Networking is crucial in business these days. But what happens when we break rapport before we even start?
Networking in business has spawned books, articles, podcasts and videos. You name it, there’s content out there for a business owner looking to rock their networking. The best advice I’ve been given is to simply be curious. Go in, look to have one or two conversations and just ask questions. Then listen. But what happens…
We went from in-person meetings to chaos-driven online meetings. And we didn’t stop to learn how to run these meetings
For the past six months, business meetings have definitely looked a little different. People are utilizing Zoom calls, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams to replace the in-person meeting. Some don’t like mask protocol, some have their kids at home with them and some just see the advantage of having an online meeting (with one person…
The best way of countering liars is to follow the old adage “trust, but verify”
Recognizing that we are being lied to is an important social and business skill. But surprisingly small factors about someone, – where we meet them, what they wear, what their voices sound like, whether their posture mimics ours, if they mention the names of people we know or admire – can enhance their credibility to…
Five actions that will build trust in your organization. But only sustained behaviour will ensure that trust survives and thrives
Trust is the belief or confidence that one party has in the reliability, integrity and honesty of another party. It’s the expectation that the faith one places in someone else will be honoured. When I asked 537 managers how leaders build and destroy trust, here’s what I learned: It’s always a case of ‘follow the leader.’…
Quality people skills are important if you want to be promoted to a management position
Human Resource professionals and headhunters classify skills into two categories, hard skills and soft skills. "Hard" skills are easier to define because they apply to a specific function – computer programming, database management, driving a truck, piloting a plane, designing a house or office building (architect), building a cabinet (carpenter) or wiring a building (electrician). Soft…
Romantic visions aside, consulting is not all it's cracked up to be
Most IT people have a romantic vision of what the consulting lifestyle is all about. What does it take to be a consultant? Consulting is about knowing who to sell your ideas to, coaxing people to think creatively about solutions, and working with many different people to follow through on those ideas and achieve results.…
When your business colleague stops looking at you, she is "saying" with her eyes that she has, in effect, stopped listening
You're at a business event and the colleague you've been having an intense conversation with begins to shift her gaze from your face to look around the room. Ever wonder why that makes you feel as if she has stopped listening? You know it's not logical. A person doesn't have to look at you to…
If a speaker's gestures are not in full agreement with the spoken words, the audience perceives duplicity
Have you ever noticed that when people are passionate about what they're saying, their gestures automatically become more animated? Their hands and arms move about, emphasizing points and conveying enthusiasm. You may not have been aware of this connection before, but you instinctively felt it. Research shows that audiences tend to view people who use…
Small nonverbal changes can make a big difference in how people perceive and relate to you
I’ve spoken to over 200 business, university, association, and government audiences and, in the process of preparing to address these very savvy professionals, I’ve discovered even more about the role of body language in business success. Here are my 10 simple and powerful body language tips I've culled over the years: 1) Before an important…
A promotion to boss changes relationships with everyone – especially co-workers
A promotion to boss changes relationships with everyone – especially co-workers. No longer one of the gang, you've joined the other side. There is a boundary line separating bosses from the rank-and-file. Newly minted managers are saddled with responsibilities no one prepared them for. Unlike musical or athletic abilities, which often have a genetic root,…