Dianna Booher's Blog, page 37
March 28, 2016
Failing to manage your inbox and file documents appropriately so that you’re forced to continually reshuffle what’s ther...
March 21, 2016
Why Don’t People Communicate Up in an Organization?
The CEO and the CFO set in opposite corners of the room. But both stuck their hands into the air just as I called for questions at the end of my keynote. “Why don’t employees communicate upward in an organization?” the CEO asked with a twinge of frustration. The CFO added, “My question exactly!”
It’s a common question in the executive suite—even from the most well-liked and brightest leaders in the boardroom. And the question deserves serious thought because typically when downward communi...
March 14, 2016
6 Leadership Traits Seldom Mentioned
Quick—tick off the leadership traits that you often hear from conference speakers, read in leadership books or blogs, or study in training programs. I’m guessing your list includes these: inspiring, visionary, passionate, focused, disciplined, decisive, ethical.
The lesser known qualities of leadership get far less mention, but still they play a huge role in determining success over a leader’s lifetime.
Forgiveness: A vindictive boss imprisons his staff. When an employee makes a mistake,...March 7, 2016
Millennials Who Move Up and Those Who Move On
Let me start with some definitions: By “up,” I’m talking about increasing responsibilities and earning power—either within the same organization or at a different organization. By “on,” I mean some millennials become continual job vagabonds looking for a good fit somewhere “out there.”
Want to be a millennial who moves up? Follow these tips.
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To be in the first category of millennial movers and shakers, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Become an expert at something. To win th...February 29, 2016
Grammar Goofs Can Be Big Gotchas in Job Interviews, Sales, and Social Circles
I went to college with a guy named Tim, who spoke 7 languages. I don’t know if he ever achieved his goal to work for the United Nations, but certainly language skills should have given him the edge. Anyone with that language capacity has my utmost admiration.
But for first-language English speakers, continuing to make mistakes on the basics of the English language can cause major embarrassment—not to mention costing you the job interview, the hot date, or the sale.
Dropping the –ly: These...
February 22, 2016
How Words Affect Your Work
No one would argue with the fact that the tools you use affect the work you do. Ever try to close a business deal when your cell phone keeps dropping the call? Or work on a computer that has a virus corrupting every application that you open? In fact, you can’t even cut a piece of paper without leaving a jagged edge unless you have sharp scissors.
Tools matter.
So do words. They’re the tools that shape how you think about the work you’re doing or about to do. Take, for example, these often...
February 15, 2016
The Impact of a Thank You Note
Super salespeople excel at writing thank you notes. That’s why they stay at the top of their game and drive BMWs. But those who don’t live by commissions—or don’t earn the commissions or salary they want—could learn a thing or two about the impact of the tools used by those with star power.
Especially when such tools cost no more than the price of a stamp or take no more effort than clicking a button!
Interviewers Need to Hear Thank You
Job applicants who write a prompt thank you note afte...
February 8, 2016
Traits CEOs and Executives Look for When They Hire
You may or may not be in the market for a new job. Yet, what executives look for when they staff their organizations suggests as much about the priorities and personalities as the new hire’s own. So if you intend to set up a strategic partnership with them, sell to them, socialize with them, or work for them, learning what they value never hurts.
Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, says that he looks for “personality or passion.” Angela Ahrendts, senior vice president of Apple Retail...
February 1, 2016
Out of Time in a Business or Sales Presentation? Do’s & Don’ts
It happens to the best of keynoters, business presenters, and sales professionals. No matter their experience or how often they’ve rehearsed, the unexpected can happen to throw things off schedule:
––The fire alarm sounds during their talk and everyone is asked to leave the building immediately until further notice. The audience returns 15 minutes later. Instead of having 30 minutes of your 40-minute time slot remaining, you now have 15 to make your presentation.
––The speaker before them...
January 25, 2016
5 Things Strong Communicators Don’t Do or Say
Strong communication is not about the bluster, but the luster. As a leader, your everyday conversations should shine. Strong communicators don’t …
Pretend Their Power Belongs to Someone Else. You can’t be a winner and loser in the same game. By that, I’m referring to these victim statements: “My boss makes me so angry; I just freeze every time he walks by my desk.” Or: “My mother-in-law just ties me in knots. I can’t do anything to please her!” Or: “This customer drives me crazy with all...
