Posts: 3

1. Is technology hurting communication?

   16.Nov.07, 11:08 EST
   
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   Is technology hurting communication?

    

   As you look around you see how fast the world is moving and how much easier it is supposed to be to stay in touch. The question really is though are we really staying in touch with each other or is all the advances in technology really making us more disconnected? These days you can communicate in so many ways with phones, blackberry’s, the internet, email, and many more but are we communicating or just corresponding and is there a difference. To me it seems that the easier technology makes it to stay in touch the less we actually are in touch with each other.

   What ever happened to the good old days where you actually stopped and talked to people? The days where you felt the conversation and tone when actually standing there talking to some one.
   

   
    These days it is so much easier to just send an email to your employees, but that is the problem with business. Where is the relationships and rapport building that makes a team and a place worth working at? How do you build what Stephen Covey calls emotional bank time with your employees if you don’t know them or take time to build solid relationships with them? Employers would have you believe that people leave because of money, but in fact the biggest reason employees leave a company is because they don’t feel like part of the team or challenged. Communication is one of the biggest reason or lack there of that employees get frustrated and leave. It is said that an employees’ longevity with a company is a reflection of the relationship they have with their immediate supervisor.

   
     So take the time to get to know your employees. Invest time in building strong rapport and relationships with them. You have to learn what motivates and demotivates each one of them. They have to know you for you. They have to know you support them and are there for them. Each person has goals learn what they are and help them set a path to reach them.

   
    How you ask? It is simple. Take time out to talk and when you do be there. What I mean is be there in the moment. If someone is talking to you be attentive. Show them respect don’t continue working or typing, stop and be there in the moment.  Follow up and follow through. If you make a commitment or need to get back to one of your employee’s do so. Start the day by greeting them and when ending the day say goodbye. You would be shocked at how much a difference this makes. Are you going to be able to do this every single day, probably not and the funny thing about it is when you miss a say they will let you know. Make time in your day to be engaged and spending time with your employees’. Take time also to listen. Your people have great ideas and passion for what they believe in. Hold time aside to discuss the business with them. They want to know what is going on and you are more likely to get their buy in if they understand the reason why behind the what we ask them to do.

   
    This does not only apply to the workplace. You can see the disconnect happening emotionally as well with family and friends. Do not use technology as a crutch. Get back to the basics. Stop and talk to some one. Let them see you for you and enjoy your company and conversation.

2. Fix You Face Get Your Mind Right.

   03.Oct.07, 10:32 EDT
   
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   Fix your face get your mind right I heard this phrase some time back from an incredible motivational speaker and it has been something that has stuck with me since that day. I was attending a workshop by Joy Carver and when she said that phrase it was like a light went off. The fact is that you must choose your attitude daily. You can not let other people dictate the way you act or feel. As a leader in today’s workplace you must lead by example and be the one that sets the mood and the tone for your workplace. You would be surprised how your attitude affects those that work for you and how much the way you react teaches them to in similar work situations.
   
   Think of it like this say you are driving to work and some sorry SOB cuts you off. What do you do? The fact is a lot of people get beyond upset they start to honk and or carry on. Mad and frustrated they get to work and their whole day is just ruined and started off terrible. When in fact the person that cut you off most likely has no idea what they did and certainly does not know you or even care that you are upset. So a person that does not know you are upset or even exist has changed your attitude and ruined and set your path for the day. Now tell me how much sense does that make? In the grand scheme of things does what happened really matter? Did that incident really mean that much or make that big a difference?
   
   The fact is no it should not have. So maybe you did think wow what a jerk, but it is up to you to choose your attitude. So I would say fix your face and get your mind right. We have all been in those meeting that we think wow what a waste of my time or that totally set you off. So when you leave that meeting remember you are a leader in your workplace so fix your face and get your mind right. You owe it to your employees to always set the right tone and attitude for the day.
   
   You are the only one who can change or affect your mood or attitude. I am not saying that you should never have a bad day, hey it happens. Just remember never let them see you sweat so before you go to that next meeting or before that next interaction with anyone, Fix your face and get your mind right.

3. Recognize the RBO's

   01.Oct.07, 15:33 EDT
   
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   It is important that you know how to recognize the RBO’s (rapport building opportunities) as they present themselves. Every interaction that you have with your employees is important, but the key is to be able to identify the ones that will make a difference. 
   To do this takes effort and the desire to know each of your employees. Not just them at work but who are they are and what matters to them in life and what is going on with them. Old times would tell you to separate life and work but to be an effective leader is so much more than being a boss and in today’s workplace if you want to retain and develop people you have to be willing to invest time in them. 
   It is said that en employees longevity with a company is a direct reflection of the relationship they have with their immediate supervisor. Most employers would want you to believe that the reasons employees leave is pay or a better job, but in fact most employees leave because they feel no sense of engagement and support from their manager, they feel no sense of belonging and have a lack of important or interesting work. 
   So here are some simple keys to taking it to the next level:
    1) Be there, what I mean by this is if you are talking with an employee pay attention. Stop what you are doing and focus on them. This lets them know that you care about what they have to say and shows a genuine interest in the conversation not to mention shows common courtesy. How many times have you had a boss or been the one to continue to type or write when in a conversation. Stop be there.
    2) Take the time to talk. You would be surprised at how much it means to simply stop by and chat with your employees. It does not have to be about anything and can be as simple as just saying hey how are things going. When you are in a coaching session or meeting with them take the time to chat find out what is going on with them, how are things at work and is there anything you can do to help.
    3) Learn your employees; know what motivates them and what they need from you. You should be able to tell most times when one of your employees is having an off day or when something great is going on. If you don’t take the time to get to know them you want know the RBO’s when they present themselves.
    4) Invest time and coaching in your people. Don’t rely on others to do this for you. Your main job as a leader is to coach and develop your people and show them how to advance in their careers and loves. 
   
   So this is the start of many tips and topics of how to take it to the NEXT LEVEL.