Holiday Humor!

Want to get promoted? Operate at the next level

People are usually promoted when they are already demonstrating that they can perform at a level that is beyond the role they are currently in, so by definition you will be doing work that is “not your job.

People who volunteer to do work that needs to be done, even when outside their role or even their function, are often seen as the “go to” people within their organization. Those “go to” people are the most trusted, and the most likely to be promoted, because they’ve already shown they can take on more than what they are currently doing. You want to be one of those people.  

Six tips to communicate like a leader

Great article in Globe and Mail which has Six Tips to Communicate

The Dos:

1. Win their hearts, not just their heads.

Great leaders get personal. Your audience not only wants to respect you, they want to like you. It’s okay to be humble, even self-deprecating (in a humorous way), but be sincere. Tell stories that help the audience get to know you and, at the same time, deliver your vision.

2. Be a chameleon.

Adjust your style, but not your message. Remember different people relate in different ways so get to know your audience, whether they are customers, investors, staff or the general public. Do your research. Recognize your employees’ personal interests as well as their on-the-job skills and be prepared to talk about both. Would the person prefer a chat over coffee or a more formal meeting with an agenda?

3. Have a conversation, not a monologue.

The interactive nature of social media has changed the way we communicate and we are better for it. Interaction is crucial to growing your business, your career and your communication acumen. Create a conversation by incorporating audience feedback into your meeting or your presentation. Often, the less you talk and the more you listen and probe, the better. This makes people feel valued and important.

he Don’ts:

1. Drop the lingo.

This is the most common mistake made by leaders. You may be a technical wizard but the minute your audience doesn’t understand what you are talking about, they tune out. This is a wasted opportunity. Try giving your presentation to your teenager’s best friend and see if they get it. Anecdotes, analogies, and pictures work – like turning yourself into a human infographic.

2. Don’t ramble.

Researchers from New York University found that we make 11 major decisions about one another in the first seven seconds of meeting. Create a strong opening and follow it through with succinct, to the point comments and memorable information. A surprising statement or a startling statistic grabs attention.

3. Never blame.

Leaders take responsibility. They admit their mistakes. They fix things. Publicly. It doesn’t matter where the problem started, as the head of your company or your department, your audience needs to be reassured that you are in control. If something bad happens, step up and take ownership and make sure you provide the reassurance that this will never happen again.

Bonus Point:

Body language is a significant part of communication.

The words we speak actually account for less than 10 per cent of the message that we convey. So pay attention to your body language at least as much as your message when you communicate. Use your body and facial expressions in your delivery. Together, they make a powerful combination.