Sunday, October 16, 2005

Kathy's Connection
CAREER FACILITATOR STRESSES ONE MORE TIME THE IMPORTANCE OF APPEARANCE

This weekend I spent some time at my favorite consignment shop. Sofia has an amazing ability to tell me "why" something looks right or wrong on me. Often, it is just the length of the jacket or the shade of the red. When you feel good -- you act differently. I have made a decision never to walk out the door unless I feel really good. Yes, I have a bag that is getting full---a non-profit will be receiving my bag of clothes shortly.

Most people understand that an opinion about you is made within the first five seconds of meeting you. That goes for how people react when they walk into your store and meet your employees. Employers are constantly asking me how to get their employees to follow store rules with appropriate dress.

1. Tell you employees "why" it is important.
2. Enforce the rules.

There is no excuse that works--there are far too many thrift stores out there that carry quality clothes for anyone at any age or size.


BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

When someone repeatedly ignores rules, they just might not understand why it is necessary to do the assigned task. When giving out assignments, let the person know why it is important that they follow through. You'll be surprised at how much quicker tasks get done.

Monday, October 10, 2005

Kathy's Connection
CAREER FACILITATOR DOES BUSINESS NETWORKING AND LEARNS AT THE SAME TIME

Last Thursday I was fortunate to be one of the 1000 people at the YWCA's Annual Benefit Luncheon where Paul Rusesabagina spoke. He is the man whose life in the movie "Hotel Rwanda" was protrayed.

Mr. Rusesabagina was a consultant on the movie. They made the conscious decision to use what really happened inside the hotel as a microcosm of the events that were happening. He said if they had made a film about what happened outside of the boundaries of the hotel people would not have paid attention because it was too horrific not only to watch but to comprehend.

He has set up a foundation http://www.hhrfoundation.org

The goal of the organization is to help orphans for he said they are the ones that will be the leaders. We must help them understand how their actions can help or hurt their country.

Mr. Rusesabagina was a wonderful reminder that even when the task is huge, improvements start with an idea of one person.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

The word "should" is one of the three words that we need to eliminate from our daily language. When we say "should" we are making a statement that we know we think it is important, yet
we have not committed to take the action needed to correct or improve the situation.

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Kathy's Connection

TEACHING BRINGS CAREER FACILITATOR GREAT JOY
This week I was privileged to have three major presentations/facilitations.

1. Intergenerational Communications in the Workplace.
2. Networking Fundamentals
3. Facilitated a National Board Meeting

While I totally enjoy one-on-one executive coaching, it is when I have a room full of people that I realize the real benefit of presenting or facilitating a meeting. It is the ability to share knowledge/wisdom with many more people in a shorter period of time.

Yet, I remember the time when I made my first presentation--I was scared to death. I now know the ability to stand up in front of people is a learned a skill---not something you were born being able to do with no fear. The only way to overcome the fear is to keep getting up there.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION TIP:

As many of you know, I am not a proponent of Power Point.
Nothing worse than the lights being low and someone reading line for line the same thing he is saying.

Presenters that are tuned in with their audience know if they have the interest of their audience. Flexibility is of utmost importance. A presenter, because she is the authority on the subject, must have many tools in her tool chest. Flipcarts allow you that flexibility