Archive for April, 2007
Tip #6–Speak in first person when telling stories about ourselves
Often people will slip into a type of conversation called “second person” when they are really talking about themselves. Unfortunately, using second person language (you, your) shifts the story from being about us to being about the person listening. Then we run the risk of them losing interest in the story–because they feel spoken at [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Delivery Windows–I’ll be there when I get there
Who came up with the idea of delivery windows–those 3- or 4-hour blocks of time that service companies schedule? For example, I bought a new bed frame. The company just called and wants to schedule a time to deliver it. My options: 8 a.m. to noon, or 1 to 5 p.m. That’s it. So, I [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Tip #5–Speak in “I” rather than “You”
When we want to let someone know that a behavior or attitude of theirs is causing problems for us, using “I” language can help us make our statements without provoking the other person’s defensiveness. Instead of saying “You make me mad,” say “I get mad when …” Instead of saying “You frustrate me when you [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Has the use of email made your job harder?
Yesterday I asked you what makes email so great. Today, I want to go the opposite way: what do you hate about email and its use at work? Has using email at work made your job harder? Ponder these questions and send me your thoughts:
How has using email ruined your ability to get your job [...]
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )What makes email so great?
The use of email seems to cause so many problems at work–misunderstandings, cryptic messages, Reply Alls zipping around the office. Considering all of the problems email causes, what makes it such a great tool for business? Really, I want to know–what to you makes email so great?
Think of the various reasons why you use email [...]
Tip #4–Avoid giving too much explanation
We often get into trouble with our coworkers and supervisors because we spend too much time explaining why something wasn’t done rather than how we plan to solve the situation. Instead of offering an explanation, offer a proactive solution.
The key with this tip is understanding what our coworkers and supervisors hear when we offer explanations: [...]
