‘Street-smart’ business people learn the importance of maintaining good professional relationships, largely through networking, which is defined as the creation, development and use of personal contacts for mutual benefit or the benefit of others. Adept networking is a ‘win-win’ activity – producing a positive result for you and the people you meet. Types of networking There are several types of networking opportunities for you: Arrange periodically to meet over coffee or lunch with friends ...
Read moreIn your workplace and at home you are inevitably tempted to lay the blame on someone for an action or inaction that is unsatisfactory. Laying blame is easy to do and difficult to avoid, especially if you tend to be judgmental. In the communication profession we are making judgments all the time; we belong to an extremely judgmental profession because almost everything we do is subjective – we make judgments every day on how ...
Read moreMost managers communicate poorly with their employees. Managerial communication is extremely important, but Gallup consultants report that few managers have the talent to achieve excellence: "Gallup's research reveals that about one in 10 people possess the talent to manage." Although many people have some of the necessary traits, few have the unique combination of talent needed to help a team achieve excellence in a way that significantly improves a company's performance." The firm's research ...
Read moreWhether you are a communication staffer or external consultant, the relationship model advocated by Susan Scott, top US executive coach and author of Fierce Conversations, creates great results. It is a very effective tool to connect with clients and management to achieve deeper mutual understanding. It involves listening, building trust and creating rapport that will develop top relationships between you and your internal and external stakeholders. Identify the issue First step in this model ...
Read moreResearch on non-verbal communication has found that mirroring a person’s words and body language increases rapport dramatically. This finding confirms the results of previous research, especially in the field of social psychology: copying the words and gestures of the person you are meeting will increase goodwill between you. Mirroring is behavior that copies someone else during communication with them – in displaying similar postures, gestures, or tone of voice. It may include imitating gestures, ...
Read moreThe amount of influence workers have isn’t always reflected in their job titles. You can determine your own informal value to others by reviewing the extent to which people – your top internal stakeholders – help you succeed in your job, and in turn, by what you offer them. Start by listing the top 10 employees at any level who help you get things done. Give each a score from one to 10 based ...
Read moreThese thoughts on developing a brilliant ‘elevator pitch’ have been adapted from advice offered by Liz DiAlto, who provides a lot of useful career feedback to clients. Here are some top tips for a more effective elevator pitch – the important words you say to people who ask the key question: “What do you do?” DON’T just give your job title This is a cop out. There are no 2-3 word descriptions that do ...
Read moreMany people hate office politics. But staying out of office politics may hold back your career. You can see what happens when someone doesn’t play the game sufficiently – they lose influence and credibility. Probably you know people who have made that mistake. As a communicator, especially if you are head of the communication function, you are responsible for building productive relationships throughout the office so you can influence people beyond your formal area ...
Read moreEveryone wants to feel they are valued, to see themselves in a positive light. This is a fundamental human motivation proven by research. People are prepared to contribute more if they feel they are achieving something worthwhile. Eight magic phrases are music to our ears! You don’t have to be a manager or supervisor to say them; you can show leadership as a fellow worker. (Some people say employers exploit this type of motivation ...
Read moreMaking a good impression on others immediately is crucial in business because research shows that others size you up within seconds of meeting you – and good relationships are vital. Despite the overwhelming focus on social media and digital technology around us these days, the most important interactions in business still take place in person, face-to-face. Everything else is just a substitute. Social commentator and observer Gretchen Rubin offers valuable suggestions on how ...
Read moreImage: World Economic Forum 'COVID Action Platform.' More details in the 'Resources' section below. The effects of the catastrophic COVID-19
If you want a high performing organization, you need to engage and inspire your middle managers. They are the key
Employers want communications professionals who continue to develop key skills Recruiters are actively seeking to place internal communications professionals who