In a recent Shark Tank episode some folks were not successful in making a deal with the team of investors. I was amazed at the naivety of some of the individuals who needed funding and how unprepared they seemed to be to obtain what they needed financially. I think that unless you are a seasoned business person or have the fortitude to know how to swim with the sharks – don’t get in the water. You might not be able to walk away whole.

There were interviews after the recent US Ryder Cup defeat where the players were asked questions about their mistakes. In some cases, it appeared to be overkill.

When we make mistakes it is important to review why they happened to hopefully prevent the same errors from occurring again. However, it should not be a blood sport. Being civil is important. Being intrusive and rude will not change the past. It only makes it harder to move on. Losing is not as important as learning from it and then moving forward. Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes. – Oscar Wilde

A number of years ago I had a meeting with a Senior Vice-President of a large company. He arranged for me to meet his VP who I would be coaching. The VP was a Guatemalan. In his culture, personal space is nose to nose unlike in the US where one arm’s length is the accepted norm. I did not step back from him because I knew this. The fact that I understood his background was important to him and I ended up working for his group over a period of ten years before he retired.

Here are some tips about personal space:

• In the US, one arm’s length is the norm and the only time you touch someone is during the handshake.

• In Spain, people tend to stand much closer together. They also touch each other more frequently than do their US counterparts. Trying to create personal space is viewed as shyness or rudeness.

• On the other hand, Australians require extra personal space—at minimum of an arm’s length or more is typical.

A New York Times (NYT) Sunday article featured Mario Batalli, chef, cookbook author, television personality talking about working in his kitchen. His philosophy and communication style as leader is that you do not have to shout to work with each other.

The culture in the kitchens of many restaurants is to yell to communicate. The high pressure, time sensitive, noisy environment lends itself to this.

On Tuesday, August 28, acclaimed chef, Charlie Trotter, was featured in the Chicago Tribune because his restaurant is closing on Friday. He discussed what he did to change the atmosphere and talked about chefs who became famous but may have paid a high price for that fame.

So, here we have two celebrated chefs, successful leaders in their own field and businesses, with two different styles. One style was forged twenty some years ago and the other is relatively current.

The questions to answer are what works best for you, does it benefit you and do you learn from it?

“You are never going to be right all the time. Get over it. The hurdles get smaller as you go along because you will be jumping over them.” Marsha Serlin, CEO, United Scrap Metal.

 So many times mistakes can paralyze us. I have learned over a period of time to not beat yourself up too much because you can learn from your mistakes if you get over them.

 For example, the first time I lost a project it took me a year to get past it. But it also taught me how to never be unprepared when presenting a project at a casual meeting.

About five years ago, I was faced with a similar situation. I went through a challenging hour of discussion with seven key decision makers for a project. But by then it had become a natural process to always be fully prepared.

Don’t be the person who is always late. Being late lacks professionalism, shows you are not organized and indicates you have little respect for others who are waiting for you. It can be a hard habit to break unless you put in key steps to be on time.

Years ago, I heard someone say that she was always late. I promised myself I would never be that person.

So, I allow at least fifteen minutes in between meetings and set my clocks 10 minutes ahead of time. I am usually fifteen minutes early. This gives me time to get settled and gather my thoughts.

Also, remember that being on time is just as important for social as it is for business events.

In our fast paced environment, listening is a skill that takes patience and the ability to stay focused on the conversation. The biggest challenge is usually allowing the other person to finish their thoughts. I know I have been guilty of interrupting a speaker.

So, my tip is to count to ten to ensure the conversation has finished before you begin. Also, if you have interrupted because you thought the person was finished speaking, immediately apologize and let the other person complete his or her thought.

When you interrupt you may not hear that golden nugget of information critical to the solving the problem or miss learning something important.

When you smile the whole world smiles too.

• The average woman smiles 62 times per day.
• The average man smiles 8 times a day.
• 63 percent of people say they look best in photos when they are showing their teeth.
• 99.7 percent of adults say an attractive smile is an important personal asset.
• 74 percent of people say that an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for business or career success.
• 23 percent of people say they look best with their mouth closed.

Just recently I was completely surprised and completely caught off guard when given an award. In cases like this often, you hear folks either ramble on and on or go completely blank.

These are the keys to saying a few brief but impactful comments:

1. Take the time to walk up to the stage. This gives you an opportunity to collect your thoughts.

2. Share a story or a fact that will honor the award. For example, you might mention how the organization impacted you.

3. Give thanks to those responsible for you receiving the honor.

Remember these critical elements and you will always give a heartfelt, appreciative and graceful speech.

In a recent Chicago Tribune, Rex Huppke’s column addressed the value of being a nice person. In today’s work environment where results are critical there never seems to be enough time for niceties. This includes small talk such as how the family is doing or did you enjoy your vacation?

It has been proven may times that just taking a minute or two eases the way before we dive into everyday business work issues. Also, when giving feedback, be inclusive. The main goal is to strengthen social skills not tear them down.

A prized quality of a stellar reputation is being thought of as fair and nice.