Fast Focus on Your Success

Our "Either/Or" World: Where Do You Stand?

		Friday, 21 August 09 - 11:00 AM (GMT -05:00) By Susan Battley in Career Success

I love dark chocolate.  Joy of joys, research shows that dark chocolate is even good for me.

But there are those who prefer milk chocolate or  white chocolate.  Or who have no preference. Or who don't like chocolate at all.

These personal preferences don't matter much in our professional lives.

Consider, though, aspects of yourself and your behavior that do very much matter in terms of professional effectiveness. 

We often think, act and live in a divided world of "either/or."

Our "Either/Or" World

For example,

• Are you a person who is appreciative of what you have or perpetually focused on what you don't have?


• Are you someone who hoards information and resources or shares appropriately with colleagues and partners?


• Do you regard "success" as a fixed pie with limited winners or an expandable pie with multiple winners?


• Are you someone who brightens an office when you enter it or when you leave it?

For many of us, if we answer truthfully, our response is likely to be, "It depends."  Or even, "I don't know." Variables such as the specific situation, the people we're with, the mood we're in, can all come into play.

However, since impressions get formed on the basis of initial as well as recurring behavior, we all need to be aware of what we're putting out there in our interactions with others. 

Where do you stand?

THREE ACTION STEPS

1. Check your attitude and your focus.  Negativity and self-centeredness are toxic.  We easily recognize these traits in others; yet not so easily in ourselves.


2. Consult a trusted friend or mentor.  Get feedback on your impact on others.  Do others see you as likable?  Reliable?  A team player?
   


3. Be positive and interact with other positive, supportive people. There's real truth that emotions are "contagious," so it's important for our own well-being and performance to be lifted up rather than dragged down.
   

Eat some chocolate while you're at it. 

How to Make a Great First Impression

		Friday, 10 July 09 - 10:24 AM (GMT -05:00) By Susan Battley in Career Success

Whether you're interviewing for a new position, starting a new job, networking, or otherwise "out there" in this tough, attention-deficit environment, making a good first impression has never been more important to success.

I'm constantly asked about this topic by job seekers and new graduates.  However, I find that many seasoned professionals can benefit from refreshing and upgrading their impression management skills too.

Three Action Tips

1. Create a positive emotional encounter with the other person(s). Your personal likability is critical.  For example, you may have a blockbuster resume, but if the interviewer doesn't like you, you have just de-selected yourself.

 2. Ask relevant questions that show interest in the other person's views, experiences and opinions.  Then shut up and listen.  For example, ask a new colleague: "What would be helpful for me to know about this department now or find out first?"  Avoid the trap of self-focus or excessive self-promotion.

 3. Emphasize similarities and goodness-of-fit in your interactions. Life - and business - are matching games.  For example, in an interview be prepared to clearly communicate how what you possess in terms of skills and track record addresses a critical business need or initiative. 

Remember, people have to buy into you before they will buy from you -- or be interested in helping you. 

Prime Directive:  Never underestimate the power of personal likability and rapport!

... More items are available in our News Archive