Don't omit this training with new hires. When training new hires, share challenging expectations, and offer the training needed to achieve them. Several years ago, I was asked to take over the new hire basic sales training for one of America's top 50 (by net volume) home remodeling companies. Although the company had a competent [...]
I’m an extrovert. If there was anything such as an extra-extrovert, that’s me. I have a few ideas about how to manage extroverts. Personally, I have my good points, and I know I have my challenges. I can be a handful. If you know me and think I’m overbearing, annoying, and outrageous, you should have [...]
3 old school training outlines is the third in a series on training posts. Previously, I published How Not to Train and What To Do Before The Training Begins . This post is a more "nuts and bolts, here's how it's done kind of post, so let's get to it. 3 Training Outlines Group Role-play Put the [...]
Do you know what to do before the training begins? Previously, I posted How Not to Train. Today, I’ll share a few thoughts on what to consider before the training begins. What To Do Before The Training Begins Who should participate in the training? Are you comfortable with the size of the group? Sometimes, it [...]
Guest post by Robby Slaughter. Randy Clark wrote a nice piece entitled Why Communication in the Workplace Sucks. And he’s correct: workplace communication does suck, and the reasons he gives are certainly valid. Because yes: we don’t listen, we don’t give our full attention, we don’t think carefully about which medium to use when communicating [...]
How to use your voice for effective communication is complicated. Verbal communication isn't only about our words but also how we say them. If I laughed and called you a rotten egg, you'd most likely take no offense. However, if I called you a rotten egg with anger in my voice, you'd probably not take [...]
Improving verbal communication begins with understanding, and to understand, one must listen. Before anyone can delve into the nuances of communication, such as identifying ambiguous words or recognizing the arguments supporting a conclusion, it must be heard. Improving verbal communication begins with better listening. Are You a Good Listener? Most people suck at listening. I [...]
You know the importance of planning, but you've done okay so far without trying to plan everything. Besides, you want to make plans—you just haven’t gotten around to it. Who has time for planning? Sound familiar? However, you define success, how important is it to you? I challenge you to choose any successful person in [...]
The most important questions to ask yourself at work aren't what you ask your customers, clients, and prospects. The most important questions are the ones you ask yourself. It begins by asking yourself, “What have I learned?” Check-in With a Checklist Budget 30–45 minutes at the end of your workweek to review your activities and [...]
Do you want to know why communication in the workplace sucks? Recently I was conducting leadership development training with a group of front line managers. We were working on setting achievable goals. Time after time, we recognized the lack of effective communication as a key obstacle to achieving goals. Over the last year, while conducting [...]
