Saturday, October 29, 2011

Are you helping others?

At this time in your life, when all seems so bleak, dark and inhospitable it may be hard to think of others much less help them. Yet in reality when you do this, helping others, you will find a return to you far in excess of money or leads. The elated feeling you get will assist you in keeping that positive attitude. Remember that positive, upbeat attitude you emulate will be seen by others a someone they may want on their team. It is hard to buy that but you can certainly give it.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

How can this be better?

Sometimes in an interview we are faced with questions that deal with "....how would you change this?..." At this point we begin contemplating what we've heard and try to make quick decisions about what specific changes we would make if we were in that position.  A goal here is to stay positive and look for ways to improve the situation. Sometimes that could require terminating someone, yet we need to look beyond that obvious answer in light to first make sure they are sitting in the chair that best fits them. If they aren't we may want to see if another slot is a better fit and if not then the obvious is obvious.
When we can keep a positive attitude and give positive input others are quick to see you are thinking on your feet. Of course when you deliver such solutions be sure you speak with confidence, not just reciting answers.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Have you found your costume yet?

Halloween is just around the corner you know. In my day we never bought costumes, we made them from whatever we could find around the house or neighborhood. We didn't have the money to buy one anyway. When I ask my children why they'd buy one when they could make one and have a family project they just roll their eyes at me and go about their business. It takes too much time, cheaper to buy it, can't be bothered etc...etc.
We are lacking creativity or gumption or maybe it is a feeling it won't be as good as the store bought one. The kids miss out too.
Use some creativity on your resumes, your introduction of yourself, where you look for possible opportunities, what events you attend. Take a new look once in a while as you never know what you might learn. You may even learn some things you won't do again.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Are you too busy to meet me?

When someone suggests a meeting and you find your calendar packed full what do you do. We want to sound busy so it sounds cool to have a full calendar. Have you ever noticed that extremely busy folks seems to be able to add one more meeting to their list. Sometimes this is the inability to say no. Yet some folks are able to pull it off. Before saying you are too busy why not ask a few more questions and see how the two of you can arrange a meeting. Always being open to meet  others can be to your  advantage in the future.
Just think about it.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Are you in tune with your audience?

Sometimes we enter into a conversation or an interview without full knowledge of the other party. We might surmise they are looking at the topic from our perspective. We may need to listen to be sure we are in tune so we can speak from a common ground. Not to assuage them but be sure we are in total understanding. We don't always have to agree from another's viewpoint but we can speak intelligently about it.
Listening is the operative word here.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Leadership

We are all leaders in one manner or another. In the business world sometimes it was known as "management" yet the best Managers were the best leaders. How did this happen? There are thousands of books to describe and discuss this.
Great leaders listen well, read a lot and pay attention to people. Work on being a better leader or even better be the Best leader you can be. See what happens to you.