Simon Sinek suggested that “Learning has greater value when we share what we learned”. Sharing learnings creates value for the person delivering and for the receiver (s). However, sometimes, people forget about the importance of the way and when the learnings are delivered.

When this information is given at a time a mistake has been made, it will look like a correction. The best time is to discuss in a sharing environment. The point I bring up to my clients and in workshops is to share what we have recently experienced that continues to help us learn.

Giving 110% plus is easy when we are passionate about our work or project. The 110% plus comes naturally if the job is a natural fit for the needed skill set. When the passion is lacking, what can be done to create it? If passion is lacking because of time constraints and task overload, take a break from it. Whether you leave for an hour or half of a day, not thinking about the work will result in the energy needed. Passion and the drive to succeed needs to be organic or burn out occurs.

Today, more than ever in the professional and personal world:

1. Speak truth not fiction
2. Admit a mistake by saying “I was wrong” and giving an apology
3. Only say nice things or avoid saying anything
4. Be on time for meetings or conference calls
5. Answer emails within 24 hours

A loss, whether the death of a family member or loss of a job, is difficult for everyone involved. Most desire to give comfort. That could mean not saying anything but instead giving a hug (if you are close). Other words are I am sorry for your loss or for this difficult time. Never give the impression you understand what they are going through because you are not them. Offer your comfort simply and with empathy.

Each of us need to find a way to stay motivated and open for fresh ideas and strategies to apply to our work or personal life. These are the five things that continue work for me:

1. Finding the fun element in a task
2. Taking a break (can be an hour or a day)
3. Doing something totally unrelated to the project
4. Rewarding myself
5. Seeking outside resources

In everyday communications, when there is no conflict, leading by example is easy. It is when conflicts arise and extreme differences of opinion emerge, that a true leader takes charge by example while taking the high road:

The No’s
No name calling
No assigning blames
No screaming or shouting
No using social media to air out differences

The Do’s
Do stay calm
Do take a breath and think before speaking
Do listen before speaking
Do ask about solutions
Do bring in support for both sides of the discussion

Building relationships takes time with folks getting to know you from a professional side first. Second, you can interact virtually by speaking to their responses. Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to expand the knowledge circle. Each media has a distinct culture and purpose, making it important to match your information sharing goals. The main purpose is to get folks to know you and you to know them by sharing personal and professional sides of each other.

Understanding cultural differences and similarities helps bridge communications. For example, I am a first-generation Chinese born and raised in Chicago and sometimes work with natural born Chinese (born in China) even though the individual may be in the US for an extended time.

We may look and even sound similar, but we think and communicate very differently. I am  direct, a distinctly US quality. Individuals from another culture may agree even though they disagree to save face. The main similarity is that we both want to succeed but get there in different manners. To connect and avoid a saving face situation, present a solution in a way that will achieve the main goal.

Recently, I was in a retail store purchasing a large ticket item. The order taker gave the impression she was being put upon (unlike Nordstrom in Oakbrook or Kohl’s in Elmhurst). The order was taken. However, it took 20 minutes to fill and no other customer was in the store.

The color ended up wrong, the original service person was not available, and the one that was there said she could not wait on me. The store manager walked by when I was waiting and did not pause or even cast a glance my way. I realized that this was the reason for the unfriendly service people.

It all starts at the top. An excellent product will sell regardless how difficult it is to purchase but when the service people are unhelpful, any product can lose market share at least in that store. Most products can be purchased at multiple places.

Volunteering is wonderful because it provides so many benefits to the volunteer and the organization.

For the volunteer, socialization, networking, teamwork, and in many cases, leadership development opportunities exist. The organization gets extra set of hands, another point of view, and awareness to others outside the organization.

I have benefited tremendously with my involvement with Toastmasters, AICI, the Chicago Minority Development Council, DuPage College, and the Graham Association for People with Disabilities. All help me in my work with corporations.