Clutter Busting Coach

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Communication is the Key to Connecting

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Here are some additional techniques for connecting with others in a social or business setting, but they can also be used at personal gatherings:

  • Surround yourself with people you do not already know. While this may be difficult for those that are shy, putting this fear behind will enable you to make new connections.
  • Individually introduce yourself to everyone in the group, shaking each person’s hand and giving them the attention you would want to receive.
  • Make sure you only use slang or professional jargon if you are 100% sure everyone that is listening (or reading) can understand your words.
  • Make sure you have the attention of the person you wish to communicate with by establishing and maintaining eye contact.
  • Try to send clear messages that are congruent in both verbal and nonverbal dimensions. Make sure your volume and tone agree with your facial expression and body language.
  • Ask for feedback to ensure the message you sent was accurately received.

Intend to Understand

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Intend to understand. This suggestion comes from Stephen Covey and focuses on the concept of listening to actually understand what is being said, rather than listening just to respond with what you want to say. This can be a tricky thing to do. We often are not really trying to understand what others are saying but instead are trying to find a way to jump from their points to our own. Next time you’re communicating with someone, begin the conversation with the intention to understand and do what you can to really work on listening to what others are saying.

A good listener can encourage their partner to talk openly and honestly. Tips for good listening include:

  • keep comfortable eye contact (where appropriate)
  • lean towards the other person and make gestures to show interest and concern
  • have an open, non-defensive, relaxed posture with your arms and legs uncrossed
  • face the other person
  • sit or stand on the same level to avoid looking up to or down on the other person
  • avoid distracting gestures such as fidgeting with a pen, glancing at papers, or tapping your feet or fingers
  • attempt to not interrupt
  • show genuine attention and interest

I for one know that there are one or two of the suggestions (even as a coach) that I can work on. What will you work on to improve your listening and your connection with others.

Communicate and Connect with Your Team

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Not only is it important to connect personally with others but an important part of business is to connect with your team. In all my years in leadership the number one thing that employees indicate can be improved is communication. And connecting is an important part of communicating with others.

Here are some tips for improving communication and, therefore, connectivity with your team members:

  • Ask for their opinion. Ask your team members for input and ideas.
  • Round with staff monthly or send a monthly email. Engage with your team at monthly in person. If not, a brief update e-mail can be an effective tool for communicating employees.
  • Announce new projects. All new projects should be announced to team.
  • Do Something Just for Fun. Employees appreciate the opportunity to socialize at a company-sponsored occasion or a team activity. Let the team give input on the activity, if possible.
  • Recognize employees publicly. Use the colleague meeting or a newsletter or email to recognize the achievement.
  • Hold annual reviews on time. Nothing can make an employee feel more disconnected from the company than not having their annual review on time.
  • Follow up after communicating. Make sure that you follow up after you’ve communicated to make sure your message was heard and understood. And more importantly if an issued was shared, let the person know outcome of actions taken.
  • Ask for feedback from others. Take time to speak to those who you communicate with frequently to find out how you can improve on your communication with them.

Connectivity Check In Month #4

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I have been doing some reading on how to connect with others.

Here are some tips that I have been using and you might find them useful too.
• Smile and make eye contact
• Use the person’s name
• Have open body language
• Don’t underestimate the value of good small talk
• Make the person feel special as soon as you can
• Ask questions
• Keep things positive
• Show that you’ve been listening
• Find common ground
• Pay someone a sincere compliment
• Be genuine
• Hope for the best and assume you will find it

It is amazing how connecting changes your interaction with others. Have you tried it yet?

A Month of Gratitude Journal Prompts

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An attitude of gratitude as previously mentioned can shift your perspective…even your whole life. So, I ask you to consider for the next month to try a keeping a daily gratitude journal. Need some inspiration? Start here.

1. What does gratitude mean?
2. How does gratitude make you feel?
3. What are you most grateful for?
4. What food are you thankful for?
5. What time of day are you grateful for?
6. What TV show are you thankful for?
7. How do you show someone you are thankful for them?
8. What flower are you thankful for?
9. What are you thankful for today?
10. How do you show a family member you are thankful for them?
11. What gift are you most grateful for?
12. How do you show gratitude for a friend?
13. What about your work/school are you thankful for?
14. When is it important to be grateful?
15. What teacher are you thankful for?
16. What pet are you thankful for?
17. What in your house are you grateful for?
18. What book are you grateful for?
19. What movie are you thankful for?
20. What holiday are you grateful for?
21. When was the last time you said thank you and why?
22. Why is being thankful important?
23. What location/space are you thankful for?
24. What scent are you thankful for?
25. What professions are you thankful for?
26. What sense are you grateful for?
27. What physical activity are you grateful for?
28. What month are you grateful for?
29. What skill are you grateful for?
30. What season are you grateful for?
31. What feeling or emotion are you grateful for?