Workplace Success Tip #1:  Pick Up The Phone

You’ve gone back and forth three times about the same issue via email.  The emails are getting a bit snarky. “Is this person just stupid,” you wonder?  Meanwhile, the person on the other end is wondering the same thing about you.  Try the telephone.  This magical little device allows you to have a conversation which inevitably resolves communication challenges in moments. If you, like many, are uncomfortable with the phone, it’s a skill worth developing.

Workplace Success Tip #2:  Warm Up Your Emails

“Here’s the information you wanted,” is all your email says.  You think you’re being succinct and efficient.  The reader sees it as being abrupt, and gets a little irritated at your attitude.  Seriously, for the sake of an extra twelve seconds, how hard would it have been to have write, “Hi John:  I’ve attached that information you were looking for.  I hope it helps.  Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.” Being aware your tone is not a waste of time – it’s a critical skill for building positive relationships.

Workplace Success Tip #3:  Smile

You don’t smile a lot.  You’re just not a smiley kind of person.   We get that.  But have you wondered why people sometimes seem so grumpy or stand-offish around you?

Give smiling a try.  It goes a long way, and, well, it’s really not that hard.

Workplace Success Tip #4:  Acknowledge The Point

Susan says, “I think we should do ABC.”  You respond with “Yabut, XYZ will work better.” Susan feels shot down, and that’s when the argument starts.

Before suggesting your idea, try letting the other person know that you respect them.  Validate what they say by instead responding with something like, “I like it.  ABC could work for sure.  Actually, I wonder if XYZ might work even better?”  The argument now becomes a productive discussion.

Workplace Success Tip #5:  Seek To Understand

“I’d like you to make these changes to this report,” your boss says.  You groan inwardly as they walk away, thinking you just got another make-work project.

How about this – why not just ask your boss why the change is being made?  Something like, “Absolutely.  Why are we changing it, by the way?”  When you get the answer, you might just discover that you’re not working for an idiot after all.

The added benefit of this approach is that your boss will also perceive perceive the question as you as being engaged in your work.