Rabu, 25 Oktober 2017

Effective Tools to Enhance Human Interaction and Communication

In today's economic times businesses are asking themselves the questions they probably should have been asking during the times of milk and honey. What is really necessary around here? How can we trim the fat? Which leads to lean... But "Lean" is often just associated with variation reduction, six sigma, and the like. But drilling down to the basics, lean is "how do we do business without the fluff?"

That really is the tough call. Who is the one deciding what is fluff and what is needed? As we pare down the different functions and people need training to do new tasks or as they move into new positions, again, how do you decide what they really need, and what is the least expensive, most effective option?

Often combined products are purchased and none of the multiple aspects live up to expectations. Other times you are so blown out of the water by the depth and usefulness of a product, you wonder why the price is so attractive. Those latter situations are the ones we really look for, don't we? And when you find them, do you share them with colleagues? Isn't that what networking is all about? Suddenly instead of a conversation being about you or your product, you are talking about something that will help their company in many aspects of its business, and will also build your relationship with the person you are networking with.

What seems to be the one thing that is the barrier to growth and/or profitability in many companies? In my mind it is all about relationships and communication. If you can't communicate clearly the goals and methods to achieve those goals, you might as well close the door. And when relationships start to form - good bad and everything in between, that's when you either have synergy or conflict.

So the road to synergy has to be in massaging the relationships while growing the business and guiding everyone toward set goals. What does that sound like to you? To me it's coaching. Effective coaching. But most people haven't been taught how to be a coach. My degree is in Organizational Behavior and Applied Psychology, and there wasn't a single course that was about coaching others. It was hinted at, but it was never fully on the table. So it is no wonder that as a leader, I wasn't the greatest coach in the world. It wasn't that I didn't have the general tools, I did. During my time in the military there was lots of 'on the job' training, coaching moments, and they helped me grow.  I also graduated from the Army's Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and learned about primary leadership, but still that didn't give me all the tools that I needed.

Kamis, 12 Oktober 2017

Marriage Relationships and Communication - Learn 7 Communication Tips to Spark Those Loving Feelings

Do you know how many couples drift apart and lose the closeness in their marriage? Most people are aware of how words can hurt their spouses, but are you also aware of how you can use your words to build up you partner and your marriage?

There is a proverb in the Bible that says the power of life and death is in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Here are seven ways you can start adding more life to your marriage through your speech.

1. Affirmation

Affirmation is telling our mate about his or her positive qualities. Early in our relationship this is easy.

However, everyone has both positive and negative traits. Over time, you may get so focused on the negative that you forget the positive traits your spouse has. Find something you appreciate about your spouse and tell them about it.

2. Telling the truth in love

We need to be honest with our partners even about small things. If your spouse discovers that you have lied about something, however small, it creates suspicion in their heart. They may wonder if you have lied about other things.

3. Focused listening

Focus on what your spouse is telling you; eliminate distractions, such as television, newspaper, or doing the dishes. Too many times we are planning our response before the other person even finishes their point.

4. Remember your spouse is not a mind reader

Even if you have been married forty years, your spouse still needs you to communicate with them. State your desires plainly and let them know what you expect from them.

5. Clarification and feedback

This makes sure that you understood your spouse. You can say, "Did I hear you say the pig is stuck in the chimney?" This allows your spouse to clarify by saying, "No, I said I picked up your brother Jimmy". Many misunderstandings could be prevented with this one simple step.

6. Reminiscing

Many couples forget the attraction that brought them together initially. Reminiscing enables you to reflect on happy memories which evokes loving emotions

7. Back to the future

When you discuss your future dreams together, it creates a sense of permanence. It helps you visualize the future and brings security into the present. This assures your partner that you plan to be there to fulfill that dream with them.

Keeping That Loving Feeling

Many couples are focused on the relationship problems and use negative, hurtful words. Initially it may take a lot of energy to find positive words to say to each other. However, the effort will help bring more intimacy to your marriage.