) Instead, it would be a better use of our time to find ways to counteract the negativity by focusing on creating more of “what provides amusement or enjoyment” (Webster Dictionary definition…
Say NO Nicely My favorite ways to say NO nicely fall into the THREE categories below. Choose the phrases, or a combination of phrases, that work best for you! Above all else, avoid making excuses! 1. Compliment + NO “I appreciate your thinking of me, however I’m going to opt out.” “I’m flattered that you’d ask me out, but I’m…
PLAY NICELY: CONFLICT RESOLUTION DO’S AND DON’TS -DO use consultative phrases…(DON’T dictate or demand) What do you think about… How about… Would you be willing to… Could we try… Would you consider… –DO seek clarification…(DON’T assume that you understand) Let me make sure I understand what you’re saying… What do…
Pick one or more of the suggestions below 1. Say good morning for 7 days to each person you see. Don’t expect a response, just say good morning. 2. At the next social gathering, introduce yourself to at least 3 strangers (not all at once) and chat for a few minutes. 3. Go somewhere alone (movie, party, etc) or…
Sarita’s 7 Secrets for Speaking Success I’ve been asked quite a lot lately “what’s the secret to successful speaking?” I don’t think that my speaking strategies are “secret”—lots of people use them—however I do find they work well for me. I hope you find them helpful too! 1. Never share a story without a point; never share a point without a…
Phrases of Praise The more specific you can be in giving praise to your employees, the better. For example: “Great job handling the staff meeting this morning.” “I liked the way you resolved that client problem.” “Very thorough report.” Although I’m sure employees will also appreciate a quick one or two word acknowledgement such as “thank you” and “I appreciate…