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“Creating Successful Leaders”

Tag Archives: Margaret Smith

November 7, 2011 The Benefits of Being a Better Listener

By Margaret Smith, Speaker, Career Coach, and Certified Insights Discovery Practitioner
You may feel like you’re already a pretty great listener. Or perhaps you’re ready to admit that your listening skills could use a little improvement. Either way, everyone will benefit from a little refresher on the necessity of being a good listener, with a few helpful tips for staying focused on the person across from you, on the other end of the line, etc.

If your listening skills improve, you’ll also see improvements at work, at home, while socializing, and everywhere in between.

Has there ever been a time in your life when you’ve lost sight of what a conversation was really about? Have you ever been “sucked in” to a toxic conversation or argument that’s become completely unproductive? Of course you have—we all have!

I’ve found that the best way to avoid conversational distractions that become argumentative is to remember this one simple fact: Listening is about gaining knowledge. In a conversation, it’s important that I remain a dedicated listener because otherwise, I may as well have a conversation with myself in the mirror.

By focusing on the messages of others at work, you not only improve productivity, you also strengthen your relationships with the people in your life because you avoid misunderstandings and make others feel heard and understood.

An awesome benefit of being a better listener is the positive impression you leave with those you listen to. Being a better listener actually makes you seem more respectful, composed, and interesting to other people. It may seem counter-intuitive, but displaying genuine interest in what someone else is saying actually makes you a more interesting person to them.

Your Challenge:

Improve your listening skills starting now. Think about your plans for the rest of the day and choose an interaction that you’ll practice improving your listening skills during. This interaction may be with your children when you or they walk in the door, with a supervisor this afternoon, or even with the next person with whom you share a phone conversation.

Share your story: Have you ever interacted with someone who was a really good listener? How did this make you feel? How did it affect your image of, and relationship with, this person?

Interested in learning more about listening or working one-on-one with a professional career coach to gain a competitive edge? Contact Margaret Today to learn about career coaching and UXL’s public workshops!

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October 31, 2011 How to Deal with a Negative Person and Get Things Done

By Margaret Smith, Speaker, Career Coach, and Certified Insights Discovery Practitioner

Have you ever proposed something to someone, or asked another person (at work or otherwise) to do something, and been shocked when you’re met with a determined “no”? Perhaps nothing can be more frustrating than this situation, because despite your being reasonable and nice, your request is met with a stubborn refusal.

If you’re a parent like me, you have probably already had your fair share of yes-no-yes-no battles. But, have you ever faced this perplexing situation at work?

I read an interesting article recently by Dr. Rick Krischner, which speaks about this very issue and offers a new approach to dealing with people in opposition using the Polarity Pattern.

As Krischner explains, there are two ways to use the Polarity Pattern to achieve your desired outcome (which is getting someone else to do something).

The first way to use the Polarity Pattern is to anticipate the other person’s reaction to your request or proposal, and bring up the negatives before they do. “If you can anticipate that they are going to attack your idea and point out its flaws anyway, might as well invite them to do it so that they are on your side!” explains Krischner.

The second way to apply the Polarity Pattern is to openly agree with the hopelessness of the situation (as the other person expresses it). This brings to light the unreasonableness or extremeness of the other person’s perspective.

Krishchner uses a story to illustrate this second use of the Polarity Pattern:

“…A CEO was complaining to his assistant how the employees in his company were inefficient, incompetent, and utterly incapable of doing a single thing right. His assistant, with a look of utmost earnestness on his face, suggested, ‘You’re right. Let’s take them all outside, shoot them, and burn this building down!’ The CEO laughed at this idea then admitted, ‘Alright, it isn’t so bad!’”

The key to mastering this technique is the understanding that the only way a negative person can stay negative when someone is agreeing with them is for them to go positive.

Do you have a personal technique for dealing with a stubborn person? Share your best practices and stories below!

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October 23, 2011 The Most Common Interview Mistakes

By Margaret Smith, Professional Life & Career Coach

Keep these 10 interview mistakes in mind when preparing for and arriving at your next interview and walk away feeling great about your performance and confident in your candidacy.

10 Common Interview Snafus

  1. Arriving late: This may seem redundant, but it still happens quite frequently—make sure it isn’t you!
  2. Talking too much: Avoid panicking and letting yourself ramble. It’s ok to allow for silence from time to time.
  3. Wearing inappropriate dress: Dress one step above the position you’re applying for, and research the dress code vibe ahead of time.
  4. Lacking energy or enthusiasm: If you’re prone to bottom out during a certain time of day, pack a high-protein snack such as a handful of almonds to eat during a break if necessary.
  5. Not preparing for questions: Sit down before your interview and expect the types of questions you’ll be asked.
  6. No planning your explanation of your résumé: Be prepared to defend each bullet point in your résumé during your interview with stories, skills gained, and explanations.
  7. Not asking powerful questions: It’s important to ask powerful questions during an interview to relay your competency and genuine interest in the position you’re applying for. Create these questions by researching the company, studying the job description, and considering what your questions will relay about you and your personal brand.
  8. Failing to prepare a close: What’s your last sentence going to be? What do you want your interviewer(s) to remember? How can you relay this message? Is there anything that you still want/need to know?
  9. Not offering a solo sheet: This is a one-page sheet titled with your name at the top that lists the five positive words that describe you with strong, inspiring explanations. Contact Me Today to Learn More about Solo Sheets
  10. Not asking for the job: Again, it seems redundant, but most of us are so frazzled by the end of an interview, that we forget to restate our interest in the position we’re applying for at the end of the interview.

For more useful tips on the job hunt, cover letters, and your career, contact UXL today!

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