As 2011 draws to an end and we all prepare to welcome the New Year, we’d like to offer you these words of advice. May they serve you well in 2012.
- Clear the air. If a communication breakdown between you and a co-worker has tensions running high, take the first step to resolve the issue. Don’t carry the conflict into the New Year. In a private place, simply saying to the person “I feel the tension between us, and I want to resolve this issue so that we can move on” can start you on the path to ending the dispute.
- Slow down. Listen attentively. Think before you communicate. Proofread each message before you send it, even if it’s only a tweet you’re sending. You will build stronger relationships and a reputation of behaving like a true professional.
- Take advantage of public-speaking opportunities. Solid presentation and public-speaking skills are highly valued in the workplace. Don’t shy away from opportunities to present to your team or boss. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become.
- Read for pleasure. If you’re like us, you spend so much time reading for the job that you may not find the time to read for fun. Or maybe you stick to hard-hitting serious nonfiction, the newspaper or scholarly journals. However, reading a good old-fashion “fluff” book can work wonders. It can relax you, relieve stress, and—believe it or not—even the most fantastical fiction can spark ideas you can use in life and at work. Besides, research shows that any reading that makes you think stimulates the brain, and that increases cognitive power. So don’t be ashamed to finally see what those Harry Potter books are all about!
The BMG blogs will be back to our normal posting schedule next week, but until then, be sure to check out these other blogs …
American Speaker Blog | Make 2012 your Year of Speaking Fearlessly
Bud to Boss | Words of advice for the New Year
The Organized Executive’s Blog | One word to a better 2012
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