Effective Communication in Relation to Business Management

Effective leadership is where one efficiently relates to the people he/she is leading. Dealing with people calls for good communication skills. Relaying of information is therefore vital in ensuring sound management especially in a business setting.

An organization can be more efficient depending on the systems it uses to inform its members of what is expected of them. Communication will assist reinforce cohesiveness and create a momentum towards business goal attainment.

From the managerial perspective, communication is important because it's a means by which managers in an organization collect and disseminates information. It is also a way of achieving co-ordination and co-operation.

Relaying of information is the foundation of ensuring a successful business organization. It is vital for the working of an organization just as the way blood is in the human body. The success of any managerial function depends on effective modes of relaying or transmitting information. Communication aids in unifying and managing activities. This way behavior is modified, change is effected and goals are accomplished. Therefore, proper transmission of information, ideas and decisions is a basic necessity for management.

It is advisable to have cost effectiveness when it comes to communication. Any management seeking to succeed should also have different approaches to relaying information. Installing of systems like the intranet will greatly assist in relaying information within an organization.

In order for a manager to perform the functions of planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling, he will require perfect communication systems to be put in place. Even when it comes to handling suppliers and customers an excellent manager must find ways to guarantee effective communication.

Belsheba is a business management expert. She researches and studies on big and small business strategies. Website: Business Management Solutions for efficient business operation.

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Effective Communication Skills in the Business World

Communication is the key that unlocks the potential of all people undertaking businesses. Two can never walk together unless they agree. Communication is the sure way of keeping in touch in the business world.

At the work place, bosses can give instruction to their juniors even when they are out of the office. But it is important to know how to clearly communicate to your juniors to ensure duties are performed effectively.

Lack of clear protocol at times leads to mismanagement. Sometime junior staffs fail to understand their tasks due to lack of clear guidelines of how to perform their duties. Big companies have a way of assembling their workers to brief them over daily or weekly duties to be undertaken. Failures to offer good leadership through communication, businesses tend to bend on either side of making profits or losing. All this can be blamed to lack of clear communication skills.

Some juniors especially, lack motivation to perform their duties because of being mishandled by their equal colleagues as they take up their respective responsibilities.

Business people should make every effort to embrace sound communication skills in their business. For example, advertise your products or services through affordable means like using small brochures, radios and banners. Talk constantly about the products you are offering, keep advertising over and over again until when people think of any product close to what you are offering, they will run to you. Efficient marketing strategy calls for an entrepreneur to relay relevant information clearly to the target audience.

All in all, communicating to your staffs, suppliers and customers will ensure a smooth flow of business operations. Successful businesses worldwide have embraced effective communication skills that have ensured that they stay afloat in the current competitive market.

Stephen is a Business expert. He researches and studies on small business strategies . Website: Business Management Tips for sound business operations.

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Business Communication - 3 Ways to Do It

What if you discovered how easy it is to communicate with your clients and boost your trust, relationship and expertise in their eyes?

Here are 3 simple steps to get you started...

Step 1 - Communicate via email using autoresponder.

Step 2 - Use the massive power of telephone through teleseminars.

Step 3 - Setup a highly powerful webinar and provide them an audio visual presentation.

Here are step by step details that you can apply quickly and easily...

Step 1 - Communicate via email using autoresponder.

Auto responder is the most powerful marketing tool to help you to setup your e-mail marketing campaign. It is also a very powerful tool that will help you to communicate with your subscribers on a regular basis and helps them provide quality information through e-mail. This will help you to build solid relationship with them.

You can also use the power of telephone to communicate with your clients and boost your relationship with them...

Step 2 - Use the massive power of telephone through teleseminars.

There are many services that will help you to conduct a simple seminar where you can present powerful content and information to your clients using telephone and interact with all of them using a simple centralized conference system.

This will easily help you to boost your trust factor with your clients and boost your relationship with them as well as provide them quality content and help them out to solve their problems.

You can also conduct an audiovisual presentation to explain your clients some complicated concepts...

Step 3 - Setup a highly powerful webinar and provide them an audio visual presentation.

Webinar is a powerful online presentation where your clients can watch your computer screen as well as hear your voice. They can actually see live as to what you are doing on your computer and this can help you to easily explain them some technical topics very easily.

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Sean Mize teaches coaches, consultants, and small business owners how to package their knowledge and sell it in high priced coaching, consulting, and online class packages. Sean says "If you have an existing marketable service or skill that you can teach others, I can teach you to package it into a high-priced class or coaching program, guaranteed"

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Top 5 Trends in Business Computing

Technology moves fast, but it changes faster. You use technology to keep up with your co-workers, and ultimately to keep up with your competitors. All this speed can make a person dizzy if you are not out ahead of the curve. Understanding trends in technology can mean the difference between increasing revenue on the one hand and a failed business model on the other. In this article, I will help put you out in front of the curve by showing you what is on the horizon in business computing. Some of the trends I discuss are already here, but they are in the beginning stages of implementation. Either way, in understanding these trends, you will be light years ahead of your competitors who don't.

Trend #1: Cloud Computing is the wave of the future

Centralizing your data and applications on the internet, or cloud computing, is probably the single most important paradigm shift going on today. Instead of operating a LAN (local area network), with all of its connected workstations and security concerns, you do everything on a hosted internet solution. Gone are the old security problems of connecting a network to the internet, since your whole operation is already on the internet. Users interface with the data using what is called thin-client technology, or what are essentially dummy machines. These new age workstations don't store anything on the hard drive, they just interact with the data and applications which are already online.

Trend #2: Mobile Computing is here to stay

If you can't answer emails on your smartphone, you need to catch up with today's technology. The trend of computing using portable smart devices like BlackBerry and iPhone is here. In the future, there will be greater and greater functionality offered in these mobile devices as the number of available applications explodes. Your business will be done on the go, in real time, without the need for later synchronization. Business communication has gone portable and it's time you join the trend!

Trend #3: Social Networking is the new paradigm of business communication

Does your business have marketing tools which utilize sites like Facebook and Twitter? Open sharing and transparency of data are the new trend in communication. A number of companies including Best Buy have ad campaigns which utilize Twitter. At the heart of this trend is the inherent power of a set of socially networked individuals, whatever the platform. Businesses will be creating environments like this on their intranets for their employees, to share ideas and solve problems like never before.

Trend #4: Trendy new products include the Netbook

You may have seen them around. A small (10 inches!) laptop computer designed for wireless communication and internet access. A number of manufacturers are hot on this trend trying to produce the perfect mobile internet device. This product has synergy with the cloud, as it is well suited for remotely accessing web based applications. This type of product will be developed further as the future in the cloud looms.

Trend #5: It's a virtual new world

Virtualization of servers, sort of like one server impersonating 5 servers, and pulling it off, is the new world of network computing. It's virtual reality for business. Which would you rather do, spend $100,000 on 4 new servers, or install software that creates 5 servers in 1? This cost effective way of handling the deluge of data in business today is just another trend with which you must contend.

Do you need someone to help you manage these trends in your business? Contact us at, http://www.multipointnetwork.com. We can help you understand and profit at the speed of technology.

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Assertive Communication - 6 Tips For Effective Use

What IS assertive communication?

Assertive communication is the ability to express positive and negative ideas and feelings in an open, honest and direct way. It recognises our rights whilst still respecting the rights of others. It allows us to take responsibility for ourselves and our actions without judging or blaming other people. And it allows us to constructively confront and find a mutually satisfying solution where conflict exists.

So why use assertive communication?

All of us use assertive behaviour at times... quite often when we feel vulnerable or unsure of ourselves we may resort to submissive, manipulative or aggressive behaviour.

Yet being trained in assertive communication actually increases the appropriate use of this sort of behaviour. It enables us to swap old behaviour patterns for a more positive approach to life. I've found that changing my response to others (be they work colleagues, clients or even my own family) can be exciting and stimulating.

The advantages of assertive communication

There are many advantages of assertive communication, most notably these:

• It helps us feel good about ourselves and others
• It leads to the development of mutual respect with others
• It increases our self-esteem
• It helps us achieve our goals
• It minimises hurting and alienating other people
• It reduces anxiety
• It protects us from being taken advantage of by others
• It enables us to make decisions and free choices in life
• It enables us to express, both verbally and non-verbally, a wide range of feelings and thoughts, both positive and negative

There are, of course, disadvantages...

Disadvantages of assertive communication

Others may not approve of this style of communication, or may not approve of the views you express. Also, having a healthy regard for another person's rights means that you won't always get what YOU want. You may also find out that you were wrong about a viewpoint that you held. But most importantly, as mentioned earlier, it involves the risk that others may not understand and therefore not accept this style of communication.

What assertive communication is not...

Assertive communication is definately NOT a lifestyle! It's NOT a guarantee that you will get what you want. It's definately NOT an acceptable style of communication with everyone, but at least it's NOT being aggressive.

But it IS about choice

Four behavioural choices

There are, as I see it, four choices you can make about which style of communication you can employ. These types are:

direct aggression: bossy, arrogant, bulldozing, intolerant, opinionated, and overbearing

indirect aggression: sarcastic, deceiving, ambiguous, insinuating, manipulative, and guilt-inducing

submissive: wailing, moaning, helpless, passive, indecisive, and apologetic

assertive: direct, honest, accepting, responsible, and spontaneous

Characteristics of assertive communication

There are six main characteristics of assertive communication. These are:

• eye contact: demonstrates interest, shows sincerity
• body posture: congruent body language will improve the significance of the message
• gestures: appropriate gestures help to add emphasis
• voice: a level, well modulated tone is more convincing and acceptable, and is not intimidating
• timing: use your judgement to maximise receptivity and impact
• content: how, where and when you choose to comment is probably more important than WHAT you say

The importance of "I" statements

Part of being assertive involves the ability to appropriately express your needs and feelings. You can accomplish this by using "I" statements. These indicate ownership, do not attribute blame, focuses on behaviour, identifies the effect of behaviour, is direcdt and honest, and contributes to the growth of your relationship with each other.

Strong "I" statements have three specific elements:

• Behaviour
• Feeling
• Tangible effect (consequence to you)

Example: "I feel frustrated when you are late for meetings. I don't like having to repeat information."

Six techniques for assertive communication

There are six assertive techniques - let's look at each of them in turn.

1. Behaviour Rehearsal: which is literally practising how you want to look and sound. It is a very useful technique when you first want to use "I" statements, as it helps dissipate any emotion associated with an experience and allows you to accurately identify the behaviour you wish to confront.

2. Repeated Assertion (the 'broken record'): this technique allows you to feel comfortable by ignoring manipulative verbal side traps, argumentative baiting and irrelevant logic while sticking to your point. To most effectively use this technique use calm repetition, and say what you want and stay focused on the issue. You'll find that there is no need to rehearse this technique, and no need to 'hype yourself up' to deal with others.

Example:

"I would like to show you some of our products"
"No thank you, I'm not interested"
"I really have a great range to offer you"
"That may be true, but I'm not interested at the moment"
"Is there someone else here who would be interested?"
"I don't want any of these products"
"Okay, would you take this brochure and think about it?"
"Yes, I will take a brochure"
"Thank you"
"You're welcome"

3. Fogging: this technique allows you to receive criticism comfortably, without getting anxious or defensive, and without rewarding manipulative criticism. To do this you need to acknowledge the criticism, agree that there may be some truth to what they say, but remain the judge of your choice of action. An example of this could be, "I agree that there are probably times when I don't give you answers to your questions.

4. Negative enquiry: this technique seeks out criticism about yourself in close relationships by prompting the expression of honest, negative feelings to improve communication. To use if effectively you need to listen for critical comments, clarify your understanding of those criticisms, use the information if it will be helpful or ignore the information if it is manipulative. An example of this technique would be, "So you think/believe that I am not interested?"

5. Negative assertion: this technique lets you look more comfortably at negatives in your own behaviour or personality without feeling defensive or anxious, this also reduces your critics' hostility. You should accept your errors or faults, but not apologise. Instead, tentatively and sympathetically agree with hostile criticism of your negative qualities. An example would be, "Yes, you're right. I don't always listen closely to what you have to say."

6. Workable compromise: when you feel that your self-respect is not in question, consider a workable compromise with the other person. You can always bargain for your material goals unless the compromise affects your personal feelings of self-respect. However, if the end goal involves a matter of your self-worth and self-respect, THERE CAN BE NO COMPROMISE. An example of this technique would be, "I understand that you have a need to talk and I need to finish what I'm doing. So what about meeting in half an hour?"

Conclusion

Assertiveness is a useful communication tool. It's application is contextual and it's not appropriate to be assertive in all situations. Remember, your sudden use of assertiveness may be perceived as an act of aggression by others.

There's also no guarantee of success, even when you use assertive communication styles appropriately.

"Nothing on earth can stop the individual with the right mental attitude from achieving their goal; nothing on earth can help the individual with the wrong mental attitude" W.W. Ziege

When you match consumer psychology with effective communication styles you get a powerful combination. Lee Hopkins can show you how to communicate better for better business results. At Hopkins-Business-Communication-Training.com you can find the secrets to communication success.

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6 Tips on Dealing With Conflict at Work

Every organization has a staff with a diverse set of personalities, backgrounds and experiences. Conflict is inevitable in organizational settings when people who are extremely different work together on a daily basis. Whether it is a clash of personalities, a misunderstanding, or disagreement in the work itself, there are constructive ways to approach these situations. Conflict is often seen as a negative occurrence, which is not necessarily true. It can be an opportunity to open the door for communication, to learn something new about another individual, or find a more effective way of working. Here are some tips that may help you in the next confrontation.

#1 Do not use verbal aggression
If someone were to physically assault you, your first instinct is to defend yourself. It is no different when being verbally assaulted. If a co-worker accuses or blames you, you instinctively guard yourself from the attack. Retaliation or responding with a verbal attack is common. If you believe you are not at fault, be sure to communicate that without the use of personal attacks or defensiveness. This may be difficult in the moment, especially if you are being accused of something you know is not true, or if you are blatantly insulted. However you are more likely to get the point across if the other person does not feel threatened. Maintain your maturity and professionalism, no matter the outcome, instigation will not help the situation.

#2 Be open
Misunderstandings are often the cause of these conflicts. If a message involves a line of communication involving many people, information can be lost, or messages can be misinterpreted. Be open to the fact that there may be something you do not know, or that the other person may have a point although you may be right. Be open to creating a discussion about fixing the problem, instead of pointing the finger. This is when conflict can be useful. By listening, understanding, and if possible, sympathizing with the other person, the argument can become a discussion. This is an opportunity to create a flow of new ideas, which can not only solve the problem at hand, but prevent future disagreements, and strengthen your work relationship.

#3 Focus on the problem
It is very easy to point the finger or play the blame game when trouble arises. As easy as it is, it is not useful or productive. The main concern is to find a solution to the problem, not to determine who was wrong. If it pertains to the issue it hand, stating who did what may clarify the problem as a whole. If the problem is related to the work itself, keep the conversation focused on exactly what is wrong, and what can be done to fix it. If conversation leans towards accusations, lead it back to a safe space where both parties are focused on ideas. If the problem is regarding the work relationship, do not focus on the person's faults. Talk about what can be done to effectively work together. If you must tell someone you think they are at fault, do not use insults, and explain how it is affecting the work.

#4 Stay cool
In heated situations, we have a tendency to speak first and think after. This results in aggression which aggravate the conflict. Instead, pause before you speak, think about what the person has said to you, and respond appropriately. By giving yourself this time to think, you cool down, and you are less likely to speak with anger. A lot of the time, the other person wants to argue for the sake of arguing. When you stay calm, they will see their tactics are not useful, and will either give up or choose to talk as calmly as you are. You will also be able to come up with a more insightful reply that can lead the argument into a discussion.

#5 Find a common ground
If people have a common ground, working together to reach it can be less troublesome. Determine what you really want, and try to determine what the other person is looking for. Use this information to align your desired outcome with theirs. It is easier to open up to someone and share your true thoughts and ideas, if you know that they want what you want.

#6 Tell a supervisor
If all else fails, telling a manager or supervisor may be the best option. If this is the course you choose, be sure to explain how you tried to fix the problem before approaching them. They want to know you can work independently and at least made an effort. Be sure to show them how the resolution of this conflict will ultimately help them. They do not need to know who was at fault in the situation, but if the work is being affected, and you can prove this, they are going to step in and help change it. Explain the problem clearly, and the benefits for the manager or the company as a whole if the problem is worked out.

Most of the time, when conflict arises, there is no way to avoid it. The result is based on how we approach it. Once you accept that conflict is unavoidable, it no longer is a problem. Instead, it becomes chance to change an inefficiency or strengthen a relationship. By keeping communication open, being aware of the present situation, and not concentrating on winning, coming to a resolution that benefits both parties can be achieved.

Adam is a human resources professional who provides communication coaching and consulting services to individuals and organizations to help them achieve success by improving their interpersonal skills, increasing their confidence in social situations, and becoming highly effective communicators. With his experience and education in training, recruiting, and communication, he has acquired a great understanding of social interaction, and uses this knowledge to help others build their skills. Visit his weblog at http://www.coachadamyoung.com

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5 Reasons Why Your Boss Hates You

I was with a group of recently appointed IT managers and we struck the conversation thread of our relationships with our boss. I just love it when people begin to talk about the subjects that matter to them.

The group shared their thoughts on how they have suffered from a bad relationships with their boss, and more to the point, how their relationships turned sour in the first place. It was such an interesting (and enlightening) conversation that I am sharing with you what I learned.

I distilled the conversations down to 5 reasons why your boss might hate you (although there maybe more, these are the biggies)

You are a Threat
If your boss believes you pose a threat to their job then they could turn nasty. If you walk around with a halo on your head (put there by your peers, or even your manager's peers or superiors) then this could be perceived as dangerous to your boss.

This goes beyond the belief of your boss that you are after their job. By building up a strong profile inside your organization, which I fully recommend, it is likely that you a pedestal is also being built underneath you. If your profile creates support and sponsorship by senior members of your organization, then the likelihood of being knocked off is reduced, but there always remains the potential of being sniped off by a jealous boss.

If you suspect that this is the case, then you have a choice - continue as you are and live with the glory and the threat, or share your halo with your boss by ensuring that they always get 10% of the credit. (Number is arbitrary!). You do this by always mentioning their support and guidance as you achieve greatness.

You are Too Political
Politics is a banner of many behaviors, but roughly I am suggesting that your manager may get pissed off with you if you don't consistently align with the truth and behave like 'all things to all people'. Politics has its place, but over-emphasis on truth-economies can create distrust between you and your manager. Think about it: if they see you as a skilful player with your peers, then what do they read into your relationship?

If you're in a politically charged environment (despite best will, this does happen) then it's always best to disclose your political game plan with your boss. Even if they don't play too, at least they know what you're trying to achieve. Create a version of the truth that you both align to and will work together to achieve. Personally, I prefer work without politics, but if you must engage in politics then it's important to have the support of your manager.

You are Not Political Enough
The flipside to the above, and probably a more likely situation. The higher you climb the pole, the greasier it gets.

Your manager may be playing many angles and operating in grey-areas to achieve an outcome... only for you to come along with an honest and transparent communication to destroy their game-plan.

My feelings towards this are clear - this is your manager's fault and if they don't involve you in the game (or at least tell you where the goal-posts are) then that is their problem. Nevertheless, your lack of awareness, or refusal to play, can build up bad feelings which are likely not to be expressed. Your boss's hatred of you will seem irrational and may be sensed but not directly manifested.

There isn't much you can do in these situations. Sometimes, a direct challenge might work but the same political behaviour will be applied in your manager's response.

Lack of Rapport
Rapport is the X-factor in a relationship. When two people have rapport, they get along very well and the relationship flourishes. This happens when you and your manager perceive situations, and people, in similar ways and you make similar decisions and judgments based on that perception. Communication is effective. There is cohesion. It's a foundation of trust.

What about the lack of rapport? The opposite of the above is true. Relationships die at the point of inception when two people can't communicate effectively or agree on anything. When two people have two parametrically opposite personality traits, then building rapport is almost impossible. If you are a positive person, but your boss is negative, then it will be tough. If you are introvert, but your manager is extrovert, then it will be tough. Get the picture?

I don't recommend trying to be a person you are not, in order to overcome this. You will come unstuck at some point, and to be frank, you will be miserable and stressed. The best way forward, when faced with this problem, is to just keep working at it. A lack of rapport will diminish over time providing that you and your manager are trying to achieve the same thing. It will be a bumpy road - so expect that - but eventually it will smooth out.

You Don't Do What Your Manager Expects You To Do
Have you become upset when a mechanic didn't fix the problem with your car? How about when your credit card company didn't switch off payment protection, even when you ticked the option? It's the same when you don't do what you said you would do. Your manager gets pissed.

In modern organizations, strategic goals are cascaded from the most senior executives to junior employees. Your manager's objectives are dependent on you achieving your objectives... and so on. If you don't achieve your goals, your manager doesn't too.

Worse still, your manager's reputation can be drawn through the mud. Your failure could be a direct hit on your boss's credibility. If this failure is caused by forgetfulness, or bad judgment, or incompetence then you can expect your manager to be upset with you. Persistent failure like this can lead to total hatred!

A more dangerous ground to tread on is when you're going hell for leather for a goal that is different to the one your manager expects. It's dangerous because the point of realization that your expectations are different is towards the end of the project or assignment. You might get into this situation if you and your boss haven't built rapport.

This situation may be a deliberate coup by your manager if they're playing political games or if they perceive you as a threat. Unless your objectives are clearly understood in the same way between you, your manager has a ticket to call foul at any point.

Truth is, managers rarely resort to these shenanigans, but much more common is a surprise moment a long way into an assignment when both of you realize your mistake of a difference in expectation. This is why it's vital that you and your manager agree specifics, with little (or no) room for different interpretation. Especially so if your performance management, and your bonus, depends upon it.

I believe that total alignment of expectations is the only way to avoid pissing off your boss, and indeed achieving what they expect from you. I recommend you take a look at your current assignments now and check with your manager that your intended output is what he or she expects.

The author of this article Simon Stapleton is a coach helping Information Technology professionals with their Career Development, Commercial Development and Personal Development. He has 15 years in the IT Industry and shares his knowledge and tips through his website http://www.simonstapleton.com You can sign up for his free newsletter to enjoy Development too.

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Creating Community Discourse - Moving From Debate to Dialogue

• Building a new bandstand that is handicapped accessible
• Locating a new homeless shelter
• Developing plans for rural land use
• Widening a street to allow for more bicycle traffic
• Creating a new governance charter for a municipality
• Constructing a new school and/or renovating an existing one
• Determining whether or not a proposed construction project fits within the architectural character of the neighborhood

What do all these community projects have in common? Each one is undertaken with the intent to create a better future and expanded opportunities for the given community, and each one will face challenges to moving forward successfully. Undoubtedly, there will be someone for each of these projects who will raise questions and concerns about the appropriateness and/or intent of the project. It is at this point that progress is typically stymied.

We often hear that the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts, so why is it that we struggle so hard in our communities to move forward? Shouldn't we be able to reap the benefit of so many creative minds coming together to solve a problem? What is it that prevents us from moving forward constructively?

For starters, most of us are held hostage to a traditional, linear approach to problem solving - the idea that there is one right solution. Often a well-intentioned board or committee has toiled diligently to come up with such a solution. That "solution" is then presented to the public for feedback, and, more often than not, the public perceives it as a done deal. As a result, they fight back. The whole situation deteriorates into a win-lose debate or sometimes a lose-lose debate. As Meg Wheatley so succinctly put it in Leadership and the New Science, "People support what they create... No one is successful if they merely present a plan in finished form to others. It doesn't matter how brilliant or correct the plan is. It simply doesn't work to ask people to sign on when they haven't been involved in the planning process."

To be sure, involving community members in the planning process can be both frustrating and intimidating. Most of the people we want at the table often don't show up for a variety of reasons; those who do are often the same faces we see over and over again. I have heard many a board lament the fact that no one attends board meetings to provide public comment, and yet they continue to engage with the public is the same old way. What we need is to strike a balance between encouraging public participation and taking civic responsibility more seriously, and we need to do it more creatively.

Rather than using approaches that create debate, communities need to focus on fostering dialogue. Techniques such as Café Conversations, Study Circles, Open Space Technology, Future Search Conference, and Appreciative Inquiry are just a few of the methods designed to create space for dialogue in communities. The National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation can provide a comprehensive list of these techniques. The technique, however, is less important than the environment. Each of these techniques has the following characteristics in common:

Using inquiry rather than advocacy: The most effective method for creating productive and constructive dialogue is to ask about another's perspective before explaining your own. Most of us are accustomed to entering into a discussion with our defenses securely in place. What this means is that we often do not hear what others are saying. By balancing advocacy with inquiry, we take as much time to understand the points of view of others as we do in explaining our own point of view.

Testing assumptions: Assumptions about people's intent or what is going on often create reinforcing patterns of behavior that can hinder us from reaching the most effective solutions. In fact, they can be downright destructive. When people engage in dialogue that puts a human face on the issue, it becomes easier to recognize our assumptions and challenge them. In doing so, we begin to shift our thinking. Even the slightest shift opens up new possibilities, avoiding the "one perfect solution" trap.

Looking for common ground: Many of the issues communities deal with are highly emotional, so finding areas of agreement are critical to keeping a sense of forward progress. At times when it seems like there is a giant chasm between perspectives, the common ground that can be established becomes a ray of hope and the foundation upon which to build a sustainable solution. As the thinking begins to shift, the size of the common ground grows. It is critical to focus on agreements rather than on disagreements.

Focusing on outcomes: Success in any community dialogue effort means committing the time and resources to developing a sustainable solution, not an easy task in today's climate. It is all too easy to jump to the quick fix without clearly defining long term outcomes. However, communities must resist that sense of urgency and place their emphasis on the integrity of the process.

Is this an easy task? No. Does it take a lot of time and effort? Yes. Is it worth it? The community will have to answer that question. It appears, however, that the current approaches are taking their toll, so why not try something new? A community's ability to focus on the long-term and to engage their citizens in a constructive, open, and respectful process will enable them to reap benefits for years to come. Now that's a balancing act worth achieving!

Marty Jacobs, president of Systems In Sync, has been teaching and consulting for almost twenty years, applying a systems thinking approach to organizations. She currently provides strategic planning and policy governance expertise for the Vermont School Boards Association and has worked with several school districts to engage them in community conversations. In the nonprofit sector, Marty provides strategic planning, board leadership training, Policy Governance implementation, community engagement facilitation, and staff development. Additionally, Marty has served on a variety of nonprofit, professional, and school boards over the past twenty years. Marty has also written articles for Vermont Business Magazine and the American School Board Journal on topics related to organizational learning, systems thinking, and community engagement. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Marty received her M.S. in Organization and Management from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, NH.

http://www.systemsinsync.com/

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Culture and Business Communication

In business the most valuable thing would be information and for it to be transferred from one body to the other, communication is the vital element that drives such process. But when the communication comes to certain influenced by culture, it is a whole new chapter to be understood.

International businesses are facing a new dilemma whereby cross-cultural communication is introduced due to the major reforms brought about through internationalization, merging and joint ventures. This would make culture an important aspect when it comes to business communication.

Lack of understanding or investment in cross-cultural training would lead to major business problems. Such as loss of clients, poor staff motivation, lack of team building, internal conflicts, and poor productivity. These are all only the icing of the by-products of poor cross-cultural communication.

International companies with highly diverse workforce in terms of nationality and cultural background all face the same problem when conflict arises from the difference of culture, language, value, belief, business ethic, behavior, and cultural etiquettes.

Such conflict could prove to be a negative impact on the business mainly in team cohesion and staff productivity. Cross-cultural communication problems can manifest into the downfalls of big international companies when taken lightly. That is why more and more companies have realized such dilemma and are upgrading intercultural communication skills within its organization.

Cross-cultural consultants and intercultural team builders are summoned to deal with such dilemma as technology and science is improving by the second. Communication within companies is now more efficient and fast phones, fax and various other means of communication tools are invented closing in on the barriers of distance but introduces cross-cultural communication awareness.

Other than the differences of culture in the company, the company's working culture is also important as the company's culture projects the company's managerial abilities. Company's culture depends on how it views its staff and departments; does it see it as a close or open system? For example when one works in the engineering department and one works in the HR department, is there cross communications of synergy between the two departments?? If there isn't this means lack of communication is at present and team building is vital in improving such situations.

Such situations are usually endorsed by joint ventures and mergers of two separate cross-cultural companies whereby co-operation is required for their commitment to an open system. Without a doubt, most companies are form or merged in the expectations of better financial and strategic managements without realizing the consequences of intercultural communication mishaps.

As more and more companies realize that their business problems are not just mere financial flaws made by lack of education in their staff's but to the cross-cultural environment in which their staff's work in. The need for understanding communication between cultures and managing intercultural business management has rocketed ever since the discovery of such events during the globalization era.

The main reason for most failed ventures or cross-cultural business is mostly due to the underestimation of the effects of culture in a working environment especially in communication. Seeking expertise help on such situation would prove to be better investments once the differentiation is been straighten out.

Neil Payne is Managing Director at the London based consultancy Kwintessential. For more information on their services please visit Translation Services

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Minding Your PDA P's and Q's

I'd venture to say that PDAs are more commonly carried than pens, or even combs, in the pockets and purses of most urbanites. Every week, I receive questions for BlackBerry etiquette or iPhone protocols. Social networking is a part of daily life and often provides a wake-up call with the first tweet of the day.

We have become a nation of archivists - meticulously recording even the smallest of details. Although the accent is on "social," some would say there's a dark side to all this documentation. And that's exactly what prompted a group of New York City's avant-garde writers to host twice monthly, off the record salons, or parties, where PDAs and photos are strictly verboten. Kind of a party hearty atmosphere - with no fear of recrimination. But an over the top, Bacchanalian fête is not the intent. Rather, the point is to cease and desist from chronicling every nanosecond. (One could argue that the hosts have, indeed, made a clever PR move.)

In complete contrast to this kind of affair is the upcoming book launch for The Won Thing by my close friend Peggy McColl. Peggy is a New York Times best selling author and an internationally recognized expert in the area of destiny achievement. I anticipate her invitation could read something like this:

You are cordially invited to attend the launch of The Won Thing
September 22nd, 2009
An
on the record,
tweeting, blogging, photos
Party

Admittedly, there's a big difference between a private party at home and a book launch. The whole point of the launch is publicity.

Another friend of mine, a TV show host who shall remain nameless, twittered: Tweet no.1: Making my way to the Hall where Clinton & Bush will be speaking. Tweet no. 2: Oh no! Security check: will we have to leave our PDAs with security? Tweet no. 3: Sitting row 30 or so - with PDA! Tweet no. 4: Clinton says... For over an hour, I followed some of the best twittering ever!

It's important to know when, where and what to twitter. Ever thought about asking guests to refrain from chronicling every moment at your next party? Please let us know your thoughts.

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Diane Craig
Image and Etiquette Expert

Diane Craig, President of Corporate Class Inc., is a leading image and etiquette consultant. For over 20 years she has provided corporate consultations, helping hundreds of men and women realize their professional and personal goals. She is a sought after speaker at national business meetings, regularly gives comprehensive workshops to corporate groups, and offers private consultations on business etiquette, dress and dining.

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Communication - Watch Weasel Words

One of my heroes is Alexander Kuzmin. Never heard of him? Well, not surprising, since Mr. Kuzmin is the mayor of Megion, an oil town in Siberia. Yep. The mayor of a small town about 1,500 miles north of Moscow is one of my champions.

Here's why. A tiny little AP story tucked in the corner of my newspaper a couple years ago revealed that Mayor Kuzmin has ordered his bureaucrats to stop using expressions such as "I don't know" and "I can't." Or else they can look for another job. He was apparently tired of his staff making excuses and as good as admitting they were too lazy to do the work. According to a statement by the good mayor, "Town officials must figure out how to solve and remove problems, not to avoid them."

The Mayor put some meat behind the ban by stating that "the use of these expressions by city administration officials while speaking to the head of the city will speed their departure."

Wow. Can you imagine? According to some of the mayor's staff, they now come to meetings armed with several proposals on how to handle a problem. No excuses are allowed. The result is: solutions.

Here are some of his 25 banned expressions:

-I don't know.

-I can't.

-It's not my job.

-It's impossible.

-There's no money.

-I was away/sick/on vacation.

-What am I supposed to do?

-I'm not dealing with this.

-Somebody else has the documents.

I'd add a few more to my own "banned expressions" list, including: "I'll see what I can do," "I'll try," "Yes, but..." and "You don't understand."

Do you see what all of these have in common? I call them "weasel words" because using such phrases is a way of weaseling out of responsibility. When colleagues, or heaven forbid, customers, are looking for you to answer questions, solve problems, or resolve sticky issues, they don't expect or want you to duck responsibility and leave them adrift in helpless confusion, frustration, or anger.

Consider this. Suppose you asked a colleague to handle something for you, and he replied, "I'll see what I can do." Or "I'll try." How convinced are you that he'll really get it done? Suppose, instead, he said, "I'll take care of it." Doesn't that confident commitment instill your trust in him?

Here are some positive talk phrases:

-I'll find out.

-I'll take care of it.

-It's a challenge I'm up to.

-I'll be glad to...

-Let's brainstorm some ideas.

-What would you like me to do?

Roger Dawson, famous speaker and negotiator, once said, "There is a place in heaven for anyone who says, 'I'll take care of it.'" Amen.

Barbara Busey, president of the training firm Presentation Dynamics, has been a professional speaker, trainer and author since 1990. She does training and speaking on the "dynamics" of how people "present" themselves, is the author of the book, "Stand Out When You Stand Up," and is the creator of The Compelling Speaker, a unique presentation skills training program that combines advance audio CD instruction with a hands-on, ultra participative workshop. She now offers the Compelling Speaker Certification, a turnkey system -- complete with training content & technique, business strategies, and marketing guidelines -- that positions communicators to make a living training other business professionals to become more compelling speakers. Go to Compelling Speaker Certification to see her video, listen to her audio, and learn when the next Certification training is.

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A KISS To Remember

For the past 3 days, I have been trying to pick out a paint color for the bedroom. So, once again I stopped by the paint store the other day, and picked a clor - the color looked light green, a color I would call "Seafoam." The paint supplier called it "Reef." My friend said it looked gray as we painted it, and in the bedroom lighting, I just stepped back and called it "Yuck." Still a work in progress...

So what does this have to do with anything? Well, it just pointed out to me once again that we all see and understand things differently... How many times do we describe something and know exactly what we mean, but the person we are attempting to communicate with takes what we said an entirely different way?

I like to think of myself as not that old, yet I remember letters to the editors of printed newspapers and magazines as how we used to express ourselves and we were lucky to get it printed. Now with the Internet there is an explosion of expressible communications between people, who never before would have been able to talk to each other, yet what is really being said... With just a few keystrokes we can read more information and opinions and contribute our own views just as easily, yet, we are so often misunderstood.

An important rule to always remember in communication is the KISS--Keep It Simple and Short. So many times, I find I can get caught up in my industry's jargon or slang, I know what I'm saying, so do coworkers, but when that glazed look comes over your client's eyes, I know it's time to stop, rewind, simplify and try again.

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." ~Anais Nin. Writer and diarist 1903-1977 ~

Join Communication Coach Sharon Sayler Tuesday's at 10am Pacific for "Beyond Lip Service" on Blog Talk Radio for useful strategies on relationships, communication and success within your "inner-game."

Sharon MBA, business consultant, writer and non-verbal presentation coach, she teaches you how to speak and present to be remembered by making your body language say the same message as your mouth. She is counsel and coach to authors, speakers and executives who want to be more than "just a competent presenter." http://www.sharonsayler.com

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Develop Your Communication and Interpersonal Skills

The American Management Association offers three day seminars in cities like Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and New York to aid those entering the labor market to develop their communication and interpersonal skills. The seminars are geared to IT or Information Technologies people and technical professionals. Actually what this means is that these seminars are geared for those individuals working professionals in computer and other technologies whose professional skills have been developed but whose relationship skills may lack in people skills or the mindset to interact with people who may not have similar IT or technological training.

The cost for these seminars depends on whether you are a member of The American Management Association. The seminar costs 2, 195 dollars for non-members and 1,995 dollars for members. One of the benefits is that you can use the seminar to get continuing education university credits.

The seminar focuses on developing skills identification with the other person, active rather than passive listening skills and skills necessary to get your own message across to the other person. These seminars are for the professional in technology who has needed to develop the art of understanding other people's needs and their perspective which may or may not be technology based. To debate with people of other disciplines and to come out the winner would be a key point focus for these seminars.

The seminar is also available online. These seminars are called virtual seminars and are available for on-site delivery to your organization.

We all need to develop our communication and interpersonal skills, but this is even more vital when coming out of an intensive training program in our respective discipline. This will lead to greater customer satisfaction in any line of work.

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Secrets of a Successful Corporate Party

Tips on how to make everyone enjoy corporate parties:

Bellow, we offer you some valuable tips on how to turn a corporate party into an unforgettable event for everyone:

1. For Winter Holidays, organize everything, to the smallest details, in order to help everyone get into the Christmas spirit: have Santa hats for all the attendants and make sure that everything from decorations items like scene setters, garland, light to plates, cups, napkins has Christmas patterns. Steal a smile from everybody by having even toilet paper with Santas drawn on it. It will be something that all the guests will recall, for sure.

2. Choose a theme, if the occasion is any other besides Winter Holidays. It can be a Luau party, a Western one, Mardi Grass or any other.

3. Organize everything according to the chosen theme. Install appropriate Wall Murals. For a Luau theme corporate party you can go for a Tropical Wall Mural. Also customize banners in accordance with the chosen party theme.

4. Use items with colors related to corporate identity.

5. Add some glamour to the party regardless the chosen theme. Have your guests arrive in Hollywood style with a red carpet runner and use glow cups and light-up glasses.

6. Organize tombolas and offer prizes like: trinkets boxes, pocket or sports watches, cosmetic cases, and photo boxes customized with your brand's name.

7. Use small give aways to remind people of your event. It could be a custom alien clock or a mug beer (for a launching event for example) or a holiday greetings pen (for Xmas parties).

8. Use customized banners. If you are organizing a farewell or retirement party, it would be nice to have a customized banner wearing that person's name, with spaces where the attendants can write messages.

9. Give small presents to the guests. This is a good idea especially for a retirement/farewell party. The present could be a frame with his/her photo and a nice message.

10. Fun is the main ingredient of a successful corporate party. For a guaranteed wonderful time provide the attendants with a set of inflatable instruments. Or get a dance floor kit. It will rock their world.

Corporate parties' purpose goes beyond a simple celebration. They are ways of showing appreciation to the employees and reinforce the team spirit. That's why the success of such an event is measured in the quality of the time spent by employees together and the amount of good common memories the event generates.

Hope you have enjoyed these simple tips. Feel free to browse around and let hostMYparty.com help you.

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People Skills - True Or You, Amiss Or Me?

Questions and comments from people are great and makes me think - helping people pleases me and offers many lessons too. Keep your questions and comments coming!

This came from someone who wanted advice on etiquette or maybe just to clarify her feelings: "We were all standing in a group chatting and feeling great. Then Julie from downstairs ambled up right in the middle of Corey's story. I intended to introduce Julie however before I could say anything, Heather went ahead and did it. I couldn't believe she just jumped right in like that, it made me mad and I felt foolish. I think Heather is rude and controlling don't you agree?"

The real question is: who is this person really mad at? Is it Heather for introducing Julie or herself for not doing the introduction? I suspect it would be more truthful to suggest she's mad at herself though it's easier to blame Heather.

Whenever you find yourself upset about a social interaction ask a deeper question: was there a seed of truth in what happened or is it you?

Another question I use a lot: Is something amiss or is it me? It pains me to note how often it's me - though the more aware I become the less that's true.

This has happened to all of us. We neglect to do something that should have been obvious. Like make an introduction, or toasting the guest, or commenting on how nice someone looks. Then someone else steps in and does it for us. This can leave us feeling perplexed and foolish which in turn makes us strike out at the other person.

"I can't believe they just jumped in like that and introduced themselves!" I've heard people say "I was just about ready to do it!" or "I don't know where his or her manners are" spoken to a friend at a wedding, "everyone knows the best man is the first to toast." Or even, "I intended to tell her how great the new look was and then Jennifer stole my chance."

I always wonder why people bother to put others down when they are obviously doing something nice. I think it's because the person who is criticizing may be upset they didn't do it first, or didn't react well. Either way it's not rude behavior on anyone's part but the critic.

My mother, and no doubt your mother, used to say, "If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all" and this is still good advice!

Criticism, especially in public and particularly in this instance - is less than gracious and usually makes the one doing the criticizing not only look bad, it puts any one that hears it in an uncomfortable position.

So here's the solution:
Be quick to comment, compliment, introduce and all those other social niceties that make the world work. If you do that you will have no one to blame but yourself for all the good will, great relationships and wonderful feelings that pour towards you.

If you get criticism for being such a quick to the point goodwill provider, simply smile - Because criticism, even if you think it's true, is a poor reflection on you!

If you want to attract more prospects, multiply loyal customers, and boost sales, this Schuh is a fit! Shawna Schuh is an extraordinary storyteller, who works with corporations and associations to develop environments that help people bring their best selves to the work they do. Shawna addresses any and all issues relating to people skills. Her presentations are humorous, overflowing with energy and packed with practical results driven information that will positively maximize profits. Take an action that will help you succeed and improve your people skills visit: http://shawnaschuh.com/DailySocialSignup2.php.

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