Top Tips for Interactive Skills in Business: Quick reference tips that will help you improve your interactions with others in business

‘To be agreeable, all that is necessary

is to take an interest in other persons

and in other things,

to recognise that other people as a rule

are much like one’s self,

and thankfully to admit that diversity is a

glorious feature of life.’

Frank Swinnerton (b, 1884-1982)

British novelist and critic

Preface

I believe communication in business starts with your work environment. Do you jump out of bed in the morning ready and enthusiastic to get to the business of the day, or do you struggle out bemoaning the fact that you have to go to work? It is right at that point in time that can make or break your day. Think about how you want to spend it; happy or grumpy.

How well you and your colleagues work together can make the difference between a successful organisation or a poor one.

Being able to deal with personality differences within the organisation is only a part of having effective interactive skills in business. We also need to be able to work within the team, at times being its leader, or perhaps you are a manager and need to concentrate on ‘the bottom line’ ensuring the company or organisation thrives and survives.

Solving problems, handling conflict and using mediation skills are all part and parcel of being able to interact effectively in business.

Social media and networking also play a large part in being successful in taking your business into the community. There is no area in which interactive and interpersonal communication is not a necessity.

‘You can close more business

in two months by becoming interested

in other people than you can

in two years trying to get people

interested in you.’

Dale Carnegie

Chapter 1

Interacting at Work

Getting Along with Colleagues

Personality Profiles

Emotional Intelligence

Workplace Values

’Don’t find fault, find a remedy.’

Henry Ford (1863-1947)

American Automobile Manufacturer

Getting Along with Colleagues

Being happy at work is a tremendous blessing. It means you will not only look forward to your working week but shouldn’t suffer from headaches, aches and pains, depression and a host of other ailments. How to achieve that state is the question. There could be a simple answer or a particular situation may need in-depth analysis.

If we look at some basics of communication skills we find that we shouldn’t criticise others, order them around, criticise them openly and in fact we are meant to care about others and understand shall we say, ‘what makes them tick.’ How often do you think we do this, and especially at work?

It is a fact that a happy workplace increases productivity and therefore delivers a better outcome for all concerned.

Throughout this book you will find many ideas, suggestions and processes to improve your interpersonal relationships, but for these couple of pages I’m starting with basics we all know but don’t always use. The following Top Tips should bring about some light-bulb moments for you.

Some Fundamental Basics

Arriving at work with a smile on your face and a hello for everyone usually creates a friendly atmosphere.

While it’s normally nice to get along with your colleagues try not to grizzle or complain about the weather, family or work.

A positive attitude often rubs off on others.

It’s not always necessary if working in a large organisation to remember everyone’s name, but necessary for those working in your department.

You can show your interest in others by enquiring as to how they are and/or follow up on any problems they may be facing.

It seems superfluous to mention some of these very basic things, but as I go into companies and businesses to assess their communication within the workplace I continually find they are lacking in these very basics.

Working with colleagues

Appreciate the persons you work with. Be courteous and give encouragement.

TOP TIPS:

•Your colleagues will be more productive if you show approval and appreciation

•Be a good listener

•Personal hygiene – you do wear deodorant don’t you?

•Overdoing the perfume or aftershave can be uncomfortable for those working near you

•If others are encroaching on your work, speak to them about it

•If others are not doing their share or pulling their weight, assess if this is your problem before making a complaint; and/or try using an assertive message

•Gossip is always a no-no

If you really want to get along well with your colleagues, know what interests them.

It’s always a good idea, as Dale Carnegie said many years ago, to ‘make the other person feel important.’ (This still works today). We can do this by asking their opinion or their ideas, and being interested in their answers.

12 Ways to winning people to our way of thinking

Once again, I mention Dale Carnegie in ‘Winning People to our Way of Thinking’, and have done up the twelve steps he (and others since) assure us work well. (I should add that I have trained many people in these steps even today, with excellent results, so try them yourself).

They are;

1. Avoid argument and confrontation. Nobody is ever convinced against their will.

2. Respect the other person’s opinion. Never say you’re wrong. Best to let it lie for a moment then say what you thought and why. You will be surprised how quickly the other person will see your point of