Due to the economy both companies and people are being stretched to do more. In fact, in today’s workplace, more folks are putting in 60 to 80 hours a week while being paid for 40. So how do you get noticed without sounding whiny or being felt taken advantage of? 

I believe it is important to sit down with your manager and let s/he know what you are doing in an inclusive way. Start the conversation by stating that this is an update of what has been going on these past few weeks. Next, when you get your performance review, include the items you have been working on. Mention the positive impact on your group and the good effect the activities have been having on the company. Follow this advice and you will be noticed and noted as a high potential leader.

More problems are caused by e-mail than intended. That’s because words, if not written correctly, can be misconstrued. Plus, sentences are sometimes not even fully read if they are too long.

Fast Company magazine just had an article about how to be effective with email communications. Here are some golden rules to remember:

1. Never write an e-mail that is about a controversial subject.
2. Always begin with the end in mind.
3. Never write in all caps. It is considered shouting.
4. Always read the e-mail out loud to see how it may sound to the recipient.
5. Because we live and work in a global world, be aware of the impact words can have in cultures outside of the US.

One more guideline, always assume that everyone in the world will receive and read your email!

Remembering these simple rules will help ensure your e-mails will be read and effective at the same time.

Below are the top five things that were listed in a recent workshop exercise on personal impressions:

1. Personal hygiene (grooming and body odor)
2. Facial expression (smile)
3. Positive attitude
4. Body language
5. Clothing choices

So, be sure these five points are working for you. If you do, then you will always make Your First Impression, Your Best One.

Listening skills are critical to effective and inclusive communication. So often, people interrupt before another person finishes. Today, I happened to hear an example of this. It was on a television program where one person kept interrupting the other speaker because he did not agree with him.

Instead of obtaining my support for his view, I immediately thought how rude and abusive the speaker was. In fact, I could not even listen to his comments. When someone is trying to explain a point that you do not agree with, you must listen and allow the other person to finish. If you do this, I can promise that when you do speak, the other person will believe you have listened.

And then they will listen to you.

In a recent nationally televised debate, a participant had what I call brain freeze. Unfortunately, this has damaged his credibility.

Many folks have commented that this is something that happens to everyone and I agree. It has happened to me and many seasoned speakers. When it happens, the key to limiting the damage is moving through it quickly.
 
However, when on big stage, one cannot afford to have brain freeze. Here are some key things you must to do to prevent it:

1. Prepare by reviewing key talking points at least three times.
2. Have note cards with the text written in 16 point font. Highlight critical words in yellow.
3. Repeat the question and then number the points (to give you time to remember the answer).
4. When faced with a potential brain freeze moment, breathe deep and relax. Do this and the moment will pass.

Practice these points and you will not have to worry about brain freeze, just your speech!

In less than two months 2011 will be ending. So, hpw can you end this year with a bang? Look at your list of resolutions that you wanted to accomplish in 2011. Pick one that will provide the most impact and generate feelings of accomplishment. Begin today by setting up a plan. Each week devote attention to this task. Here are some tips to keep you on track:

* Set up a chart you where you can check progress, if not daily, at least weekly.
* Allow 30 minutes a day to review the status of the goal.
* Share your task with a friend who can keep you on track to accomplish your plan.

Accomplishing one item that you started working on at the beginning of the year will help you end 2011 with a bang.

National news anchors and basketball coaches are great role models especially when it comes to the men and their clothing choices.

Great examples are Brian Williams and Diane Sawyer. Granted they have at least three consultants (hair, makeup and wardrobe) but you can become your own consultant by observing these folks a few times a week.

Ask yourself, what are their wardrobe and color choices? For men, observe shirt colors, tie choices and jacket styles. For women, notice the jewelry selections (necklaces and earrings) and styles. Look at the people on national and cable news stations. Once you become observant of their image, it will help you create fresh options which can take your image to the next level.

We can learn so much by watching politicians in the news on what not to do. A classic example in the last few days has been a certain controversy pertaining to a candidate running for president who is ignoring and/or denying his alleged actions regarding a very sensitive issue. The issue is not going away. In fact, it is becoming a daily topic of which is lowering his respect capital. So, learn from this example on what not to do.

Take these three actions and you will be able perform effective damage control.

• Address the issue immediately.
• Craft a statement with input from close advisors.
• Always be consistent with the statement.

If you use these three basic guidelines (and remain calm when dealing with highly sensitive issues), you will be able quiet the surrounding noise.

An October 13th article in the New York Times talks about a recent study where women were shown wearing different amounts of makeup. This study was paid for by Procter & Gamble and Boston University. The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute was responsible for the design and execution of the study. The results were that respondents considered the women wearing more makeup to be more competent.

Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown Make-up, believes make-up helps build confidence. She feels the right color will create the perfect effect both professionally and personally. However too much make-up, especially in the wrong colors, will do the opposite. I recommend for those who do not like make-up to use the Bobbi Brown method. This means to wear at least a touch of blush and lipstick.

Due to the efficiency of conference calls, more folks are using this method instead of meeting face to face. It is also more challenging for co-presenters hosting the calls. Following are some tips to ensure a conference will be an effective and successful one:

• Prior to the call, the facilitators need to have a meeting of the minds either by phone or e-mail. This is so they can agree on the purpose of the call and decide who will be facilitating the call.
• Two facilitators must agree which one will be introducing the different discussion topics.
• Never interrupt or talk over someone who is speaking.
• Before beginning to speak be sure to confirm the person who just spoke has actually finished.
• If you are using a speaker phone – please begin by stating the rules on using the mute button.
• Never get emotional or raise your voice. If there is a disagreement – be gracious about it.

Following these rules you will always have a productive conference call.