Tip #522 - "Born Leader?" Think Again!

At Dale Carnegie, we believe that by working hard on personal and professional development, you can be taught how to be a good leader. Leadership is about how to connect, communicate and collaborate with the people around you. These are skills, and while they may come easier to one person over another, skills, by definition, are "the ability do something well." Practice makes perfect, and it seems Kate McKay over at Entrepreneur.com would agree.

In fact, her recent article, "5 Skills You Must Acquire Before You Can Lead," talks about the hard work it takes to lead and lead well. While all five skills she mentions are valuable, we thought highlighting two actionable skills would be a great way to jumpstart your leadership potential.

First, practice self-reflection. You might think leadership starts with learning about other people, but it actually starts by taking a look in the mirror. Learning from your own mistakes and failures is one of the fastest ways to become a good leader. No one is perfect and we all make mistakes, but if you can learn from them, you will be ahead of the game. In fact, a popular Dale Carnegie quote teaches us to "Develop success from failures." Experiences - both good and bad - are meant to be used as lessons and tools for future decisions.

The second is to find your "Why" - your clear vision of what you want. This is what will motivate, encourage and inspire you when you face challenging times. This is what allows you to push through the storms that lead to success. Your why has to be big enough - rewarding enough - to take the risks that are required to be a great leader. Again, while some people are natural risk takers, every single one of us has a passion and a purpose in this life - a "Why" to hone in on and motivate us.

In closing, to become a stronger leader, start with these two skills. Think back and reflect honestly on your past mistakes and failures. Acknowledge them, own up to them, and then learn from them. Then, move on to looking inside to what motivates and moves you. What do you want your life to look like and WHY do you want it to look that way? Focus on this "Why" in the good times and the bad, and let it encourage you to push through the hard times. 

When you are ready, visit Kate McKay's article to get the next three skills:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/239365

For more information, visit our website! 

Tip #521 - R-E-S-P-E-C-T- Find Out What It Means...

We've all heard the Aretha Franklin song about Respect - and quite frankly, the respect she's looking for is something we all desire. Hence why the song lives on through the decades. Respect is an issue that can build up or tear down relationships, friendships, and even businesses. Often on the heels of respect is trust. So what happens when the unthinkable occurs - you hire someone who doesn't respect your leadership and management style?

Drew Hendricks of Inc. addresses this topic with candor and clarity with his article: "How to Manage an Employee Who Doesn't Respect You." It can seem complicated and convoluted to work with employees who don't respect you; and in fact, fear of that rubbing off on the other employees can be a very real concern. It certainly doesn't help positive employee engagement! But, as Hendricks reminds us: to be the leader is to continue to maintain a high level of integrity. While he gives quite a few helpful tips, we are going to highlight our favorite one right now, and you can visit the article below to learn the rest.

His first point is to maintain a positive attitude, and in the heat of the moment, we know that can be difficult. Hendricks notes, "Employees tend to feel more positive when they believe their opinions matter to the organization as a whole," so if there is discourse in a meeting or in front of other employees, maintain your positive attitude and pull them aside later and ask them to communicate about any concerns they have. 

Let an employee know you hear them in a positive manner. Because we recognize the challenge (and importance!) of maintaining your positive attitude as a leader, we would add a side comment about the positive impact of 5-10 minutes of positive, influential reading every day. Starting with something like Dale Carnegie's "How To Win Friends And Influence People" may be beneficial in order to keep that positive attitude when dealing with a situation where someone isn't respecting your leadership.

As you will see, this positive attitude is the basis and foundation for the remaining actions Hendricks advises taking when you have an employee who doesn't respect your leadership style.

To read the rest of his helpful ideas in the full article over at Inc.com, please visit:

http://www.inc.com/drew-hendricks/how-to-manage-an-employee-who-doesn-t-respect-you.html

For more information, visit our website! 

Tip # 520 - You're Only as Strong as Your Biggest Weakness

Being a leader is about exemplifying the values and activities that inspire and encourage others to action.  At Dale Carnegie, we are based on the truth of one man's belief in the power of self-improvement. One of the best ways to promote and encourage self-improvement is to face your biggest weaknesses. In the Inc. article written by Minda Zetlin found below, there are 5 questions to ask yourself in order to help support that process.

Zetlin starts the article by realizing that for most of us, our weaknesses are nothing more or less than traits we try to hide, overcompensate for, or cover up. However, she went through an internal process to really notice and acknowledge her own weaknesses and not just try to hide them. This can leave one vulnerable but ultimately stronger. The first step is recognition of any weaknesses; the second step is to work on strengthening them. The article starts with three questions that beg for internal assessment. They require you to take a step back and think outside of your usual mode of operation, to review the situation and think about alternative ideas, solutions or situations.

The fourth question, "Can you get help with your weaknesses?" mentions "Getting assistance from someone else is a perfectly legitimate and very effective way to overcome a weakness."  Zetlin makes a great point that when recognizing and working on personal weaknesses, sometimes it is difficult or even impossible to adjust, shift and strengthen independently. That's why at Dale Carnegie Training, we offer a variety of courses around personal development. Some may say you are only as strong as your biggest weakness, and we want to help support you to strengthen those weaknesses. Effectively learning to strengthen weaknesses and use them as strengths is an efficient way to add value as a leader.

The article closes with two more questions that really drive home understanding the core of your weaknesses and how to make different choices in the future. If you would like to read the whole article, please visit:

http://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/5-ways-smart-leaders-overcome-their-greatest-weaknesses.html

For more information, visit our website! 

Tip #519 - Working Less to Produce Better Results?

You've probably heard, "The key to success is not hard working but smart working." Many of us (if we're honest) find ourselves busy, but not necessarily more successful. Cammi Pham's article on Business Insider highlights several key qualities that are keeping you from success.

 Most notably, napping, saying "No", and asking for help!

 So what does this mean for you, our readers?                     

 The three main takeaways from Pham's article are the following:

 1.  Let people help you

 In the Dale Carnegie community, we talk a lot about how to treat people and engage them as leaders. But part of being a great leader is recognizing we can't (and shouldn't) do it all. We need to create a team of support. When we are able to focus on our strengths and rest assured trusting and knowing there are others doing what they do best, it allows your work or business soar. Community is not only helpful to your team, but provides better content and response to those around you.

 2. Stop being a perfectionist

 None of us are perfect. We are perfectly unique and that is cause to celebrate. Life is messy and that's ok! As Dale Carnegie says, "Always be yourself, no matter what." Embrace the journey and relax into your imperfections - it will actually help you become more successful.

 3. Take a break

 Stress can compound if we don't have a way to release it and allow our brains to rest. That is when creativity and solutions usually come - when we allow ourselves to take a step back, relax, reflect and breathe. While it might seem like you don't have the time to walk away, it's actually the opposite - you can't afford NOT to take a break. While it seems counterintuitive, it will allow you to focus and be more efficient when you are working, allowing you to work less and experience more success.

For more information, visit our website! 

Tip #518 - 5 Quick Morning Tasks For Efficient Living

We talk a lot about how to be successful, to be a good leader and to make a change in the world and in your future. Dale Carnegie has left many wise messages on how to communicate, how to relate to people and how to create good habits. So with that in mind, it's always intriguing to read what other people think are good habits to create a successful and productive day. James Reinhart's infographic on 5 morning rituals struck us as helpful because of how practical (and quick!) his recommendations are. While we like all 5 steps, here are 2 you can start right now and see the results of: 1.) 7 minutes of exercise in the morning. No, we are not going to turn into your personal trainer and tell you all the exercises you "Should" do or "Need" to be doing right now. We aren't going to talk about your weight goal or BMI. However, 7 minutes of exercise is a great way to start the day because it's not too much of a time commitment but it is, as Reinhart so eloquently puts it, " long enough to shake off any residual sluggishness from the night before - including that extra glass of wine." 2.) Pick 3 Wins for the day. Focusing on the positive and finding 3 things each day to be celebrated is an amazing habit to help take the sting of failure away and to keep perspective. "Worry vanishes when I keep my mind open to the many blessings I possess." Dale Carnegie knew what he was talking about and it seems Reinhart understands the value of focusing on the positive. This shift in mindset can and will absolutely result in more efficient and effective living because you won't be so bogged down by any failure or negative interactions. Ready to tackle all 5 tasks? Visit the article here:  http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/230734 For more information, visit our website!

Tip #517 - 5 Winning Basics for Success

Greetings!   

In leadership and sales training meetings, the focus is always on the importance of fundamentals. In every aspect of leadership and sales as processes, mastering the basics often means success and increased opportunity in businesses and organizations.

 

Teams win or lose based on that same continuous focus of doing the basics well. The fundamentals win games, and it is the same with organizations and achievement. Doing the simple things well is a must for businesses today. The basics count.

In Dale Carnegie's famous Golden Book, which focuses on the Carnegie Principles from How to Win Friends and Influence People and How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, the fundamentals of successful relationship building found therein give all of us the best advice possible.

Dale Carnegie Training offers five important basics that make us all winners in business and in life:

• Become a Friendlier Person: Be honest and never complain to the customers. Show a genuine interest in their needs and wants and smile as much as you can.

• Win People to Your Way of Thinking: Show respect and get others to do most of the talking. Sell from the customer's point of view, not yours.

• Be a Leader: Show appreciation and give praise to others. Ask questions. Use encouragement and try to make the customer happy.

• Fundamental Principles for Overcoming Worry: Prepare for challenges and try to improve them by learning.

• Don't Worry About Criticism: Remember that an unjust criticism is often disguised as a compliment. Just do the best you can.

No matter what we do for a living, from accountant to footballer, there is indeed pure gold in the words of Dale Carnegie.  Success is always driven best when it focuses on common sense.

Tip #516 - Networking: Dale Carnegie Style

If you've heard one thing in your professional career, more than anything else, it's probably: Network, Network, Network.

But, in fact, people rarely explained what that meant and how to effectively network. Hence the events where a bunch of people are milling around, passing out business cards, seeking their own agendas and trying to sell everyone something while pretending to like you or create common ground. Sound familiar? You leave the event and immediately feel like you need to scrub off the schmooze and may even be disappointed yourself that your goal of making a sale didn't happen.

Been there, done that.

Professionals are catching on. In fact, it seems like there is a new article on "How-To Network" at least once a week. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - a lot of people could benefit from the advice!

We at Dale Carnegie love this article by Natalie Bounassar for Entrepreneur.com. Why? First and foremost because she goes back to the root of networking - in other words, the Webster Dictionary definition. Doesn't get much clearer than that. But also because she cites two key concepts we speak on over and over again:

1.         The cultivation of productive relationships

"Stop treating people like tools." Remember that concept of networking with your own agenda in mind. Strike that; replace it with a goal of creating connection.

2.         Reciprocate kindness and generosity

One lesson right from Dale Carnegie Training: Create happiness for others. Sounds like Bousnassar and Carnegie could have been great friends - or at least in agreement about spreading happiness. The bonus to all the personal development? The focus on the greater good of authentic and positive relationships naturally leads to success and a better professional career - but it's because your personal mindset and focus are in the right place.

To hear the rest of Bounassar's story and how to really network, check out her article here:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/237576

Tip #515 - Ready to Increase Your Employment Value?

I'm fairly certain no one wakes up one morning and says, "I want to be the worst employee at my place of business today." Or grows up to have a dream to " find a place of employment where I can really decrease productivity and bring the team down."

People inherently want to succeed; they want to find value in their work. But, life happens and sometimes it's hard to remember that. Eventually it can feel like being a good employee is no longer an option, or turning it around and getting started on a more productive, positive path seems overwhelming, exhausting and impossible.

One of the best points Emmie Martin makes in her Business Insider article is that the, "good news is that anyone can mold themselves into a high performer, simply by changing their outlook and attitude at work."

While changing your outlook and attitude might be simple, it can often be anything but easy. We at Dale Carnegie recognize that - it's why we offer the courses we do! - and want to offer some additional tips.

First, Rome wasn't built in a day. We agree with Emmie Martin that holding yourself accountable is a quick way to turn it around. Just like changing eating habits or incorporating a gym routine into your schedule takes time, so does changing your attitude. That being said, if you do back pedal into that snarky place of negativity or laziness, 'fess up! Admit it quickly, and emphatically; apologize, and move forward.

Which brings us to our next tip. Don't worry about the past. Worrying or getting hung up on past choices won't change anything. If anything, it only delays the positive changes you are capable of, thus slowing down your ability to increase your employment value. Your strengths and talents are exactly what the world needs - once you have the right outlook and attitude.

Lastly, do the best you can. Always strive towards your own personal best, whatever that may look like. Leave behind the comparisons and the competitions and focus on being the best you can. As Martin says, "focus on your strengths."

We at Dale Carnegie believe in you and your ability to succeed!

Tip #514 - Points for Effective Meetings

At times we all wish we could see a bumper sticker on the back of a car that reads, "Meetings Happen"! Because, it is inevitable that some time through the week, we are sitting in a meeting of some sort. 

Picture this for a moment; it is a great morning and we are getting a lot accomplished around the office.  We are catching up and meeting deadlines. It feels good to be in accomplishment mode. An e-mail pops up on the screen. An impromptu one hour meeting is called in the conference room. It starts in 20 minutes. Productivity is over for a while.

Engagement is important and meetings are a part of process improvement here in Connecticut. Although unannounced meetings can challenge efficiency, it is often because of meetings that we become more effective and proficient.

It is also important that meetings have an action plan, an agenda with current deliverables, and results. In many organizations, meetings have little purpose or preparation. Recent studies have suggested that only about half of all meetings are productive.

Any gathering needs to consider participants. A defined process makes these sessions a top priority and purposeful. Leaders need to ask if every suggested attendee needs to be present. They need to ask, are the meetings aligned with current goals and objectives? Is there an environment of open and honest dialogue?

The ingredients of productive meetings should include the following 12 points:

(Before)

• Have a plan
• Prepare information prior to the meeting (groundwork)
• Have an agenda to pass to everyone (include charts and materials as needed)
• Facilitation is needed to control the meeting
• A gatekeeper can make sure everyone participates
• A scribe takes notes or utilizes a whiteboard to bullet commentary
• A timekeeper manages the time effectively  

(After)

• Follow up with all attendees within 24 hours to gauge feedback
• Provide a short summary/ abstract of the discussion
• Thank all the participants for sharing
• Set the next date
• Include a "rate the meeting" comment section in the e-mail

Organization, quality on interaction, and topic can make or break a meeting. Purpose and goals combine to increase employee engagement.

Meetings will always part of organizational process. Making them worthwhile and productive moves everything forward.

Tip #513 - Using Motivation in Sales Training

Motivation is a key component for any kind of success, no matter what the venture. In the competitive business world of today, however, it is an enormously effective tool, and its applications are much more obvious than anywhere else, perhaps, because the effects are immediately visible.

Motivations enters the picture when it's necessary to begin something, has the power to sustain teams while the project is underway, and it can serve as an inspirational seed for the next project or challenge. It comes in useful, then, for any beginning, middle, and end, and it has a role, certainly, in sales training.

The best training will find ways to bring the focus back to motivation, no matter what the technique, or what the goals of the sales team might happen to be. The four components of selling, based on actions, appearance, content, and method of delivery, all tie into developing a sales team that is highly motivated. Interestingly enough, these are also the natural products of a motivated sales team.

Motivation isn't simply a theory, then, and it's never successful when it's designed with manipulation in mind. It is something that comes from a great love for the work, and a real pleasure in working with clients and customers. It's also a daily practice.

A motivated seller is effective only insofar as they are able to truly connect to the client in a meaningful way, because the bottom line in any kind of negotiation is based in content. When the content is there at the beginning, then it's never a matter of manipulation, but simply a matter of finding the right path to the goal. When a goal is met again and again, motivation comes naturally. 

When things become challenging, then motivation is an excellent tool to get things jump-started again, and for these reasons, it can be more valuable than gold. Learning how to motivate a team, and teaching people to motivate themselves is the golden path for moving from one success to another.