AnuZblog of practical freedom

Supervisors and managers face workplace challenges because time management skills require a balancing act to maintain constant and regular interaction with employees, monitor departmental functions and contribute to organizational goals. Of all the hats a leader wears, the one labeled "critic" seems to be the one supervisors and managers like the least. With a positive and confident approach, evaluating employees can become less stressful

What I'm Trying to Improve in Myself By Marty Nemko I have a to-do list on my computer. Before I list my day's tasks, I have a page of my self-improvement goals. Perhaps you might find it useful to see them. This list is unedited--it's precisely as it appears on my to-do list: Reflect back what a person says. Answer a question with a question. Say things so people can hear them. Curious not convince--be curious rather than always trying to convince. Dominating makes you feel smart but it usually ruins chances of getting what you want. It makes them feel less than. Instead, be smart--and respectful: Ask good questions until they tire of talking about themselves, don't interrupt. Then make your case. Richard Carlson, in Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, recommends that you let yourself be bored, lower your tolerance of stress, once a week write a heartfelt letter, read something with a completely different point of view. Leigh Steinberg and Jo-Ellan Dimitrius says &q

Keys to Successful Conversations By Marty Nemko It's break time at a business meeting. You spot someone with whom you'd like to build a relationship. Standard advice is to get them to talk about themselves while you respond with "uh-huhs" and questions to keep them talking about themselves. That's a mistake--it makes you appear withholding. The best conversations are exchanges, not interrogations. Rule of thumb for effective conversations: talk about yourself enough to not appear withholding, then listen carefully, ask questions, and make comments based on what they're saying. You'll know you're in range if you're talking 25 percent to 50 percent of the time.