Listen and you just might hear something that will help you connect to a potential client, friend, or fellow human being. So often, we spend too much time waiting for our turn to talk, we forget that LISTENING, really listening, is critical to building relationships.
This... coming from the girl who wore tape on her mouth for most of kindergarten because I couldn't keep my mouth shut.
You know the saying, "you have two ears and one mouth, so you should be listening twice as much as you talk?" It is true - try it. Here are some ideas and observations:
When interviewing: Write down your questions ahead of time, so you are not thinking of the next question as the candidate is answering. Listen for the story behind each answer. Listen for truth. Then, ask questions that help you link their answer to a job qualification or competency.
When meeting people: Ask about them first - and then listen for the answer. I know, you have a great story to tell. You'll have time. In new situations, listening becomes a trust builder. You will earn the respect of the other party by simply listening to what they have to say.
With employees: Guess what? Your employees have opinions, ideas and information. Why not take a few minutes each day and ask what their opinion is on a hot topic you are struggling with. Ask them what ideas they have for a problem you are trying to solve. Ask what their experience has been with a situation you might be stuck on. Employees want to feel as though they are being heard. Even if you don't take their advice - ask the question and listen to what comes next.
The next time you are in a conversation, I challenge you to fold your hands, look into the eyes of your counterpart, and listen. You'll be surprised at the peace you feel, and the trust you build.
Ericka Heid, SPHR
JUST WHAT YOU NEED. JUST WHEN YOU NEED IT.
5905 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN 55422
T: 763.634.8600 F: 763.634.8580
C: 763.360.9712 W: www.h-r-now.com
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Fear
The better part of yesterday was spent procrastinating a task that scares me to death - cold calling.
My dear friend, Brenda, gave me a great book about selling. The best gift I could have received when starting my business, as I am not an expert seller. In the book are tons of ideas to put to use when calling upon potential customers. Many of them, I have incorporated into my calling technique. Still, it is not my strength and I remained terrified.
So I picked up the phone and called someone.
Isn't that just the best way to deal with fear? Look it in the face, say "what the heck?" and just do it. It reminds me of my 2007 climb on Mount Rainier. We were traversing a huge crevasse, which required a giant step (about 3 feet) along with about a 12 inch rise. I stopped - frozen in my tracks. The only thing running through my head was, "I am not going to cross that". It took a little coaxing from the guide and my fellow rope-mates, but I sucked it up and crossed that thing. As hard and scary as it was, I did it. I remember that after that specific crevasse, I was no longer scared to cross the rest of them. As a matter of fact, during each subsequent crossing, I hooted and hollared, celebrating each successful step.
Yesterday, I had the same feeling. Each call got easier, and I finished my day on a high - celebrating each successful step.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other.
My dear friend, Brenda, gave me a great book about selling. The best gift I could have received when starting my business, as I am not an expert seller. In the book are tons of ideas to put to use when calling upon potential customers. Many of them, I have incorporated into my calling technique. Still, it is not my strength and I remained terrified.
So I picked up the phone and called someone.
Isn't that just the best way to deal with fear? Look it in the face, say "what the heck?" and just do it. It reminds me of my 2007 climb on Mount Rainier. We were traversing a huge crevasse, which required a giant step (about 3 feet) along with about a 12 inch rise. I stopped - frozen in my tracks. The only thing running through my head was, "I am not going to cross that". It took a little coaxing from the guide and my fellow rope-mates, but I sucked it up and crossed that thing. As hard and scary as it was, I did it. I remember that after that specific crevasse, I was no longer scared to cross the rest of them. As a matter of fact, during each subsequent crossing, I hooted and hollared, celebrating each successful step.
Yesterday, I had the same feeling. Each call got easier, and I finished my day on a high - celebrating each successful step.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other.
People
I find it so interesting that being with people, or without them, can have such an impact on your outlook and demeanor.
With people:
Today, I met someone who I had never met before and had a wonderful and enlightening conversation about networking, client searching, revenue streams, passion, and small businesses. It was such a great meeting, not because either of us made any money or got work - but because we connected. I went to this meeting without an agenda or any expectations, and found myself wonderfully fulfilled because of that ability to connect.
Immediately following that meeting, I had another - this time with a group of complete strangers, but the experience was exactly the same. I sought out and made several personal connections which may or may not ever result in any business or money, but successful nonetheless.
With each new connection, I learned something - gave something - took something that will make me a better person/leader/business person.
I feel great when I am with people. Great confidence, great energy, great attitude.
Without people:
Each day, at least a hundred times, I look up to share something with someone. Each day, I look to an empty desk. I vastly underestimated how valueable it was/is to be able to connect with someone on a daily basis at work. Now that I am an office of one, I experience a sense of loss everytime I look up, only to find no one.
I feel diminished with I am not with people. Diminished confidence, diminished energy, diminished attitude.
Here is the motivator - Do well. Find clients. Make, and take, every opportunity to connect with people.
With people:
Today, I met someone who I had never met before and had a wonderful and enlightening conversation about networking, client searching, revenue streams, passion, and small businesses. It was such a great meeting, not because either of us made any money or got work - but because we connected. I went to this meeting without an agenda or any expectations, and found myself wonderfully fulfilled because of that ability to connect.
Immediately following that meeting, I had another - this time with a group of complete strangers, but the experience was exactly the same. I sought out and made several personal connections which may or may not ever result in any business or money, but successful nonetheless.
With each new connection, I learned something - gave something - took something that will make me a better person/leader/business person.
I feel great when I am with people. Great confidence, great energy, great attitude.
Without people:
Each day, at least a hundred times, I look up to share something with someone. Each day, I look to an empty desk. I vastly underestimated how valueable it was/is to be able to connect with someone on a daily basis at work. Now that I am an office of one, I experience a sense of loss everytime I look up, only to find no one.
I feel diminished with I am not with people. Diminished confidence, diminished energy, diminished attitude.
Here is the motivator - Do well. Find clients. Make, and take, every opportunity to connect with people.
Motivation
I have spent a good amount of time studying and training on the topic of motivation. It is particularly interesting, though, when I have an experience that either motivates or de-motivates me. It is a real-life example that I always try and incorporate into a training session - in one way or another.
My new office was white. White walls - all of them. Several months ago, when I looked at the space, I had a grandeous plan for how I would paint and decorate. As time went on and expenses grew, I decided I would wait until I secured a client before I spent the money on making my space wonderful. So last week, I worked in a white office. This space was so uninspriring and unmotivating that by Friday, I had enough. On Sunday, I bought the paint. And today I painted.
Everything I know about motivation says that one person can not motivate another. What they can do is create an environment in which a person can find their own motivation. So that is what I did - created an environment where I can achieve motivation at work. Pretty good idea (and investment for that matter) for a new business person who needs to stay on the top of her game all of the time.
So today's challenge to you is this: what can you do to your space - your environment, that makes you feel better and more motivated in it? Then - do it! You won't be sorry.
My new office was white. White walls - all of them. Several months ago, when I looked at the space, I had a grandeous plan for how I would paint and decorate. As time went on and expenses grew, I decided I would wait until I secured a client before I spent the money on making my space wonderful. So last week, I worked in a white office. This space was so uninspriring and unmotivating that by Friday, I had enough. On Sunday, I bought the paint. And today I painted.
Everything I know about motivation says that one person can not motivate another. What they can do is create an environment in which a person can find their own motivation. So that is what I did - created an environment where I can achieve motivation at work. Pretty good idea (and investment for that matter) for a new business person who needs to stay on the top of her game all of the time.
So today's challenge to you is this: what can you do to your space - your environment, that makes you feel better and more motivated in it? Then - do it! You won't be sorry.
Science
Over the past few weeks, I have heard a lot of references to the "science" of things.
The science of design
The science of printing
The science of keywords
The science of selling
The science of finance
The list could go on. But I started thinking this: I didn't do very well in science class. As a matter of fact, I did just about average and had to work pretty hard to be average (this explains why I am not a doctor.)
Prior to starting a company, I would have said that list was an insignificant list anyway. I had a firm grasp on what I needed to know - employment law, recruitment, safety, training, and the complete menu of HR services. It didnt' bother me that I may not know these other things. Until now.
Now, I am irked by every "science" question that I don't have an immediate answer for. For 15 years in HR, I have been the one with the answers. Now - only questions. And more questions. Then, I think - "For 15 years, you have always had the answers. How boring."
A wise man once told me, "Ericka, learning happens outside of your comfort zone." And I have spent a good amount of time in the comfort zone. Starting this business has taken me right out of it.
Instead of being irked by not knowing the science of something, I will choose to learn. Maybe I'll only be an average student in those areas of science, but I'll have learned something.
The science of design
The science of printing
The science of keywords
The science of selling
The science of finance
The list could go on. But I started thinking this: I didn't do very well in science class. As a matter of fact, I did just about average and had to work pretty hard to be average (this explains why I am not a doctor.)
Prior to starting a company, I would have said that list was an insignificant list anyway. I had a firm grasp on what I needed to know - employment law, recruitment, safety, training, and the complete menu of HR services. It didnt' bother me that I may not know these other things. Until now.
Now, I am irked by every "science" question that I don't have an immediate answer for. For 15 years in HR, I have been the one with the answers. Now - only questions. And more questions. Then, I think - "For 15 years, you have always had the answers. How boring."
A wise man once told me, "Ericka, learning happens outside of your comfort zone." And I have spent a good amount of time in the comfort zone. Starting this business has taken me right out of it.
Instead of being irked by not knowing the science of something, I will choose to learn. Maybe I'll only be an average student in those areas of science, but I'll have learned something.
HR Now - What Do We Do?
Employment Law Compliance
Services to implement legally mandated policies, train supervisors on their responsibilities, and maintain compliance throughout your organization. Compliance package includes new FMLA coverage, ADAAA, Harassment, and I-9. Ongoing support means that you’ll never wonder if you are compliant—you are.
Management and Leadership Training
With dozens of topics to choose from, you design the management training that best fits your organizational needs. Delivered by experts, your team is sure to walk away with hands-on skills that will take your company to the next level.
Employee Relations
Let us be your partner in dealing with difficult employee relations issues. Applying employment law, common sense, and solid management principles, we take the sting out of any employment action.
Safety and Workers’ Compensation
On-site meetings with topics designed to maintain compliance with OSHA standards and properly manage risk. Monthly workers’ compensation analysis provides an opportunity to trend incidents, accidents and associated costs.
Recruitment
Offering services ranging from recruitment assistance to placement, our experience allows us to tailor a selection process to met your specific industry and business needs.
Compensation Analysis
Thorough analysis of employee positions, responsibilities, and qualifications allow employers to rest assured, knowing they are properly classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Project Management
Projects done professionally. Completed on time, on budget, on demand.
Services to implement legally mandated policies, train supervisors on their responsibilities, and maintain compliance throughout your organization. Compliance package includes new FMLA coverage, ADAAA, Harassment, and I-9. Ongoing support means that you’ll never wonder if you are compliant—you are.
Management and Leadership Training
With dozens of topics to choose from, you design the management training that best fits your organizational needs. Delivered by experts, your team is sure to walk away with hands-on skills that will take your company to the next level.
Employee Relations
Let us be your partner in dealing with difficult employee relations issues. Applying employment law, common sense, and solid management principles, we take the sting out of any employment action.
Safety and Workers’ Compensation
On-site meetings with topics designed to maintain compliance with OSHA standards and properly manage risk. Monthly workers’ compensation analysis provides an opportunity to trend incidents, accidents and associated costs.
Recruitment
Offering services ranging from recruitment assistance to placement, our experience allows us to tailor a selection process to met your specific industry and business needs.
Compensation Analysis
Thorough analysis of employee positions, responsibilities, and qualifications allow employers to rest assured, knowing they are properly classified under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Project Management
Projects done professionally. Completed on time, on budget, on demand.
HR Now - Who Are We?
Customized HR Solutions… on demand!
With ever changing employment law and HR practices, it is harder to stay ahead and stay compliant.
We offer:
•Expert HR solutions
•Superior service without an immense price
•Customized services to fit your exact needs
•Ongoing support
Through experience, research, and industry leading techniques, we bring a common sense approach to human resources - delivering just what you need – just when you need it.
Call us today for a FREE HR Assessment: 763.634.8600
Or visit us on the web: www.h-r-now.com
Ericka Heid
With ever changing employment law and HR practices, it is harder to stay ahead and stay compliant.
We offer:
•Expert HR solutions
•Superior service without an immense price
•Customized services to fit your exact needs
•Ongoing support
Through experience, research, and industry leading techniques, we bring a common sense approach to human resources - delivering just what you need – just when you need it.
Call us today for a FREE HR Assessment: 763.634.8600
Or visit us on the web: www.h-r-now.com
Ericka Heid
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