PowerTalk: 10 Timeless Tips for Becoming a More Powerful Communicator

Part of our evolutionary process is learning how to communicate
more effectively and efficiently. Few of us have had much
training in the matter, and most of us have experienced the
consequences of communication breakdowns. We all know what
doesn’t work, and how badly it feels to be unheard and
misunderstood.

I learned how to speak from a man who didn’t know how to listen.
I once worked for a CEO who had no space or time for my emotions
or conversational process–so I wrote an article called “Who’s
Listening?” for a newsletter I created every month. Since I had
been so thrown off guard by his apparent disinterest in the
“whole” me, I was led to question what it was about my own
communication style that made it hard for us to talk.
These are the questions I asked myself and ultimately included
in the article. I hope they help.
1. Are you being negative? Nobody enjoys being in the presence
of negative energy. Try listening to yourself as you speak. Pay
attention to your tone of voice. If you are whining, stop it. If
you are being cynical or complaining, stop it. For one week, try
turning your complaints into requests and see if you notice a
difference in how your ideas are received.
2. Do you share opinions, but not your inner self? When’s the
last time you were in the presence of a powerful speaker? What
do you remember about what the speaker said? Chances are,
whoever was talking was sharing some personal story,
illustrating a point with an anecdote. Listeners get enrolled in
a conversation when the speaker actually shares something
meaningful about his or her life. Rich communication never
occurs by accident. It takes intention and attention. Think of
the most engaging conversationalist you know. Next time you hear
that person, listen for how much of themselves they really
share. Try sharing something personal next time you’re in a
conversation with someone who’s important to your life. Trust
them enough to admit a fear of yours, to tell a story from your
childhood, or to share a vision you have for the future. We are
all waiting to have these conversations, but no one wants to go
first. Try going first.

3. Are you planning what you want to say while others speak,
instead of listening? This one always backfires. It’s a dead
giveaway. People know when you’re doing it because your
responses to their speaking are usually inappropriate, and
communication breaks down rapidly. No one listens back to
someone who hasn’t listened to them. Instead of spouting off
your opinions immediately after a person has spoken, ask them
something about what they just said. Pay attention to their
speaking and they will pay more attention to yours.
4. Do you live up to your word? Did you ever know someone who was always going to do this and always promising to do that and never came through? Did you stop listening to that person after awhile? The world is full of dreamers and planners, but it’s people’s actions, not their dreams, that inspire us. Open up and share something you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of. If you have something you want to accomplish, ask for support. People will not take us seriously if they see we do not take our own words and commitments seriously.
5. Have you created an environment for listening? It is not
easy to listen to someone in a room where TV’s and radios are in
competition with humans. If real communication is important to
you, try turning off the tube and finding a commercial-free FM
station that plays music conducive to conversation. Classical
music stimulates the alpha waves in our brains, and keep our
creative juices flowing.
6. Do you speak as a victim of circumstances or as a creator of possibilities? People who speak as if the world were out to get
them have a difficult time finding listeners. No one wants to
get pulled into the emotional quicksand that a “victim” seems to
be buried in. Consider how you respond as a listener to other
people’s tales of woe? Do you tire quickly in that context? Do
you get depressed and feel burdened? Energy is contagious. If
you speak as the one who’s designing your life, rather than as a
victim of other peoples’ actions, you will empower yourself and
others.

7. Does your listener know the value of your relationship with her or him? Establishing a background of trust and relatedness
is critical to communication. The better sense a person has of
you and of your commitment to the relationship, the more open
will they be to your speaking. If what needs to be communicated
is difficult or risky, it often helps to begin by stating what’s
at stake for you and how important honesty is to the
relationship.
8. Do you inquire about what may be important to your listener
or do you mostly talk about yourself? One way to ensure that
your listener is with you is to include her or his interests in
your conversation. The next time you have coffee with your
neighbor or sit next to your co-worker in the cafeteria,
initiate a conversation about something you know that person is
interested in. If she’s a ski enthusiast, ask her about her
favorite places to ski. If he’s into computer games, strike up
a conversation about an article you read on the subject. People
listen up and open up when you show a genuine regard for
something they’re interested in.
9. If people listened to you like you listen to others, would
you be satisfied? Most of us have a person in our life who plays
the role of listener when we really need to talk about
something. If you have such a person, consider what particular
skills this person has at listening. Why did you pick her or him
as your sounding board? What is it that makes you trust them?
What body language do they exhibit when you speak that lets you
know they’re with you? Is it helpful to have people give you
advice when you share something difficult, or would you prefer
they just listen and let you sort things out in their presence?
Can you be present to someone’s pain without trying to solve all
their problems? Observe how you listen the next time someone
shares something difficult and see if you can refrain from
offering advice and platitudes.
10. Are you complaining to the wrong people? It doesn’t help
anyone to complain to people who have no power to change things.
If something is wrong, find out who’s in charge and take your
concern to the right person.

By Lauren Neal
Published by Business Financial range 
http://business-financialrange.com/?p=1068

Is Automation Responsible for Unemployment? Part 1

Sina Adelaja-Olowoake

Following the wave of unemployment that swept through many countries around the world recently, many researchers have hit the road trying to find out what was responsible. 
The first major cause often advanced is the credit crunch. While some believe that this cause alone is responsible for the current high unemployment, there are those that say this plus a host of other factors are the reasons why many people remain unemployed today. 
One of those other reasons advanced is  automation. Wikipedia describes automation as various control systems  for operating equipment such as machinery, processes in factories etc with very minimal human input. 
It is plain to see immediately that as human input decreases in the production of goods and services, it is bound to have a negative effect on the labour market. 
At first when automation was limited to the production lines, many people welcomed it as it had a drastic effect on the cost of finished goods making them cheaper and more readily available. 
Today automation has taken on a  more visible role and nowhere else is this more obvious than on the high streets.
Gone are the days of human traffic wardens. These have now been replaced by traffic cameras that record the offence and send this to a central station from which the penalty notices are then issued and sent out. 
The supermarkets continue to reduce checkouts with human operators. Today the self checkout has become the preferred check out mode for a lot of customers. Also supermarkets now provide delivery services to those who order online
Banks have now perfected a system that allows customers withdraw or deposit cash and cheques without talking to bank cashiers. 
The famous Routemaster buses in London which used to be the cynosure of all eyes because of it's unique shape and conductors has now been redesigned and relaunched without conductors. Passengers must now have little cards which they touch against a yellow point to allow them ride on the bus. 
But are all these enough evidence to blame automation solely for the massive across the world? 
What about a lot of countries especially in places in Africa where automation is still a very limited part of production? 

Picture courtesy of www.ibabuzz.com 

Picture courtesy of www.flickr.com

To be continued

JOB SEEKERS TO JOB CREATORS

The key to real success in life is finding a need and meeting it. - Anonymous

Job seekers to job creators ..making the necessary transition..

By Sina Adelaja-Olowoake.

The beginning of a new year is usually greeted with great optimism and hope especially by people who have experienced some form challenge or another in the previous year.

To this end I believe that a lot of job seekers will be looking forward to this year and hoping that it comes with loads of good fortune enough to get them out of their misery despite the gloomy economic outlook for most countries around the world.

Many would even go on to make resolutions around finding a job. That in itself is not a problem – the problem is usually centred on the how. How do you find a job?

In other words what should the unemployed do this year to bring about a change in their circumstances?

In my experience as an employment coach I have noticed with great displeasure the wrong mindset often displayed by most graduates when they talk about employment.  It is mostly in relation to being engaged in white collar job roles or being employed by someone else or an organization. Very little thought is given to self employment or entrepreneurship so when there is talk about employment what most are talking about wanting to work for some other entity apart from themselves.

I wonder if this is as a result of parental control and influence where most parents in Africa tend to guide their wards towards certain professions or is this the result of our outdated educational system designed by colonial masters to continually produce clerks and administrators.

Or is it just another selfish approach at ensuring that no matter what, the individual’s salaries are guaranteed with little or no risk on his/her part.

Whatever the reason, this has got to change because recent studies have shown that despite the tough economic climate, more jobs are being created via self employment than any other routes. And I strongly believe this will be the trend for the foreseeable future.

Therefore unemployed graduates need to make this much needed mental transition from job seeking to job creation.

Most universities in the United States of America. United Kingdom, and most parts of Asia are now recognizing this fact by creating specialized departments dedicated to entrepreneurial studies thereby producing job creating graduates instead of jobseekers.  

This is the right approach most job seekers need to take this year. There are hundreds of entrepreneurial ideas waiting to be tapped and majority of them do not even require huge sums of money to start. What is required is functionality and creativity. To take a look at situations with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Dr James V. Green of the University of Maryland who originated the Opportunity Analysis Canvas encourages individuals to “think entrepreneurially, see entrepreneurially and act entrepreneurially”. If followed through many small and seemingly inconsequential ideas suddenly take on a life of their own and most go on to cause the rise of many industries.

For example the beauty makeovers industry in Nigeria. A decade or so ago it was virtually unknown and perhaps even unthinkable. Today it is a huge money spinner and puts food on the table for most families. Apart from the training process, it costs very little to roll out.

The poor state of education across the country gave birth to a series of private supplementary school initiative run by graduates. Through this they not only became employed but were able to employ fellow graduates.

There are so many other examples where simple ideas have gone on to become huge money spinners and employment generators. One of such is the sachet water industry otherwise known as pure water. Someone somewhere made a decision to change the status quo. Today the whole of the African continent is littered with sachet water factories. This is the kind of thinking required to cause real change in the unemployment market.

Job seekers must not be afraid to make this transition. Being a graduate should not limit one to working only in a particular field but should inspire imagination and awaken the creative ability within to engage in almost any legitimate enterprise.

saocareercoach@gmail.com

Vacancies at Sterling Bank Plc - Nigeria

Follow this link
http://hr.sterlingbankng.com/

WORK HARD TO FIND WORK

WORK HARD TO FIND WORK

Sina Adelaja-Olowoake. SAO The Employment Coach

The high rate of unemployment around the world is no longer news.   Everyday millions of CV’s are sent to companies around the world with a view of landing that much needed job. More than at any other time, statistics reveal joblessness to be at its’ highest  especially amongst young people.

 But despite the gloomy picture many people are still able to secure employment. How are they able to do this despite the huge odds against them?

1.      PLAN.  It is sad to note that most jobseekers do not have any plan towards securing employment. Some are even at a loss as to where to start or how to start their search.  It is advisable to have a plan.  The first thing this connotes is that you are serious about looking for a job. Your individual plan must be tailored to your needs.  It might include how many times a week you want to devote to job search, which locations you intend to search and what kind of jobs you want to look for.

2.      EVALUATE YOUR PLAN.  It is good to have a plan but even better if you evaluate your plan periodically. Make changes where necessary. For example regularly update your CV including new changes. If something in the original plan is no longer applicable edit appropriately.

3.      NETWORK.  Job recruitment companies and other known establishments are good for helping to secure employment but these are not the only avenues open to jobseekers. Lately there has been a rise in the use of social media for the sole purpose of finding employment. Popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linkedin are now being used by jobseekers.

4.      GO THE EXTRA MILE. How much are you willing to sacrifice to land the job of your dreams? Are you willing to go the extra mile? Remember competition is stiff and only those with the required “extras” will make it. You may have to forego luxuries such as watching football on Saturday afternoons to attend Interview coaching classes. Only you will determine how much you need the job by what you are able to sacrifice. 

How To Keep your Job

Keeping your new job

Which one is harder getting a job or keeping your job? I usually get asked this question wherever I go throughout the world. And I always give the same answer. They are both EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Though I must confess many job seekers fail to appreciate just how important keeping a job can be so much so that they give very little thought to this prior to taking up the position.

Let’s look at things you need to do that can help you keep your job

1. Be sure you know what you are doing

Arm yourself with every resource you need to excel in your job. Like a soldier going to war you must make sure you are very prepared for the task at hand. But in order to do this, you must have a thorough understanding of the role. Try and get feedback from your colleagues and your boss on how you are getting on.  You may feel as though you are doing a fantastic job, but if your expectations differ from those of your manager or boss, there is going to be conflict. Have a good understanding of what is expected of you.

2.  Keep On Learning

Do not assume for once that now that you have secured a position you have arrived. Yes you have might have graduated but you have not quit learning. Be a team player and look to get involved in more areas of the business.  If your company offers training courses, put your hand up to get involved. If your company doesn’t offer training courses, you can still take the initiative and invest in your own growth and knowledge by paying for these courses yourself.

3. Develop Great Relationships

Research has shown that we spend over a third of our lives at work. If we spend this great amount time at work, then it is only wise that we develop healthy and wholesome relationships in the work place. Be someone that can be trusted. Good relationships are based on trust.  Keep commitments. If you promise something, make sure you deliver on time. However, if you find yourself in a situation where something has changed and you cannot keep that commitment, be honest and communicate.  Honest communication is the key to building a long-lasting relationship.

We spend so many hours at work that we need to enjoy what we are doing. Maintaining a professional image will help you not only build a reputation of someone who is a great team player and can be counted on to add value to the business, but will also make your work life a far greater experience. When the time comes for a promotion or a pay rise, you are far more likely to be considered because of your professional attitude and image.

 4. Be Available

Be visible. Put yourself out there without stepping on toes or being over bearing. Let your department / the company know you can be counted upon. Offer your services even when before you are called upon. This does not mean you have to be best friends with every person you work with, but there is no need to isolate yourself either.

5. Don’t resent help / correction

Do not be afraid to ask questions with a view to learn. This is crucial in order to grow and improve yourselves. Don’t be put down by negative feedback and certainly do not hold grudges. Learn from your mistakes and strive to do better going forward.

By Sina Adelaja-Olowoake SAO The Employment Coach. Twitter; @SAOEmployCoach

Staying Motivated While Seeking Work.

Staying motivated while seeking work.

There is no denying that we are currently living in very challenging times. Wherever you turn in the world, the stories are the same - economic downturn characterized by lack of employment opportunities especially amongst graduates /school leavers.  

As a job seeker, it must be harrowing going for interview after interview without landing the position. What this often leads to is despondency on the part of the applicant. After a while the applicant becomes dejected, forlorn, and hopeless. Therefore it is key that job seekers find ways to stay motivated. Motivation will keep you going even when you don’t feel like it. It is the driving force that propels you towards your goal.

Below are some ways to help you stay motivated as you continue your search for employment.

Stay Positive.

Don’t allow your past experience to affect your future prospects. Because you have not landed the jobs in the past does not mean your next interview is doomed. Always think and stay positive. Surround yourself with stories of people who triumphed in the face of adversity. If you need to listen to motivational speeches, read books, do it.

Stay Balanced.

Remember that saying “all work and no play…..”? Keep things in perspective. Don’t sit down all day and just mull over your lack of a job. If you do this long enough it will start to eat away at your confidence and you don’t want that. Socialize in moderation and also continue your job search in equal measure.

Keep it Real.

Do not overreact or exaggerate your situation. Understand that the current situation is part of a worldwide problem and you are not being singled out. Try and find out what could be responsible for some of the rejections you have encountered. For example if potential employers think you need to improve in a certain area, do all you can to improve yourself in that area.

Keep working at it until you succeed.

All the best.