It is difficult being a leader especially when the times are trying and progress is slow with your team. It has been proven to be helpful to let the group know in a positive way that you need their assistance.

When you have a meeting during a period of team struggle, try this exercise by giving each team member three post-it stickers.

– On one, ask them to write what the team has done well so far.

– On the second one, ask them to write what the team needs to strengthen.

– On the last one, ask them to write what they’d like to see the team focus on.

Post these up on a wall. Have the entire team read them and come to a determination on what they want to focus on. This will help the group continue to bond. And you, as the team leader, will now have buy-in from the group. It creates a win/win situation.

I have been a long time Trekkie. The recent movie, Star Trek into Darkness, continues the trend of communication differences and why the relationship between Kirk and Spock has its challenges. In this movie, we see their relationship hit a pothole. However, a threat brings them together as they eventually recognize their differences and acknowledge each other’s strengths.

Spock’s behavioral and communication styles are that of a Thinker. Logical thought processes are important to him. Kirk is a combination of Socializer and Director. He cannot always explain his reasoning because he relies heavily on his instincts. He is highly impulsive but gets the job done.

I continue to be fascinated by their interactions. The lesson in the latest film is to honor each communication style by recognizing its value. If you can do this when working with others, you will experience more successful outcomes.

If you have not seen this movie or the first one, Star Trek by JJ Abrams, you might consider renting it. You will be entertained and at the same time be able to observe different communications styles in action. Who knows, it might help you when similar situations arise in the workplace.

My father’s strong suit was never business but he had remarkable people skills. When he walked into a room, strangers would instantly be drawn to him. A true people person, my father, Suey, remembered names, family stories and some detail he could use to start a personal conversation.

Being a sole proprietor can be a lonely existence sometimes. He compensated for this by being active in the Rotary, American Legion, Kiwanis and in the Chinese-American Community.

These are the critical people skills that I learned from this wonderful man:

– Always be the first to greet someone, never wait for him/her to come to you.

– Establish eye contact instantly.

– Never be stingy with smiles. Make them great and flash them often.

– Always repeat a name. This helps ensure it’s pronounced correctly and that it stays in memory.

– Take on responsibilities in organizations. It’s a great way to meet folks and become engaged.

Today, when I am in a room full of strangers and especially when I am going to present, I try and introduce myself to as many people as possible.

When I greet someone, I remember my father because it brings a smile to my face which helps me be fully present with that person.

Do’s

• Do wear a name tag on your left side. The reason for this is so when the person shakes your hand they can easily read your name.

• Say your name when shaking hands to help the person remember it.

• If the name tag is on a string or lanyard, wear it chest high so it’s easy to see.

Don’ts

• Don’t wear it so it sits at the middle of your stomach or below.

• Don’t put it in your pocket so no one can see it.

When Samantha takes a walk, she always starts full of the potential excitement of her adventure. Her head is held high and her gaze is straight ahead, eyes shining with great anticipation about what she might see. For those of you who know, Samantha is my bison (you can see her picture on the far upper right corner).

Wouldn’t it be great if each time you walked into a room, you had the good anticipatory feeling of exploring something new? It projects in your body, facial expressions and even your walk. It is the aura of confidence and creates a wonderful first impression.

Face to face networking is still critical. It helps one get to know about people and people get to know you. It also helps you learn about different industries and who the key decision makers are.

Here are a few tips to ensure you have fun networking while appearing confident, relaxed and engaging.

1. Do research on the event including who is going to be there and the background of the event.

2. Bring a friend with you. Introducing someone helps get you going and plus they can introduce you.

3. Dress for the occasion – slightly underdressing is better than over dressing.

4. Wear comfortable shoes.

5. Eat before the event so you will not be starving. Anyway, it is not about the food.

6. Prepare a personal introduction and an easy ice breaker.

7. Always go up to a group. Never wait till someone comes to you

Keep these tips in mind and you will have a good networking event. Instead of surviving you will be thriving.

Interviews fall into the same category as public speaking. We can be extremely nervous while at the same time, we want folks to know that we are brilliant and belong in that role. Even Jodie Foster, writer, actor and philanthropist hated the audition process, which is similar to an interview.

Breathing is the number one physical action you can take that will steady and help you exude confidence in an interview as well as help you get through a panic attack, should one occur.

Secondly, you want to practice how you will talk in the interview. Remember what it is about your background, life and practical business experiences that puts you over the top for the position.

Keep in mind, though, that a “gotcha” question might be asked. If so, repeat the question and breathe deep to settle yourself. These tips will bring you closer to getting the job you are meant to have.

Two television shows focus on small business. The program on MSNBC focuses on helping a selected small business. The other show is ABCs Shark Tank. This show refers to the “pitch” which is a few crisp words on what the business owner is all about and why his/her business is worth investing in.

It is has been proven over and over again that if you have a good pitch you can sell almost anything. In fact, a perfect personal introduction should be treated like a pitch. The key to good personal pitch is building in enough flexibility so that it can be tailored to any audience to obtain the impact and results desired.

It is important to have a social media presence. For that, LinkedIn continues to be the number one place to get exposure and let the world know your personal brand. However, it does not replace traditional networking. So when you have an opportunity to do face to face events, maximize your presence by ensuring you do the following:

• Own the room with confidence. Have your pitch-who you are and a success story—ready at all times

• Be engaging. Even before you say one word offer a firm handshake and make good eye contact.

• Follow up. Afterwards, connect either by e-mail or phone calls. If possible, meet for coffee or lunch.

• Keep a file of your networking events. This will help you remember names and faces.

Networking can be fun and energizing if you take the attitude you want to learn about folks and what they are involved in. The activity will expand your people knowledge and allow others to get to know you.

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.