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Browse published articles attributed to Rita Rocker, with full-archive search.
Not all leaders are in actual designated “leadership positions.” We have the opportunity to be a high quality leader every day, in whatever capacity the day calls for, whether it is with those in our same household or with business people worldwide.
As my chapter in Total Leadership for Men and Women says, “We are the architects of our own lives. What are we building? How high do we want to go?” What are we creating on a daily basis?
Oh yes, there are actually more people in the world who are afraid of speaking in front of others than in dying. Wow! Surveys show 54% of adults are in this category. What are we afraid of? Messing up? Being rejected? Feeling foolish? Unsure if our audience will think we don’t know what we are talking about? Have your normally dry palms become so sweaty you couldn’t even hold onto a football? When you speak, does that upper lip suddenly get stuck to your front teeth? Do you feel like you just swallowed a large walnut?
Many people are uncomfortable mingling during business networking or other public events. Are you one who is often worried about what people will think of you? The easiest way to get around that is to put our focus on "them". How? First of all, look for people who appear somewhat lonely, standing by themselves. They will appreciate you coming up to them and initiating a conversation. This helps get relationship-building conversations started while promoting confidence in yourself and them.
In Part 1, “Is that really ME giving that confident presentation?”, I covered some of the more physical and emotional characteristics for giving a confident presentation. Let’s talk about those silent, yet very loud, signals from your audience. These are indicators that tell you if they are present in mind or in body only. Whether the audience consists of one person listening to your sales presentation, or a room of 500 people from your industry, following these tips will help you present a more engaging session and help build your reputation as a confident, credible speaker.
Ever heard a cranky, indiferent voice on the other end of the line? Whoa! “Excuse me for calling! I was seeking a new service provider but it looks like you are not it!” How many times does that happen? Relationships and business are lost every day due to poor phone manners, because the receiver of the call may be tired, frustrated, too busy, or just plain doesn’t care at the moment. There is power in the phone! Lots of it! We will be exploring telephone skills in the new few posts.
Several years ago, I read the story of how the term “reaching for the brass ring” originated. This phrase has always symbolized striving for, and achieving, one’s goals. The carousels of long ago were huge circular wooden platforms with hand-carved, brightly painted panels and beautiful wooden ponies that bobbed up and down on thick, shiny brass poles to the sound of calliope music. Children were so excited for the opportunity to reach out and grab a fist-sized metal ring from a dispenser suspended just outside and above the carousel. Most of the time, they would get a black ring.
Has your foot been on the brake? If so, it's time to take your foot off the brake and get back behind the wheel of your life. Proclaim, “I will not stop my journey too soon. It’s time to get out and overcome every obstacle in my way!” Here are eight steps that you can take:
Every day we present our thoughts and ideas to business prospects, teachers, organizations, coworkers and family. Whether you are giving a sales presentation to a large number of individuals or casually sitting across from two people at a table, use the following tips to ensure your non-verbal signals bring the success you want. The more positive and confident your interactions, the greater your success in building a relationship that will last for many years.
Sometimes, the life of a “mature” person must be completely shaken, shifted and reshuffled to bring them to where they were meant to be in the first place! Some events are beyond our control that make those transforming shifts necessary: losing a job, children moving back home, a health crisis or death of a loved one. Other events open up the time and opportunities to explore new adventures. Even if you are experiencing issues that have hindered your ability to do what you love, think about how you can incorporate your desires into your newly developing everyday life.
The job market is tough and if you’ve been unemployed for a while or looking to get into a whole new career area, it may be necessary to trade in the chronological resume for one that focuses on all of your awesome skills and experiences rather than previous job titles. A good example: when I worked in staffing, a farmer who was in his mid-40’s (I’m guessing) came in asking me if there was any hope for him getting into the business world after a life of farming.
Today, more than ever, deals are sealed at the dining table. If we are not comfortable doing business over a meal, we may be losing business. Strength and making tough decisions ARE compatible with good manners. Many executives and managers are well-educated, but not in social skills. We might not be remembered for good manners but we will be for bad, so strive for etiquette that stands above the rest. At business meals, it’s about BUSINESS. Remember WHY you are there.
Enjoy the positive rapport and results that come from these easy and effective tips when working with exte al (and internal) customers: • Check your body language, words and voice. Your non-verbal signals tell the real story of how you feel. Ensure that if your words are positve, the body and facial expressions are too. Tight fists or angry eyes with positive words will tell the listener that the message is not sincere or truthful. • Shift your concentration and put the spotlight on the customer. This is a powerful way to break down barriers and gain cooperation.r
There is no doubt about it! How you see yourself and believe others see you determines how successful you will become. Sit back and relax, grab some coffee, and answer the following questions: • What messages do you give to your peers, superiors, friends and family? Are you projecting assertiveness or confusion? Excitement or indifference? • Do your body signals say you are ineffective or authoritative? • Are you confident in your social graces and in your personal and professional life? In male/female relationships? In your communication skills?
I once read an article about knocking down barriers that keep us from reaching our goals. It is amazing how much two fish can tell us about our own human nature. In the study, a barracuda and a mackerel were put in a glass tank with a clear glass partition placed between them. For two days the barracuda kept banging its little fish head against that nasty wall to get to its favorite meal, the mackerel. On the third day, researchers noticed the barracuda had given up. At that point, they removed the glass partition so the barracuda had full access to its long-awaited feast.
Sometimes, the life of a “mature” person must be completely shaken, shifted and reshuffled to bring them to where they were meant to be in the first place! Some events are beyond our control that make those transforming shifts necessary: losing a job, children moving back home, a health crisis or death of a loved one. Other events open up the time and opportunities to explore new adventures. Even if you are experiencing issues that have hindered your ability to do what you love, think about how you can incorporate your desires into your newly developing everyday life.
The strongest message can be diluted by an inappropriate choice of words. Your message may not be perceived as confident or business-oriented as you really are. Remember, your message is three-fold: body signals (do they match what you’re saying?), tone of voice and choice of words. Business language is different from social conversation. Avoid using “empty” modifiers such as thanking a sales representative “so very much,” or referring to a job applicant as a “lovely person.” A better choice of words would include bright, intelligent, quick wit, etc.
Following is my Clear Channel Radio interview discussing powerful steps to greater career success:
Holiday Business Social Events - Do It With Pizzazz! How you speak, look and act at social events can have consequences on your career. Holiday parties are one of the most important places where executives and managers are rubbing elbows and where you may be seen by individuals that you may not usually run into. Here are quick tips to keep you confident and making a positive impression: Your voice reveals education, background, self-confidence, trustworthiness and credibility, all of which can impact your future success. Speak in a focused, motivated and confident manner.r
People often make the mistake of giving their 30-second commercial immediately upon meeting someone new. I might add: “whether they want to hear it or not!” A professional portfolio is particularly valuable if you are seeking a new career opportunity. First meetings at business or social functions are to build rapport, gain trust and establish credibility. Ask your new acquaintance questions about “them.” How did they get into their business? What are current trends or issues they are experiencing?
Are there actually more people in the world who are afraid of speaking in front of others than in dying? Yes, 54% of adults are more afraid of public speaking than death! What are we afraid of? Messing up? Being rejected? Feeling foolish? Unsure if our audience will think we don’t know what we are talking about? Have your normally dry palms become so sweaty you couldn’t even hold onto a football? When you speak, does that upper lip suddenly get stuck to your front teeth? Do you feel like you just swallowed a large walnut?
Many important business deals are conducted during functions outside of the 8-5 world. Doing business within a global economy requires that we pay attention to other customs and protocol, including our professional calling cards. Particularly in international circles, business cards explain our place in the corporate hierarchy, so our title should be clearly stated. Have plenty of cards but be choosy about giving them out to everyone in the room as unsolicited cards will usually go into the “circular file” in short order. Always offer your card facing them, so they can immediately read it.r
In a perfect world, success would have nothing to do with image. We all would be judged and promoted solely on the basis of performance, skills, talent, experience, creativity and willingness to work hard. There would be a tooth fairy too. Like it or not, the image we present greatly influences our chances for success in the workplace. If we look and act like someone who belongs on the lowest rung of the corporate ladder, that’s just where we’re likely to stay.
To have a quality staff that respects themselves, their management and their customers, it is imperative to have a good internal customer service program in place. Remember: The attitude of your heart as a listener is always more important and more obvious than anything that you say in response to someone. Attitude checks are crucial to the continued success of any business!
Whatever is happening in your life right now, it is time to dust off those dreams and work towards fulfilling your destiny, the one created just for you. The one that has filled your heart and mind with a passion that you have never been able to fully let go of because...it's who you are meant to be! You can’t move forward while looking the rearview mirror! Add new roads (steps) to your life map and start your ride. First Step, a Self-Image Checkupr
We constantly transmit messages to those around us that reveal our level of self-confidence, self-respect, and whether we deem ourselves worthy and capable of acquiring their business. Stop and think about what signals you transfer that prompt others to want do business with you. Do they indicate a level of warmth, sincerity, power and ability that says YOU are the best candidate for the job?
Sometimes, the life of a "mature person" must be completely shaken, shifted and reshuffled to bring them to where they were meant to be in the first place! Some events are beyond our control that make those shifts necessary: losing a job, children moving back home, a health crisis or death of a loved one. Others open up the time and opportunities to explore new adventures. Even if you are experiencing issues that have hindered your ability to do what you love, read on and think about how you can incorporate your desires into your everyday life.
If you don’t like the hand you have been dealt in the game of life, create a new game!!! Sometimes, life’s changes and challenges can but tough, disappointing and confusing. They may come on so quickly we wonder “what happened” and “how will I ever manage beyond this?” They can also open the door to so many new and wonderful possibilities. Realize, rebuild and raise up your inner strength and create a beautiful new picture out of the puzzle pieces of life. Explore ways to thrive and excel.
Moving Sale! Oh the freedom when you leave Yes-butville for Can-Do City!
Not all respected and admirable leaders are in actual designated “leadership positions.” We all have the opportunity to be a high quality leader every day, in whatever capacity the day calls for, whether it is with those in our same household or when conducting business worldwide.
So what happens when we need a new start? How do we actually get through the amazing transformation our Creator has for us, going from that caterpillar to becoming the soaring, beautiful butterfly? You are definitely not alone in the unpleasant struggle. A metamorphosis is defined here in a couple of valid ways: 1) A striking change in appearance, character or circumstances…usually by supe atural means. 2) a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one.” Wow!