It really doesn’t matter what you think about how you look or what you say. The issue is what other people think about how you appear and how your communication is perceived. You may disagree, but environment, job, expectation and more dictate how we choose to present ourselves to the particular environment. Case in point is the recent decision of the Chandler Arizona police department and also the Marine Corps to scrutinize people that have tattoos. Some people are up in arms over this and say it’s not fair. This isn’t about fairness it’s about perception. Are the people either for or against these decisions blissfully ignorant, uninformed or right on?
STAYING UP WHEN EVERYONE ELSE IS DOWN
Learning to stay focused and motivated
Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA
Times are tough. Money is tight. Trusting others is down, blaming is up. An optimistic outlook is down and fear is up.
Staying up in challenging times requires a blend of energy, spirit, self-confidence and humor. Perceptions must change and include a broader knowledge and a more comprehensive view. What is your perspective of life and the world? Does your lens work for you or against you? Is your filter clogged with negativity? And do you look through a wide-angle lens or do you use a microscope with a narrowed view?
SOS! Stamp Out Stupidity
By Marsha Petrie Sue
There are misconceptions about the difference between ignorance and stupidity, especially when you look at choices and ability. Ignorance is not knowing something and being unaware of it. Stupidity is being aware that you don’t know something you should and choosing not to do anything about it.
Do you know people mid-career that decide to go back to school, take a class or read incessantly? They know they don’t know and understand that if they improve what they know, their success will be enhanced. These success stories also know that they have to take action and apply what they learn!
Don’t Go Nuclear! Learn to respond, not react
from The Reactor Factor – Chapter 3 Responses – and yes you always want to respond!
by Marsha Petrie Sue – Marsha@MarshaPetrieSue.com
1. Your colleague presents a project that the two of you just completed. You keep waiting for him to mention your part in the project, because you know that you came up with the idea for the winning solution. However, he is nearing the end of the presentation – and still hasn’t said your name.
React or respond? What action and initiative do you take?
Ten Quick E-mail Etiquette Tips
- Pick up the phone vs. emailing or texting. You get a quicker response, can validate the perception of the conversation and obtain better results.
- Watch the distribution list. How many e-mails do you receive that contain information not important to you?
- Change the subject line to: Action needed by (and include the date), or FYI. Your e-mail will be taken more seriously and responded to more quickly because you cared enough to change the subject line vs. fwd: fwd: fwd: fwd:
The Volunteer Experience: Ten Keys to Keep Them Coming back!
Many of us work as volunteers and continually encourage others to do the same. New faces show up to your event, but then you never hear from them again. Shame. So what needs to change for people to continue to want to give their precious time to your cause? I like to think about these ideas for both work and play!
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do you make a specific effort to meet, greet and continue interfacing with these new folks during the event?
- Do you give them a reason to feel part of the activity?
