Andy Robinson’s Career Success! Career Tip of the Day

There is nothing quite as alluring and seductive as sharing time with someone who finds you extremely interesting.  We all love to talk about ourselves and find it very flattering when another party seems to be fascinated by some aspect of our experience, background or area of specialty.  Having someone ask us probing questions about what WE love to do or who WE are creates a very positive mental and emotional bond of sorts with that individual.

It seems all too common, however, that in casual conversation with someone else, we ultimately feel compelled to talk more about ourselves, a subject that is definitely much less interesting to the other party (e.g., BORING and forgettable!).  Message: Stay aware of this natural compulsion and begin to make the conscious shift to focusing more on the other person.

Authors Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval in their book, "The Power of Small -- Why Little Things Make All the Difference" (2009), cite a recent clinical psychology study revealing that "being nosey" is actually a turn-on. "The more curious people are during a conversation, the more positive the outcome, whether it is a casual encounter or one where a deeper connection is sought.  Either way, the other person feels important and valued, which then has a boomerang effect on the personal asking the questions.  Who doesn't like being around someone who seem infinitely more interested in our lives than their own?

Be that person!  Leave a lasting positive impression by focusing more on the other person than on yourself.  This rapport-building technique should become a habit for you and should be a reflection of who you really are -- someone who sincerely cares about others and puts their needs first.
_______________
Andy Robinson
Career Success Coach
CRG Leadership Institute LLC
239-285-5575
Andy.Robinson@CRGLeaders.com
www.StrategicThinkingPartner.com
www.AndyRobinsonCareerTips.com
www.AndyRobinsonCoach.com

My Passion: "Helping people love what they do for a living and achieve lasting career success!"

LET'S CONNECT:
www.AndyOnLinkedIn.com
www.AndyOnTwitter.com

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How effective are you at keeping the promises and commitments you make - those commitments you make to others and those commitments you make to yourself?

The cost you pay for not keeping your promises may not seem like much at the time, but the true cost is a cumulative cost, a cost that, over time, will significantly erode (1) the trust others place in you, (2) your personal integrity, (3) your self-esteem, (4) your self-confidence and (5) your self-respect.  A high cost indeed.

EVERY promise or commitment you make is ultimately with yourself.  Even when you are making a promise with someone else, your brain hears it and registers it as a commitment to yourself.  You are making an agreement with yourself to do something, and when you don't follow through, you learn to distrust yourself.  The result is a chipping-away of your self-esteem, self-confidence and self-respect.  You lose faith in your ability to produce a result.  You weaken your sense of integrity.

When you realize how important your integrity and self-esteem really are, you will stop making casual promises just to get someone off your back.  You won't sell your self-esteem for a little bit of momentary approval.  You won't make promises you don't intend to keep.  You will make fewer promises, and you will do whatever it takes to keep them.

Finally, if you want to have the respect and trust of others, which is absolutely critical to accomplishing anything big and important in life, then you will take keeping all your promises and commitments with absolute seriousness.
_______________
Andy Robinson
Executive Coach, Strategic Thinking Partner
CRG Leadership Institute LLC
239-285-5575
Andy.Robinson@CRGLeaders.com
www.StrategicThinkingPartner.com
www.AndyRobinsonCareerTips.com

My Passion: "Helping people love what they do for a living and achieve lasting career success!"

LET'S CONNECT:
www.AndyOnLinkedIn.com
www.AndyOnTwitter.com

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Assistance.  Who did I help immensely with a project or significant task this week?

Advice.  With whom did I share some meaningful and sincere advice this week?

Thanks.  Who did I sincerely thank this week?  Did I send them a handwritten "thank you" note?

Results.  What impactful results did I achieve at work this week?  Who is aware of those results?

Referrals.  Which two (or more) of my network contacts did I connect together this week for a meaningful purpose

Problem-Solving.  What specific problems did I help solve for others this week?

Kindness.  To whom did I extend a "random act of kindness" this week?

Lasting Impression.  With which of my clients did I create a truly remarkable and memorable experience this week and create a lasting impression?

Recognition.  Who did I recognize this week for excellent performance or a job well done?  Did I recognize them in a meaningful and memorable manner?

Bottom Line.  How did I positively effect the "bottom line" of my company or my clients this week?  Did I do something specific to either save costs or generate revenues?

_______________
Andy Robinson
Executive Coach, Strategic Thinking Partner
CRG Leadership Institute LLC
239-285-5575
Andy.Robinson@CRGLeaders.com
www.StrategicThinkingPartner.com
www.AndyRobinsonCareerTips.com

My Passion: "Helping people love what they do for a living and achieve lasting career success!"

LET'S CONNECT:
www.AndyOnLinkedIn.com
www.AndyOnTwitter.com

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We've all heard or read the research asserts the idea that less than 10% of our communication is verbal (more like 7%); the other 90+% of our expression comes from body language, facial expressions and tone of voice.  In addition to SAYING what you want to say, it is therefore very important that you also EXPRESS what you want to say.

For example, it's not always enough to simply say "yes" to someone and expect them to FULLY accept your agreement with their assertion, you also must EXPRESS "yes" to the other person.  Three very effective ways of EXPRESSING "yes" or expressing your interest in what what the other person is saying include:

• Nodding Your Head.  Nodding is one of the most universally understood human gestures.  Even people born blind will nod their head to say yes. So, when you say "yes" to someone, also nod your head AS you're saying yes.  When you agree with something that somebody else is saying, nod your head.  Your "yes" and acknowledgment will be more fully accepted and "heard" by the other party.

• Tilting Your Head.  Tiling your head to one side is also a universally recognized human gesture that signifies your INTEREST in what the other person is saying.  When someone else is speaking TO you, simply tilt your head slightly to one side to show interest AND nod your head if you're in agreement with what they are saying.

• Mirroring.  Mirroring is another very effective form of non-verbal communication that EXPRESSES interest in and attunement to the other person.  Mirroring is simply reflecting the other person's gestures back to them.  The goal is NOT to mimic their gestures exactly, but to attune yourself to their posture, their mood and their general body movement.  You'll be subtly communicating that you accept the other person and are receptive to their ideas.

Try some or all of the above during your next interaction.  Practice them going forward until they become a natural habit.  You'll definitely be perceived as a more effective communicator, and you should find that people in general will "open up" more to you.

Source: A wonderful book that I highly recommend: "The Power of Nice," written by the team of Linda Kaplan Thayler and Robin Koval.
_______________
Andy Robinson
Career Success Coach
CRG Leadership Institute LLC
239-285-5575
Andy.Robinson@CRGLeaders.com
www.StrategicThinkingPartner.com
www.AndyRobinsonCareerTips.com
www.AndyRobinsonCoach.com

My Passion: "Helping people love what they do for a living and achieve lasting career success!"

LET'S CONNECT:
www.AndyOnLinkedIn.com
www.AndyOnTwitter.com

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Balancing "highly focused work effort" with adequate rest and recovery is invaluable in any performance venue - work, athletics, sports, hobbies, etc. Without adequate recovery time, we overstress our bodies physically, emotionally and mentally.  Energy levels suffer and peak performance is impacted.

With regard to work activities, recovery time not only includes planned vacations and time away from work on the weekends, but should also include daily "rituals" designed to regroup and recover from the stress associated with your day-to-day work demands. High performance periods throughout the day MUST be balanced with recovery periods throughout the day. Without those recovery periods, performance tends to ebb substantially due to inadequate physical, emotional and mental energy availability.

Consider These Daily Recovery Rituals:

• At the beginning of each week, load a desk drawer up with healthy snacks -- nuts, low-sugar fitness bars, etc. During the day, take a 10 minute break to eat a snack from your snack drawer and drink a bottle or glass of water.

• Stand up and stretch for 10 minutes.

• Walk a floor or two in your office; stop briefly to chat with a colleague or two for a few minutes.

• Ride down to the local Starbucks or coffee shop with just a blank pad of paper. Drink a cup of coffee and "unload" anything on your mind onto the pad.

• Call a good friend or family member and chat for 10 minutes.

• Close your door and read something 'fun' for 15 minutes.

• Close your door and write a handwritten 'thank you' note or two to someone.

• Go for a 10 to 15 minute walk outside.

• Browse a nearby bookstore for 10 or 15 minutes.

• Close your office door and "Tweet" some friends
  

RULES to Follow -- During your Recovery Ritual:

• Close your office door, when possible

• Turn off your phone(s) or forward your calls to voice mail

• Turn off your computer screen and your computer volume

• Turn off your email inbox "bell" or "tone"

_______________
Andy Robinson
Executive Coach, Strategic Thinking Partner
CRG Leadership Institute LLC
239-285-5575
Andy.Robinson@CRGLeaders.com
www.StrategicThinkingPartner.com
www.AndyRobinsonCareerTips.com
www.AndyRobinsonCoach.com

My Passion: "Helping people love what they do for a living and achieve lasting career success!"

LET'S CONNECT:
www.AndyOnLinkedIn.com
www.AndyOnTwitter.com

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Personal Excellence is a set of behaviors.  Those behaviors, when considered together:

• Draw others naturally to you .... strengthening and deepening your relationships -- personal and professional
• Leave a lasting and highly enthusiastic impression of you in the minds of those who come into contact with you .... creating advocates and cheerleaders .... and earning, growing and keeping the trust of others
• Facilitate the achievement of extraordinary results .... consistently .... and on an on-going

Behaviors Implicit in Achieving Personal Excellence:

• Always Expresses Kindness and Compassion Toward Others
  
• Gives Without Conditions Attached
• Is Always Respectful of Others -- Respects Others' Time, Feelings, Culture, Differences
• Thoughtful -- Considers the Needs of Others -- Sensitive to the Feelings of Others
• Displays a Positive Mindset - Intellectually Optimistic -- Avoids Gossip, Criticism and Complaining -- Sheds Light and Inspires Hope In a Practical Manner
• Always Expresses Gratitude and Thankfulness -- Alert to Opportunities to Say "Thanks"
• Practices Excellent Manners -- A Role Model to Others
  
• Responsive and Timely -- Acknowledges Others; Returns Calls and Emails on a Timely Basis
• Consistently Meets Deadlines -- Exceeds Expectations -- Regularly "Wow's" Others
• Takes Ownership and Assumes Responsibility -- Accountable and Highly Self-Motivated -- Shows Initiative
• Holds True to Values -- Never Compromises Core Values
• Nurtures Relationships -- Personal and Professional -- Proactively Reaches Out -- Gives and Shares
• Fully Embraces Lifelong Learning  -- Reads -- Focuses on Self Improvement -- Thirst for Personal and Professional Betterment
• Listens Attentively and With Empathy
• Has a Strong Bias for Action -- Gets Things Done!
• Tactful and Diplomatic -- Thinks Through Actions and Behaviors in Advance -- Considers the Consequences of Actions and Plans
• Embraces Change -- Open to New Ideas and New Ways of Thinking
• Embraces Failure -- Willing to Make Mistakes -- Learns, Adjusts and Moves On
• Health and Fitness Conscious -- Eats Well, Gets Plenty of Rest, Exercises, Gets Routine Check-ups -- Role Models Health and Fitness

_______________
Andy Robinson
Executive Coach, Strategic Thinking Partner
CRG Leadership Institute LLC
239-285-5575
Andy.Robinson@CRGLeaders.com
www.StrategicThinkingPartner.com
www.AndyRobinsonCareerTips.com
www.AndyRobinsonCoach.com

My Passion: "Helping people love what they do for a living and achieve lasting career success!"

LET'S CONNECT:
www.AndyOnLinkedIn.com
www.AndyOnTwitter.com

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We all get bombarded with requests and demands for our attention and our time.  Learning to say NO in a way that is respectful but firm is a KEY SKILL that you can develop to handle those requests that you simply do not have time for or the knowledge to do effectively.

I recently re-read the book, "The Power of a Positive No," written by William Ury.  His book offers great advice and tips for how to say "No" with grace and effect.

In his book, William offers the following specific phrases you can use to say NO to the demands of others in a manner that is respectful and that flows naturally and sincerely:

• A simple "No" or "No Thanks." Directness has its place, but it can also be expressed gracefully.  Adding the work "thanks" to your "No" shows respect and care for the relationship.

• A statement that "I Have a Policy." Examples include, "I have a policy to never lend money to friends or family members." ....or "I have a policy to never make significant purchases without first speaking to my wife (or husband, or partner)."

• "I Have Plans." (or "I Have Another Commitment"). A great concrete everyday phrase that can affirm your interests as well as you power without spoiling your relationship is "I already have plans," or "I have another event I've committed to that evening." 

• "Not Now."  Maybe another time.  Softens the blow of a "No" and leaves the door open to a future request.  "Not Now" should only be used in those cases where there does exist a real possibility for addressing the others' needs in the future.

• "I Prefer to Decline Rather Than Do a Poor Job."  When you decline rather than do a poor job, you are not only affirming your own interests but also paying attention to the relationship.  You would BOTH be worse off -- and so would your relationship -- if you say "Yes" and then a job that turns out to be much less than satisfactory.

My Passion: "Helping people love what they do for a living and achieve lasting career success!"

LET'S CONNECT:
www.AndyOnLinkedIn.com
www.AndyOnTwitter.com

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Information is power.  Knowledge is power.  At work, information and knowledge allow to be at our best and contribute in a highly effective manner.  We stay focused on the important, are fully aware of emerging issues and obstacles, understand the "big picture."  Without timely information and knowledge, we end up working in a vacuum and we're not hooked in to "real time" needs, opportunities and circumstances.

You simply can NOT effectively succeed if you're out of the information loop. You're bound to get tripped up.

Are you in the loop or out of the loop? Some signs that you may be out of the loop include:

• You hear about things only as they are happening, with no advanced notice or no forewarning.
• You hear about company matters from people and friends OUTSIDE of your company; you may hear about things first in the media.
• Others at work often surprise you with things that they know about the company.
• You often find that the project you're working on has been "tabled" or is no longer important -- after having spent significant time and effort on the project.

• Build and maintain your internal network, particularly with individuals outside of your group or department.  Expand your "coverage" within the company. Go to lunch, have coffee, attend company outings, etc.
• Set up a "Google Alert" using your company name as the search string.  You can have those alerts routed to your email box or dropped into Google Reader if you subscribe to that application.
• Stay in touch with alumni -- people who have left the company.  You'll be surprised at how "in the loop" some of those people can be.
• Maintain a great relationship with your boss/manager/supervisor.  Spend time with them often.  Ask questions, be alert for signals.
• Read all information published by your company - Newsletters, annual reports, press releases, etc.
• Keep your eyes and ears open.  Be alert when "outsiders" visit the company, particularly if they spend time interviewing the management team. Ask about those situations.
• Share knowledge YOU gain with others.  You'll set up a reciprocal type relationship when you do so.

My Passion: "Helping people love what they do for a living and achieve lasting career success!"

LET'S CONNECT:
www.AndyOnLinkedIn.com
www.AndyOnTwitter.com

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As you move throughout your day today, remember that opportunities for growth and movement in new directions are always all around you.  Because many of us are so "outcome-focused" and goal-driven, our minds are tuned more toward getting things done than staying open to receiving those seeds of opportunity that surround us.

Staying attuned to new opportunities can be instrumental to our growth and development AND can be transformational if we let ourselves truly "listen" to the ideas that flow to us from others or that seemingly appear out of nowhere -- when we least expect them.

Make a commitment TODAY to pause throughout the day and tune in to what is going on around you.  Be alert for flags of opportunity that may appear as:

• A call or an email from someone who has been on your mind.  Return the call; reply to the email; engage in a dialogue and stay alert for ideas that present themselves.
• A casual conversation with a "stranger" while you're standing in line at a local Starbucks.  Is there a message for you in this conversation?  Is there a new spin on an old idea that you could implement?
• A trade magazine article or blog article whose headline grabs your attention.  Take the time to read the article and be alert for new ideas.
• A conversation you happen to overhear that contains a message or idea that resonates with you.  Make mental note of the idea, then write it down on your "to do" list as something to consider later.
• A casual conversation with the person sitting next to you on the airplane. Maybe an idea surfaces that you can apply to your business.
• An invitation to speak at a local club or organization, something you very rarely do and almost never receive requests to do.  Step out of your comfort zone; could be a latent opportunity that emerges through someone you meet at the function.

Bottom line is this -- take time to free your mind of the buzz of activity and what needs to be done -- listen to what is going on around you -- KNOW that creative ideas abound and let yourself tune into them. 
_______________
Andy Robinson
Career Success Coach
CRG Leadership Institute LLC
239-285-5575
Andy.Robinson@CRGLeaders.com
www.StrategicThinkingPartner.com
www.AndyRobinsonCareerTips.com
www.AndyRobinsonCoach.com

My Passion: "Helping people love what they do for a living and achieve lasting career success!"

LET'S CONNECT:
www.AndyOnLinkedIn.com
www.AndyOnTwitter.com

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Being asked to join the board of a community, professional or business organization certainly can be a boost to the ego.  But, to make sure you say "Yes" for the right reasons, ask yourself these five questions, recommended by some seasoned board members:

1.  "What do I bring to the table? How will I add value as a board member?"
Is it knowledge of your field, financial savvy, existing business relationships, or something else?  If your experience and knowledge area(s) closely resembles that of the board's other members, decline and volunteer where you will make a difference.

2.  "What is my expected time commitment?"
Ensure you have a clear understanding of your time commitment.  Consider the frequency of board meetings, typical board meeting duration, travel time, committee involvement, special project involvement, attendance at special events, and other areas of volunteer involvement. 

3.  "When will I know I've completed my job on the board?"
You should generally be able to invest a year or two to reach very specific goals and objectives. If you decide to accept the position, develop a clear vision early on as to your expected tenure, and hold yourself accountable to the timeframe you set for yourself.

4.  "What has the board accomplished in the last year, two years and five years?"
Don't join a board that takes up a lot of members' time in meetings or retreats without accomplishing much.  Look at the board's track record for accomplishments -- is this an organization that you would have been proud to have played a leadership role in?  Also, determine if clear goals and objectives have been set for the near term.

5.  "May I talk to three or four current members before I join?"
Ask, "What difference can I make?".  If a clear picture does not develop, consider turning the invitation down.

In summary, joining the board of a worthwhile organization can be an excellent experience and is certainly important for purposes of personal, professional and leadership development.  Choose wisely and ensure those that you join are ones where you will give a "110%" effort.
_______________
Andy Robinson
Executive Coach, Strategic Thinking Partner
CRG Leadership Institute LLC
239-285-5575
Andy.Robinson@CRGLeaders.com
www.StrategicThinkingPartner.com
www.AndyRobinsonCareerTips.com
www.AndyRobinsonCoach.com

My Passion: "Helping people love what they do for a living and achieve lasting career success!"

LET'S CONNECT:
www.AndyOnLinkedIn.com
www.AndyOnTwitter.com

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