Month: March, 2010
Resolve Conflict and Get More Done
fabulous | March 19, 2010 | 6:03 am | Organization Communication, leadership | No comments

Conflict in the workplace happens, even among the best of friends. That doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to resolve conflict and get a positive outcome from the situation.  A few steps should be taken as soon a possible so you can resolve your conflict and start getting things done again.  Here are some suggestions to help. 

#1. Don’t Wait. 

When conflict happens, take care of it as soon as possible. Don’t wait until it starts festering and getting out of control. For instance, if there’s been a miscommunication or a difference in how to reach goals, address these issues immediately.  Communication problems and goal ambiguity are two of the most common causes for conflict in the workplace. Knowing this is important because you can be more conscious of when these problems are occurring. Address these issues as soon as you realize they’ve occurred and you’ll prevent a small conflict from snowballing into a big one. 

#2. Get Clarity. 

When you’re in doubt about what’s causing a problem, ask question and get clarity. You can tell if someone is upset but you may not know why.  Instead of waiting, start asking questions.  Ask the other person what’s upsetting him or her so you can discover if there’s been a misunderstanding.  Ask about their opinion on the problem, it you’ve been misunderstood, or if you’ve misunderstood them. Just be sure to get clarity so you can clear the air.    

#3. Restate the Issues. 

A great lesson in communication is restating an issue that you hear to be sure you are clear on it.  To make sure you heard what was stated and that you and the other person are understanding things in a similar manner, mirror what they’ve said back to them.  An example is, “It sounds to me that you’re saying,” or “I understand you’re saying.  This will help bring  quick clarification and prevent real conflicts from sparking. 

#4. Be Ready to Apologize.  

Saying you’re sorry is not a easy thing to do. But taking the high and admitting a mistake or just being the first to end the conflict by offering an apology can go a long ways.  An apology goes miles towards lowering someone’s defenses. It doesn’t have to be long and drawn out; just a simple, “I’m sorry we’ve had this misunderstanding,” lowers the tension and puts the other party in a more compatible frame of mind.  

#5. Criticize with Care. 

The art of giving constructive criticism is necessary in the workplace. To give constructive criticism use the sandwich principle. That means you’ll sandwich any criticism between two bookends of praise. For example, “You have a wonderful way of motivating the team.  I think if you could work on following up with them regularly our projects will run more smoothly.  You know your team well so I’m sure they’ll be responsive.” 

#6. Share Expectations. 

Not knowing what the other person wants or needs can be the beginning of conflict.  Be sure to be clear about your workplace expectations if you’re the boss or the one carrying out the work. Use clear and concise language to avoid people misunderstanding you. Remember it’s okay to ask for clarification because you really want to be sure you’re understood.  

#7. Stay Positive. 

Nothing helps to beat conflict like a good positive outlook.  Even though you can expect conflicts to show their ugly face almost daily in the workplace, you can take the position to approach each day, task, and co-worker with a positive attitude. As a result, you’ll find that many potential conflicts will simply fade away.  Being position has a contagious effect so share that positive feeling with everyone and make the whole workplace experience a better thing. 

Still can’t get along?  When all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask for mediation.  Sometimes people just can’t get along or they just don’t communicate well.  This means working together is going to be extra difficult.  If a situation arises and the steps you’ve taken to remedy the conflict aren’t working, ask for help.  Many larger companies offer mediation services or you can bring in a superior to help clear up the situation.

Vital Leadership Skills in Changing Times
fabulous | March 3, 2010 | 10:34 pm | leadership | No comments

Organization leaders have to change with the times in order to effectively lead a company.  Identifying and getting information on some vital issues for organization change is not always easy to find. Yet, without this insider information,  leaders can find their confidence remains low when it comes to being able to be a real power broker who gets things done.  Here are several  business related issues organization leaders must learn about in order to build real confidence as a leader. 

Organization Development: Leaders must have the confidence to know how an organization is put together in order to be able to lead all parts of the organization. To simplify this concept, think of an organization like an automobile. You might know that you put gas in the tank when it’s empty, but if you don’t know that you also have to keep the oil clean and fill other fluids your automobile is not going to run correctly. The organization doesn’t run by one unit. Knowing how the organization functions as a whole is true organization development. Many leaders are not clear about this concept and find their companies and organization suffering as a result.    

Organization Growth: Similar to knowing how an organization is developed, a leader needs to have the confidence to properly grow an  organization. Organization growth patterns differ according to the different types of organizations. It’s important to design methods to forecast future needs of your organization or company in order to make right decisions for growth. Leaders without knowledge of how growth affects all aspects of the organization will find that some decisions result in dysfunction instead of increases.   

Systems Concepts: Another concept that few leaders have strong confidence in is really understanding systems concepts. This lack of understanding is easy to see when a leader seems to get hit by what seems like sudden changes in the economy or society that negatively affects their company. While it sounds complex, the basic explanation of systems in organizations is that every organization or group that exists is effected by what goes on around it. Another concept of systems is that whatever you do to one part of the organization will affect the rest of the organization.   

Power Issues: Some organization leaders lack confidence to know how to use power to get things done. Power can be gained through position or by having resources others desire. One resource is your knowledge base and knowledge really is power in organizations.  Having power means being able to reach goals, quicker and easier than those without the power. Gain power by being willing to use your leadership to take on high profile positions. Get your name out and take calculated risks that let you gain visibility.  

Politics in Business: Acting politically takes a lot of confidence. It means knowing when to speak and what to say when you speak. You have to understand change of command and when to approach one person over another in a business. Being politically savvy is important to advance your career as a leader. It’s important to understand business politics and be able to use your skills to influence others in a positive and effective manner.  

Build Networks: Leaders need strong networks of influence makers who can get things done. This is a part of the power and politics of leadership. Knowing people who have power is a key confidence builder for women leaders to use in order to move ahead.  Go to the right gatherings where you can be in the company of people who have contacts and information you need to get your goals met. Be willing to stand out from the crowd and make your mark as a risk taker worth knowing.  

Look the part: Your physical appearance is a visual way to show your confidence as a leader. You have to look like a leader to be considered a leader. That means dressing for the part at all times; and even a trip to the grocery store means dressing to impress. That doesn’t mean a woman in leadership has to wear high heels all of the time but it does mean being well groomed with a style that says “professional.” Take time to create a professional wardrobe that you can count on to take you to any occasion at any time of day.  

Each of the issues presented above can be quite complex in nature. Some can take years to master when you try to do this alone. But taking time to learn important organization issues will build your confidence to be a leader who gets things done in an effective manner. You will feel less intimidated by others, you will move easier in the high powered world of leadership and your self confidence will greatly increase in your role as an organizational leader.

Confidence Through Mastermind Groups
fabulous | March 3, 2010 | 10:28 pm | Organization Communication, Personal Changes | 2 Comments

Confidence in business is a necessary characteristic for success.  But staying focused and ready for success is not always easy.  Working with a mastermind group can be one of the most important business decisions a professional can make in a business career. These ideas give ways working a mastermind group can build confidence for business success.

1. Mastermind groups consist of a group of people with the same goals that come together to support each other to reach their individual goals. Finding a mastermind that works for you provides an effective ways for you to stay focused on your goals. If you have a problem setting goals the mastermind group can help.  

2. Mastermind groups help you to maintain the self-discipline to get moving towards your purpose each day. Being in business often means feeling tired and burned out. If you feel like stopping in your business pursuits, your mastermind members are there to keep you on track and help you develop business routines for success.  

3. Mastermind groups provide a place where you can be accountable to reach your goals. Because you check in on a regular basis with your group, you will soon begin to feel accountable to report on your goals to the group. You will enjoy having the other members recognize the efforts you made to reach your stated goals. This helps to build your self-esteem because you will be sharing your successes on a regular basis. They can also help you through the tough spots without being judgmental.    

4. Mastermind groups hold you to the expectation of doing what you set out to do in business. They are supportive when you want to implement new ideas or try creative concepts. You have a sounding board of people who can let you know whether or not they feel your idea needs some tweaking or is fine as is. This lets you have more confidence to try something innovative before introducing it the world without this type of feedback.  

5. Mastermind groups often share insider information that you wouldn’t be able to find in other settings. That is because the focus is usually very tight and the members are professionals in the same area. You can expect a level of confidentiality that is respected by each group member so you can speak freely bout your issues. Of course, be sure this idea of being confidential is a stated policy in your mastermind group before sharing too much.  

6. Mastermind groups provide a mentoring atmosphere which means you are supported to understand the nuances of your profession that only come through a close mentoring relationship. Everything can’t be taught or passed along through books or even public training sessions. Some have to come through a mentoring situation and the mastermind can provide that setting in your industry.  

 7. Mastermind groups could help you to establish life long friendships and business partners that you wouldn’t find in other situations. Mastermind mind members get to know each other in a way the general population doesn’t. Members want to see each other succeed and often provide support and resources only with other mastermind members that could make the difference in building a business quickly an defectively.  

Mastermind groups are one of the most important concepts for helping a professional grow a business and build personal self-esteem and confidence to succeed. When you know you are working with a select group of people who care about your success, hold you accountable and support you no matter what, you naturally grow in the confidence to reach you stated business goals.

Change Your Marketing with Changing Times
fabulous | March 3, 2010 | 10:25 pm | Marketing Changes, Organization Change | No comments

Marketing your business can still influence consumers in any economy.  In fact, you can change how you market your business and maintain a customer base when others are hitting hard times. What you need are new and innovative ways to bring attention to your business instead of depending on the old ways to get people to learn about you. Use these ideas to  increase your market share and see your business take a turnaround. 

1. Go personal by increasing your personal networking opportunities. Shake hands, meet people, and follow up with new acquaintances. Networking is the best way to let people know more about you. Look for opportunities you might have missed before and find new ones to make personal appearances and to meet people. Get those business cards and brochures with special offers updated and ready to distribute. Remember you have to let people see you multiple times before many make a buying decision so find new ways to get in front of people more often.  

2. Repurpose what you do instead of approaching people in the same way. The brochures you’ve always had look like the same ones everyone else is handing out. Just because you’ve presented your business in one format before doesn’t mean you have to do the same thing now. Instead of sending print newsletters, try audio and video. Instead of just handing out business cards and brochures, offer to do a demonstration of your products or services to give instant information. Be the first to be different by taking what you have and using it in a new way to attract attention.

3. Go live by providing informational seminars and workshops on topics related to your product or services. Hold workshops for free or low cost to introduce what you do to groups then shoot for individual clients. Give actual training events or spend one to two hours providing new insights into topics related t your business. Have your special offers ready to go at the end of the event and offer discounts for immediate sign-ups.  

4. Get your name in front of potential clients by donating products or services to groups and associations even if you’re the only one giving for that particular event. Tell the group organizers you are offering a door prize for their members that will help to increase the value of their meetings to members. Who could resist a free way to increase their member benefits? Make this a regular offer and continue to increase your exposure. If others follow suit, you’ll still be the first to make the offer.  

5. Look for ways to partner with other professionals and develop new package offerings of products and services. For example, maybe you have a skin care line and she has a stress reduction program. Together you offer a “look better and live longer” package at special pricing.    

6. Create the opportunities you need by organizing an event that lets you highlight what you have to offer. Reserve a room at a popular café or restaurant and invite several businesses that compliment but don’t compete with yours to join you in an evening of live demonstrations and information sharing. Make it a regular happening in your community that people come to expect and enjoy the increase in visibility for your business.    

7. Develop your reputation as the professional in your field. Write articles for the local newspaper get on public television and public radio and do a regular show for the community. Then get involved with Internet media shows. Of course you have to promote these offline shows on the web and the Internet marketing shows through offline means. This helps you to expand your reach and increase your frequency of exposure which are the two major keys to successful advertising.   

Marketing your business in new ways is more important than ever if you want to succeed in challenging economic times. Competitors are closing their doors which means more potential customers for the businesses that survive. Take steps to revamp your marketing efforts to respond to the needs of your target market. 

Be flexible and creative in how you present what you have to offer and be willing to put in the time and effort needed to make personal contacts. Be willing to think outside of the box and your business will be able to survive and thrive during times of economic challenge.

Internet Marketing for Smart Businesses
fabulous | March 3, 2010 | 10:21 pm | Organization Communication | 1 Comment

Internet marketing can be fun and low cost when you use written content as the key to driving traffic to your websites.  Even if you don’t like to write, you can write enough to bring attention to your websites. That’s because you don’t have to write long articles or posts. In fact, the more brief the better in most incidences. These 7 top tips for marketing on the Internet tell you how to use writing skills to get your marketing done.   

1. Articles. These are the number one written resource for the Internet. Learn to write an SEO rich Internet based article and you will have the ability to draw people to your website. You will also be able to develop content whenever you need it.   

2. Ecourses. Writing an ecourse is a great way to keep the attention of people on your mailing list. Use the ecourse as a free gift to give to subscribers instead of writing an eBook. It is fast and easy to prepare an ecourse that you load into your autoresponder and deliver on a scheduled basis.   

3. Ebook. Once you know how to write an Internet based article or even an ecourse you are on the way to being an ebook author. You can design an ebook by putting 10 articles together or compiling the individual lessons from the ecourse into one document. Convert the document to PDF and upload to your website for sell or as a free download.  

4. Blog Posts. Putting fresh posts on your blog will be a great way to draw attention to your web business. Be sure to insert keywords for your topic. Get listed in Technorati and other blog directories where you will generate a lot of traffic and interest.  

5. Short Reports. Short reports are similar to ebooks but much shorter. You can get a short report written by using only one long article or two or three shorter articles. Combine these into a report with a heading and summary. Put your name and URL and convert to a PDF format. Upload to your website and you have a product to promote your site.  

6. Ezines. Even if people have loads of ezines subscriptions, you can still find your place in the email box of interested subscribers by producing an informative ezine in your topic. The most important thing to do is stay consistent with your ezines. Use an autoresponder that lets you schedule mailings ahead of time if necessary and prepare several emails at once.   

7. Testimonials. Providing a testimonial on the website of someone whose products you have tried is a good way to get some marketing exposure. People often want to be sure the person giving the testimonial is real. By including your URL you could get people clicking through to see your site or copying and pasting the URL into a search browser for the same purpose. Write a good testimonial and refer to what you do and it could be a great marketing tool.  

Internet marketing doesn’t have to be difficult. Use brief writing skills and you are on your way to driving traffic to your site. The best thing about these Internet marketing tools is that they are free or low-cost and only require your time and effort to complete.

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