All I Want for Christmas…

… is clarity and communication.

If I asked you to draw a tree, what type of tree would you draw?

Many of you would choose a Christmas tree, ‘cause it’s the season.

Some of you might draw a palm tree, ‘cause you are dreaming of the tropics.

What if I wanted an oak tree?   How could we make that happen?

1.     I could be more clear with my request

2.     You could ask more questions

The point is not to assume and that’s tough. 

If you manage a Millennial, know that they’ve been given a lot of instructions, guidelines and boundaries as they grew up.  So, for best results, give them clear instructions.

If you manage a Gen X, share WHY you need it done, or WHY it needs to be done that way.

If you are a Millennial, know that Boomers were more likely to learn by trial and error and might not think to offer the clarity you need.  So Google it first, then ask at least one question.

If you are working with an X, tell them WHY you’d like more information. 

Happy Holidays from all of us at Ward Certified Consulting, LLC.  

Keep Your Focus

Most of us feel behind schedule even before we start our day.  We hurry through countless distractions and work hard at staying focused.

One way to remain calm and centered is to think first, do second.  Yes, really think about what you are doing.  Focusing first helps aim our energy on that task which improves efficiency and even enjoyment.

Have you ever:

•      Driven to work and then realized you don’t remember getting there
•      Written an email, pressed send and then realized it was sent to the wrong person or you missed an important piece of information?
•      Answered the phone when your mind was somewhere else?

Practice the idea of focusing at the breakfast table (yes, there is a place in your house to sit and eat breakfast, it doesn’t have to be in the car!)

•      Pause before you answer the phone.
•      Stop before you open that next account.

If this feels like hard work, then you really need it.  OOOMMMMMM……   

We hear with our ears but believe with our eyes...

As a leader, you will be more effective if you convey a non-verbal message that matches what you say.  That means, checking your body language when you are about to offer feedback, run a meeting or ask for their input.

Here's your 6-point checklist:

Head - holding your head straight up means confidence, tilted means listening

Eyes - look at individuals in the triangle of their face: eyes up to forehead

Smile - please do!  (Unless it's bad news, then be authentically concerned)

Shoulders - down and relaxed sends a confident, calm message

Hands - no crossed arms please!  Open arms is more collaborative

Feet - stop walking and turn toward your audience

This week, just before you talk to one person or the whole group, take a moment and do the 6-point body-check.

'Tis The Season... Again!

According to the decorations in the stores, and in my house, the Christmas season is upon us!

It can be a stressful time for working moms and dads, as they try to attend school events, prepare for the holidays and be productive at work.

Idea of the Month:  Post your holiday schedule now.

Take some time to ask individuals about their specific schedule requests and do your best to meet them.  Your efforts to do so will boost productivity.

Want more tips on boosting productivity within different groups at work?  Click HERE to learn more about our latest free webinar!

Millennials vs The Rest of Us

The generation of workers aged between 18-35 years old has some distinct behaviors and expectations.  They even do Thanksgiving differently than the rest of us!

Did you know:

• 60% of Millennials will shop online or in-store on Thanksgiving Day vs 33% of older shoppers?
• Millennials multi-task while they shop – checking out deals on Google while they are physically in the store?
• Millennials like to get to the stores earlier?

Q:  What’s a Boomer parent to do on this family-focused holiday?

A:  Serve the turkey earlier, get them to help with the dishes and set them free.

To read more in this Forbes article, click HERE.

Managing others takes the same type of awareness, appreciation and accommodation.  We get more when we give more.

As a way of saying thanks this season, we'd like to invite you to a free webinar to learn more about the newest, largest group in the workforce: Millennials. Click HERE for more info.

What's the point of it all?

"The problem with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat"  Lily Tomlin

If you are doing work that you believe adds no value to yourself or others, it is easy to become frustrated or demotivated.

Take a moment and think about your goals and values.  Then consider how what you do in your day supports (or not) those values.

For example:

• If you value good health, making the time to exercise is a good connection.
• If you value kindness, making time to listen to customers and colleagues is a good fit.

Make a list of your top 5-10 values.  Think about those as you go through your day.

Seeing the big picture can make it easier to put up with the little irritations. 

Random Smiling

Did the election results have you smiling? 

Sometimes, it is better to act as you want to feel, rather than as you currently feel.

Find some new places to smile today, here's my top 4...

1.  At the drive-through at Dunkin' Donuts - they didn't know I was smiling, but I did!
2.  While I opened my bank statement.
3.  When I realized the political commercials were coming to an end!
4.  As the phone rang.

Facial expressions don’t merely reflect emotions, they also affect emotions. In “facial feedback,” studies show that the mere act of smiling makes people happier - even when they smile mechanically, or when they’re asked not to “smile” but rather to contract specific facial muscles.