The Art of Conversation

The art of being a great conversationalist has a lot more to do with listening than speaking. Remember, you already know about yourself, so talking about you will seldom gain you anything. The secret to being a fantastic conversationalist is to remember: “It's not about what you say, but how many times you can say 'uh-huh' and 'oh, really?'” Now, that may sound silly, but it really makes a lot of sense. If you can get them talking and keep them talking, you will be noted as the great conversationalist even though you will have said very little. So, saying, “uh-huh” and “oh, really,” will keep that conversation moving along. I heard it once said: "To be a great conversationalist, listen twice as much as you speak, and then you'll be heard twice as much as you listen." I really like that quote.

The Destructive Power of “Sometimes”

Using "sometimes" to qualify actions can indeed undermine one's professional reputation and career. This simple word introduces doubt and inconsistency, while eroding trust and confidence in an individual's capabilities and character. OUCH!

Stepping Up Your Game

May I suggest a mantra for us all to follow for 2024: "Elevate Your Excellence: Step Up Your Game!" In the ever-evolving landscape of personal and professional development, the phrase "STEPPING UP YOUR GAME" resonates as a call to action—an invitation to embrace the pursuit of excellence. It represents a mindset that goes beyond the ordinary, urging individuals to unlock their full potential, both in their careers and personal lives.

Keep Going

No one is immune to encountering challenges. Even successful or admirable individuals face problems, difficulties, and complexities. There are no strict boundaries when it comes to screwing-up; failures, errors in judgment, slip-ups, accidents, and blunders can happen to anyone … regardless of their talents, skills and knowledge.

Once-in-a-While Won’t Cut It

If you want to be the person or company they can always count on, then it is critical you deliver DAY-IN & DAY-OUT. Consistency is what transforms a reputation of average into one of excellent and it will also create TRUST with customers and bosses. When people know they can count on you, you will always be in demand. Consistency is essential to your success and nothing great will ever happen without it. What matters most is what you do every day, not what you do every-once- in-a-while. The power of your personal brand is based on four things: Competency, Reliability, Consistency and Trust.

Handling Irate People

In most all cases, the person yelling the loudest is the one losing the argument. Yelling at a person, doesn’t make “the thing you are yelling about” any more possible. Yelling may intimidate, but it will never persuade or convince someone about anything. I once heard it said – Raise your words, not your voice. It is the rain that grows flowers, not the thunder.”