Procrastination - Ways to Overcome It

How do people overcome procrastination on issues they feel really are important, but they just don't seem to get to? This topic often comes up in the Executive Communication Skills coaching offered by Business Speech Improvement to managers, supervisors, executives and other leaders.

Some ways are to 1) prioritize the most important items and put a list of them "top and center" on the person's desk or chair 2) have a "sticky" (paper or cyber) on the person's computer about dealing with the items or 3) think about the consequences of not dealing with the item, such as decreased grades, lost opportunities or increased financial penalties.

What's your favorite way of overcoming procrastination?

Pronouncing American English more clearly

"I want to speak (American) English better but I don't know what to do to sound clearer" is a comment of many of the clients of Business Speech Improvement. They (or their companies) are often calling about the intensive course, Pronunciation Improvement for Non-native Professionals. They or their companies are frustrated about the difficulty they are having communicating clearly.

This three day intensive course offers instruction that focuses on pronunciation. Learners receive an individual assessment and a customized program, which includes some professional vocabulary.

Open enrollment, company-specific and individual classes are available. For details, visit www.BusinessSpeechImprovement.com.

call from your college freshman

The calls from many freshmen to their parents go something like this,"Mom/Dad, how do I...
(get help in my math class, lengthen a term paper, get along with my obnoxious room-mate, give a good excuse for not doing drugs or drinking, get a cheaper ticket home, find private scholarships, check out a first apartment,etc)?" The Portable Parent (www.portableparent.com) has answers...and you can add your own to this pre-written book which provides "instant information, with a parent's insight, 24/7"!

Corporate consistency in customer service

Have you ever called a company twice, spoken to two different employees to get information, and been told the exact opposite by both of them? Obviously two people may use different words to convey the same information, but to a customer, it appears as if the "left doesn't know what the right is doing". The customer can then manipulate others to accept the version he most likes.

As a customer service manager, do you compile a list of the 20 most commonly asked questions, and make sure your reps all answer those questions the same way? This can increase customer satisfaction and reduce possible financial and legal issues later due to answer discrepancies.

Listeners' Body Language Can Affect Speakers

How do you as an executive, manager or supervisor rate your body language when you listen? Your enthusiasm (or boredom) can affect those who are speaking with you. When you as a listener appear bored, frustrated or angry, most speakers react in some way. On the other hand, when you seem eager to listen, that also affects speakers. Other listener behaviors such as drumming fingers softly on the desktop, texting under cover, or staring into space may be misinterpreted due to cultural or other reasons.

The first step in changing is to be aware of what you are doing, as if a mirror were located across the room from you. Then think about the reasons you act this way. If you are required to be in this meeting or listening to this speaker, challenge yourself to learn at least four things from the speaker so your valuable time is not wasted.

A Tale of Two Receptionists

It's amazing how non-verbal communication can convey a concept so different from words - and turn off customers! Today I stopped in two professional offices. Both were in the same industry, and both were busy. In one, the receptionist greeted me with smile and calmly asked me how she could be of assistance. In the other, the receptionist, who had been in another room, rushed behind her desk, said my companion's name, and barked out "We are SO busy today!" My companion apologized for disturbing her, she merely nodded, and we both felt uncomfortable giving them business!

What was the difference between the two offices? In the first, the receptionist appeared to think of us and to realize that her job existed because of the customers. In the second, the receptionist seemed to think only of herself and how overwhelmed she was.

What has your worst experience been with receptionists' communication?

New Year, New Opportunities!

It's New Year's Day; do you know where your goals are?? Many people choose to write goals, often one per topic relevant to their lives. These may include establishing relationships, health, career, hobbies, family, finances, and more.

The value of having clear, written goals was demonstrated in a Harvard study done in 1979. Read about the incredible impact of having these goals at http://www.lifemastering.com/en/harvard_school.html.

But my question is, "Where do you put your written goals so you see them and get the most impact from having written them?" Hidden goals may be out of sight, out of mind.

Share with me your most effective places to post those goals!