It's Your Move

Playground Rules On The Field Of Business

From a young age, even as early as the school playground, we learn rulls of playing... Guess what?  These rules still apply to the field of business. Do not let anyone intimidate you.

1. Understand the rules prior to the game. Ask questions if you are not completely clear on any aspect of the rules.
2. Play fair but play extremely hard to win.
3. The game is usually won by strategy, not always by being first.
4. Play by the rules and demand the same of your opponent.
5. Confront anyone who cheats, immediately.
6. Stand up to bullies. If you have to fight, do so.
7. Catch your opponent off guard by throwing the first punch as hard and quickly as you can.
8. Better to fight and lose, than to back off. You will keep your high self esteem.
9. Do not let anyone change the rules in middle of the game.
10. Refuse to continue if the game or rules have changed without your full approval.
11. When winning, celebrate with dignity and hold on to that memory for the rest of your life.
12. If your opponent wins, accept defeat graciously but remember what you have learned.
13. Remain in shape for the next game.

Composing a Thank You Letter After An Interview

Here’s how to get the job!
After a first interview, it is generally considered protocol and good manners to write a thank you letter after an interview with a prospective new employer.

Your letter should be handwritten and composed in a warm but professional manner. Most thank you letters are no more than 3-4 paragraphs.

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The 9.5 Steps For A Successful Telephone Interview

A telephone interview is in many cases your first opportunity to present yourself to an employer. It is critical to get it right. These tips will ensure the best possible outcome: a face to face interview. 

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Listen Up! How Well Do You Listen?

Let’s assume that there is a verifiable “Most Needed Business Skills” list that every executive must master. Listening belongs at the top of list.

Your skill set, educational background, years of experience, economic influence, tenure… none of it matters if you are not a good listener.

The biggest problems that most of us encounter in the workplace are due to miscommunication or by making assumptions that have not been clarified. It’s not about hearing what you want to hear, it’s about listening to the content of the message. Plural inference is a legal term which simply means more than one interpretation. How often do we misconceive what we are told because we did not listen?

Clarity of the message being conveyed is crucial. Listen to, not at.The following steps can be taken to become a world class listener:

1. Give the speaker your undivided attention.
2. Ask questions.
3. Be sure to concentrate on the speakers words and resist the temptationsto tune out their message.
4. Make sure that what you hear comes directly from the speaker and notfrom your interpretation of their words. Many people are guilty ofjumping to conclusions which can damage their listening ability. People whodo this often don’t hear the speaker’s message because it is blocked out bytheir own assumptions.
5. Empathize. When someone shares information with you, put yourself inhis shoes. Doing this will allow the two of you to discover solutions moreeasily and will also help you appreciate a perspective different from your own.
6. Creating mental images of the speaker’s words is another way to becomea better listener.
7. Asking questions that relate to the speaker’s presentation can also helpyou to become a better listener. It’s important to ask questions withoutallowing the formulation of the questions to interfere with your listening.
8. Respond verbally and non-verbally. Using an enthusiastic tone shows you're interested in what the speaker is saying.
9. Practicing your listening skills is another way to become a better listener. Make a conscientious effort to apply your listening skills each time you speak to someone or attend a presentation.

Listening skills are just as critical as speaking skills. Being a good listener will not only ensure that you are receiving the correct information but will affirm to the speaker that you care about the information being presented.

Listen up!