No matter what your goal is in life, be it a professional secretary; a nurse, a creative arts designer, or the owner of a large corporation, as a total person, you must always strive for improvement. For greater career or business enrichment, two ways to enhance your chances for success are: using effective communication and displaying a positive self-image.
I. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Being able to communicate well with others makes for better human relationships–and builds your self-esteem. Throughout your business and social communications, always be considerate and polite. As often as possible avoid distractions by giving the person you are speaking with your undivided attention.
No matter how important a certain point is, there will be times when the other person is not fully attentive. A good way to hold the listener’s attention is to keep eye contact. Speak slowly and always make clear, complete statements. A good choice of words leads to less confusion and misunderstanding.
Before speaking it is wise to identify your listener. When possible always consider your audience. Are they teenagers, college students, or senior citizens? Other obvious characteristics may include the hearing or sight impaired person. This prevents the mistake of talking down to them or over their head.
Speak in a positive manner. Put yourself in the other person’s place. If you exaggerate, most people can tell, and will doubt your reliability. If you sound insincere, people won’t trust you. Remember to speak up, but don’t shout. A voice that is too loud, too soft, or too low is upsetting; you’ll lose your listener.
Avoid negative impressions. For example: try not to make a habit of telling others your problems. Everyone has problems, some worse than your own. Your opinions are just that – yours only. Don’t impose them on others unless you are willing to listen to theirs, too.
Know when to stop talking , and when it’s your turn to listen, be alert to what’s being said. Give the speaker time to finish a statement. And if you show enthusiasm and interest, you can be certain your speaker will not only be impressed, but will remember you favorably. Do try to listen for the speaker’s feeling behind the message.
Remember, effective communication is a two-way game. Play according to the rules of courtesy, clarity, and credibility and you’ll always be a winner.
II. A POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE
The mental picture you carry, the way you think, and the way you feel about yourself is your self-image. Creating and maintaining a positive self-image serves a useful purpose. Each of us at one time or another dreams of being successful in our chosen field or business.
Have you already made your career choice? Do you already own your own business? Is it the best choice for you? Are you utilizing all of your creative, positive, and effective leadership skills? Do you have an active plan for reaching your career or business goals?
Questions like these are meant to challenge your thinking, lend inspiration, and direct your personal or business growth. After being in the hard and sometimes lonely business world for any length of time – be it a year, or a decade – every now and then each of us could use a bit of real positive inspiration and – aspiration.. With positive, mental and spiritual energy, you’ll have a strong cushion of faith to fall back on when life hands you a challenge.
It may help to periodically review your needs, skills, and goals. And as soon as you condition your mind to develop positive, mental and spiritual energy, you won’t have any problem creating good feelings about yourself or your life’s purpose.
Being able to look inward for the strength and energy necessary in stressful situations is vital for your self-image. Building a positive self-image that will help you handle the many hassles in both your business and personal life may include these essential qualities:
How high is your positive energy level? Did you know that people burn physical energy three times faster with negative thinking then with positive thinking? Plan to saturate your thoughts and your life with positive energy. Success comes from self-discovery, self- improvement, and a positive self-image. Success can only be achieved by what you accomplish.
How well do you communicate? Is your self-image working for you?
Gerri D Smith publishes and hosts multiple Gateways and contests to
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owners, and entrepreneurs for working hard. Offers a Free Monthly
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