People Skills

Question:

I have been working from home as a computer programmer for over 15 years now, recently I accepted a job as a senior programmer, which will put me on location at client sites. I’m worried since I haven’t had to use face to face communication skills in a business setting in many years I might be rusty and out of place.  As a senior representative of my company, I believe these communication skills should be one of my strengths and not a weakness.  What are some things I can do or practice so that I’m more natural and professional during face-to-face communication?

Response:

Improving your interpersonal skills is something that cannot happen overnight.  The only way to improve is to practice and actually do it. Many of the skills may take time for you to adopt, however there are also some quick little techniques that can start to make things easier almost immediately.

               

      1) Stay professional. Remember no matter whom you’re talking to make sure you are at your best. The way you act reflects on your character. Learn to deal with situations in an appropriate way.

      2) Establish credibility. Be sincere, if you are truthful and upfront with people it will go a long way to gaining other’s respect and trust. 

      3) Understand others’ point of view. Remember to reflect on what others tell you, even if you disagree take the time to learn and understand where they are coming from.

      4) Learn about others. Take time talk with employees or clients.  Conversations do not need to be work related, rather simple conversations that help you learn about the person and build rapport.  

      5) Be confidant. Keep eye contact and your body relaxed. Be sure to speak clearly and at a moderate pace.

If you have any business related questions or would like advice on other workplace issues, visit our web site at http://www.bc.dalecarnegie.com/ or our Knowledge Centre on our global site at http://www.dalecarnegie.com/ or email me at paul.sinkevich@dalecarnegie.com.

Leading By Example

Question:

I’m the president of a small company with a very close-knit staff.  Since we are all very close, personal issues are more visible. My problem is that I become awkward when dealing with these types of issues. How can I handle these situations?

Advice:

Congratulations on having such a caring and close group of employees! Part of being a leader is how you handle delicate issues.  Try these following tactics to demonstrate your leadership skills:

1. Live in day tight compartments. Focus on what must get done. This is a necessary skill when faced with adversity. If you concentrate too much on what might happen, your energy will be directed towards all the different situations that could arise, instead on working on what needs to get done now.

Handle each situation as it presents itself.

2. Go a step beyond. Difficult situations can be the catalysts to great solutions. Use the opportunity to assist or come up with a new plan of action.

3. Remember priorities. Too often, when faced with overwhelming stress, we concentrate on the negative. Focus instead on the positive and an end to the situation. Concentrating on this can keep your goals in check and help in decision-making. You’re a role model to your employees.

Complex situations will present themselves from time to time. With a supportive environment in hand each one of those situations can be dealt with accordingly. Remember that being in a leadership position is more than just delegating – it’s in the management of difficult times that the real leader is visible.

If you have any business related questions or would like advice on other workplace issues, visit our web site at http://www.bc.dalecarnegie.com/ or mailto:paul.sinkevich@dalecarnegie.com