Brilliant Scheme
Submitted by Peter on September 21, 2009
I’m working in London this week, and I find myself saying things like, “I’ll be on holiday soon,” just so I’ll fit in with the locals so they’ll understand and like me better. As if they’ve never heard the expression, “I’m going on vacation.” There are a few words and phrases, however, that don’t translate perfectly from British to American English:
1. “Our company has developed an intricate pension scheme.” Nothing shady’s going on; “scheme” just means “plan.”
2. “I’ll open my diary for you.” You’re not getting someone’s intimate thoughts; “diary” just means “schedule.”
3. “This is brilliant.” Don’t think you’re necessarily a genius; “brilliant” just means “great.”
4. “Cheers.” No one’s offering a pint. It’s a catch-all for “thanks,” “best,” ”regards,” etc.
If you’re an American, don’t feel you have to use the British word for them to understand you. In fact, when an American uses “Cheers” at the close of an email some people may think the writer never got over his junior year abroad.
Do I Look Nervous?
Submitted by Joann on September 14, 2009
When we coach people on public speaking and presentation skills, one of the most common questions we hear is “I feel SO nervous! Do I look nervous?” In many cases, the answer is an emphatic NO.
How can that be? Because a great number of nervous symptoms—such as butterflies, pounding heart, dry mouth, and moments of forgetfulness, among many others—are simply not detectable to anyone but the person feeling them. Your audience can’t see butterflies, dry mouth or a pounding heart. And brief moments of forgetfulness seem much longer to speakers than they do to listeners: we just don’t know that your mind went blank unless you announce it.
Of course, some symptoms are visible, too. But there are many tips and techniques for managing them, even if they never go away. The good news is that there is not much connection between a speaker’s effectiveness and whether or not he or she feels nervous. Seeing yourself on videotape can be great confirmation of this. Most people are happily surprised to find they come across as much more poised than they thought.
Listening: Don’t Dismiss Looking Like You Care
Submitted by Joann on September 8, 2009
We all know people whom we consider dull or uninteresting, and have probably had to sit through more boring presentations than we would like. Some people feel justified to behave as bad listeners as passive-aggressive retaliation to boring speakers: they look away at their papers, phones or computer screens, cross their arms, or have annoyed smirks on their faces.
But our listening behavior has tremendous impact on a speaker. By listening with great intent we can actually improve a speaker’s performance. Strong eye contact and non-distracted behaviors demonstrate respect and can bolstera speaker’s confidence. Many speakers blossom under the attention of a caring listener.
Your good listening will probably yield valuable information from a speaker. And, more importantly, it will build your credibility as a courteous and fair person.
The Strengths and Limitations of Self-Awareness Tools
Submitted by Joann on September 8, 2009
Self-awareness inventories abound: MBTI, Team Roles, DISC, Social Styles, and the list goes on and on. These inventories are tremendously useful in highlighting a critical lesson: not everyone is the same, and that’s a good thing. People differ from one another along many measures, such as their preferences for detailed versus conceptual information, for planning versus being spontaneous, and for their patterns of behavior relating to demonstrating emotions versus controlling the expression of their emotions, just to name a very few.
While these inventories can provide tremendous self-insight and shed light on why we may feel incompatible with some of our co-workers, they can never tell the whole story. They serve as a great icebreaker for understanding dissimilarities, and can provide non-judgmental language for discussing differences. But, these inventories just help us to scratch the surface of who we are. Ultimately, we need to get to know key people as individuals. And we need to help people know the information about us that will make our interactions more successful.
“Dear John,” “John,” “Hi John,” “Hey John,” “Yo, John!” “DUDE!!!”
Submitted by Peter on September 1, 2009
Above is the hierarchy of salutations from most formal to least formal. Many 20-somethings are afraid to use “Dear John” in emails because they think the next line should read: “I’ve loved you from afar.” You shouldn’t be afraid to start with “Dear John”; he probably doesn’t love you either. “Dear John” is fine in emails; it’s a formal greeting. Use “Dear John” when you don’t know someone well, and John hasn’t yet set the tone for what kind of relationship you have. Take cues from him. If John gets back to you with “Alice,” or “Hi, Alice,” follow his lead. Just watch out for “Hey-ing” someone until you know for sure you’re on a “Hey” basis.
What Do Your Emails Say About You?
Submitted by Peter on June 8, 2009
Make sure that your emails have the right tone.
Isn’t Bathroom Time Private Time?
Submitted by Peter on June 7, 2009
What to say when your boss chats in the adjacent stall.
Can You Create a High-Level Presentation?
Submitted by Peter on June 6, 2009
How to Create a Presentation for Senior Management.
Can You Interview the Right Candidate?
Submitted by Peter on June 5, 2009
How to interview the right candidate in a company.
