In todays modern workplace having the technical ability alone is not enough. No matter what industry you are in you need to get recognised for your ability on desk as well as with people. No leader is desk bound ignoring all the people around them – you don’t have to have the gift of the gab but these five tips from Elysium Magazine will give you some help.
1. Communicate clearly
It’s important to have an opinion but what counts is how you communicate it. After your appearance the next thing colleagues and managers will judge you on is how you structure your language and speak.
Remember, just because your talking it doesn’t mean people are listening. Today, more than ever, people lose attention very quickly. Think before you speak and structure your points concisely. Also believe in what you say – it makes a huge difference.
2. Working your audience
Everyone you meet will come from diverse backgrounds and have different upbringings. You need to tailor your approach to your audience. When you meet a colleague or client for the first time be sure to listen and pick up vital information about them. Use it to mirror their language and gain their trust.
3. Influence
We have all been there, a difference of opinion in the workplace. It’s so important to sell yourself when attempting to influence others. A confident and clear pitch will ensure people buy what you’re saying and your idea.
Preparation is vital when attempting to influence others. If you get the opportunity to discuss an idea you have before a pitch, do it. Gaining support at the outset makes it easier to influence a group.
If a group is sounding out ideas do listen. Store this information and be sure to refer back to it, highlighting the negative points, when selling your idea.
4. Stay in control
During a debate or pitch it’s easy to let emotions get in the way and result in people raising their voice. However, it’s important to stay cool. Don’t let emotions get in the way of logic – listen, remain calm and respond. You will come across more professional and become respected for it.
However, people will attempt to floor you. They may push to try and break you by trying to make you lose your cool. Keep collected and preparation will help you respond to challenges about your idea, if possible use humour to diffuse a potentiality destructive situation.
5. Keep your eyes on the prize
People, in general, want to be social and meet people with ideas and opinions. Use every opportunity to ‘promote’ yourself in the eyes of others at work. Make yourself open in conversation and adapt the direction of any discussions to sound interesting.
Some people are natural conversers but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Have something interesting to talk about.
Ultimately, it pays to get people to buy into you as an individual. Respect will pay dividends in your career and be known or perceived as a person who is approachable, respected and has something interesting to say can only assist you climb that ladder. Nobody appreciates an arrogant colleague who only makes negative comments – we all know someone who fits this. So keep cool and stay positive.