Career Kuel Category Expert: Gayle Petrillo
We know we want to work for a boss who is knowledgeable (doesn’t know EVERYTHING), treats everyone fairly, communicates often and is professional.
One way to ensure that happens, is to follow the golden rule ourselves, “Treat others as you would want to be treated.”
Here Are A Few Suggestions:
- Be present and accountable – to yourself and your team.
- Leave personal issues at the door.
- Be prepared – for your work day, for meetings, for everything that may come up.
- Be honest – whether it’s about meeting a deadline on time or an experience.
- Say, “I won’t” or “I choose” rather than “I can’t” or “I have to”.
- Replace “but” with “and” and “Help me understand”
- Be polite – say “Please” and “Thank you”
- Be an active listener.
WAIT – Why Am I Talking?
“Gossip is detrimental to our career and our organization.”
We are unable to listen when we are talking.
Be responsive. Respond quickly; even if we don’t have an answer, we should share when we will be able to respond. Don’t gossip. Don’t start it, And, don’t participate in it. Gossip is detrimental to our career and our organization. If we gossip about someone, others will believe we will gossip about them as well.
John Maxwell, the world’s expert in leadership, says, “People may hear our words, but they feel our attitude.” Our attitude comes across in not just what we say, but in our body language as well. We should be aware of what messages we send, verbally and non-verbally.
Communication is a two-way street. Communicate often. Know how to best communicate with our boss. Does (s)he prefer email, in-person, text messaging or does it depend on what we are communicating? And, how often? Do we have weekly briefings?
To Improve Communications, We Might Ask:
“Focus on the problem. Sandwich feedback”
- What can I Start to do?
- What can I Stop doing?
- What can I Continue to do?
Never ‘attack’ the person. Focus on the problem. Sandwich feedback. Share something positive, sandwiched with the negative, ending on a positive note. Share smiles. Smiles are contagious and you can impact someone else’s day in a positive way.
If we do everything possible to encourage a strong, positive culture in our work environment and it isn’t happening, maybe we need to consider changing our environment.
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About The Author:
Gayle Petrillo is President of First Impressions, Image Consulting. Gayle is an image consultant working with both businesses and individuals. Her services include: customer service training; team building skills; secret shopper services; gossip avoidance techniques; closet analysis; wardrobe transformations, personal shopping; employment coaching; and presentation skills. You can find Gayle at First Impressions Image Consulting.
