Joyce Weiss

I work with organizations and individuals who want to kick conflict and chaos to the curb - Queen of Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach

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Hiring Strategies to Improve Communication in the Workplace

How to improve communication is always a topic that my clients want me to cover in training or coaching projects.
Here are 3 questions to get us started:

  1.  Have you ever hired a loser?
  2. What did you learn from this experience?
  3. What are your favorite interview questions?

The answers to the questions above were discussed in my last group coaching training with Department Managers and Leaders.  This article will cover all 3 questions.  I look forward to hearing about your own best practices that work for your company.

Hiring Strategies to Improve Communication #1:  Know the Cost of a Bad Hire improve communication

  • Interview time
  • Reference checking time
  • Manager training time
  • Potential customer problems

The important thing is to realize the cost of a bad hire.  This happens to all of us at times.  We were caught off guard because the person came so highly recommended or you may have needed a body immediately because of a timely project and the person in charge just quit.

Hiring Strategies to Improve Communication #2:  Learn From the Experience improve communication

Participants in the training shared the following mistakes and what they learned:

  • To evaluate the candidate even if he or she is a close friend
  • To put your ego aside and don’t hire a candidate just because he or she is like you
  • To look at both the personality and skill set of the candidate
  • To make sure that the hiring manager has enough information about the job

I can see many of you shake your heads right now, because you may have made the same mistakes.

An HR Professional told us that he hired someone because he was so impressed with the resume and missed obvious flaws in the candidate’s personality.  We can teach skills, it’s a challenge to show someone how to be a good team player.

Hiring Strategies to Improve Communication #3:  Use Creative Interview Questions

  • Describe a typical workday at your previous/current job.
    This is the time when you can hear if there’s a lot of blame or negativity.
  • Tell me about the best boss that you ever had.
    You can see if there’s leadership potential.
  • How would your coworkers describe you?
    Go deep here.  Ask the candidate for specific examples when he or she tells you about the positive qualities.
  • Did you ever have to deal with a coworker who didn’t pull his or her weight?
    This question may uncover how the candidate handles conflict.

Share these 3 hiring strategies to improve communication with your team to discuss new ways to make the hiring process as productive as possible.  Stay tuned for future articles that contain information about interviewing strategies, orientation options, and performance appraisals.

I want to hear from you!
Send me your biggest mistake in hiring or interviewing candidates.  Let us know your best hiring practices. You can respond directly to the blog or send me an email HERE.  

 

This is Joyce Weiss
Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

 

Remember…You Get What You Tolerate!

P.S.  Read more articles and listen to podcasts at our Team Building Strategies Knowledge Base

 

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Team Building Strategies to Improve Morale

Leaders constantly ask me the following question:  What are team building strategies to improve morale?

Have you ever had a great idea for your company and got everyone excited about doing it, but then no one took       action and the great idea died? Such is a common occurrence in organizations across the country. In fact, in most companies generating great ideas isn’t the problem – it’s turning those ideas into action that stalls a company’s growth.

In order to help your team take action on new ideas, use the following team building strategies to get from idea to final delivery.

Team Building Strategies #1:  Generate at least 50 ideas for your current dilemma Team Building Strategies

How do you know if an idea is truly great unless you challenge it with new ideas? That’s why you need to generate a lot of ideas to get the idea process started.

Have people write one idea per “sticky note.” During this phase, temporarily ignore rules and budgets. Anything goes. Don’t self-edit and don’t think anything is “stupid.”

Encourage wild ideas from everyone; be playful. And since this is a group effort, feel free to expand on other people’s ideas. Remember, it’s not a competition.

Team Building Strategies #2:  Move the most exciting ideas forward

Take all your sticky notes and group similar ideas together. Decide on a category heading for each group. Then, rather than decide on a single idea to pursue, begin by deciding on an idea-group what is most attractive given the current situation. Use past experience and the current need to help with the decision process.

Team Building Strategies #3:  Remove hurdles and identify holes Team Building Strategies

Analyze the selected group and come up with reasons why the ideas may not work using the following questions to refine the idea to implementation:

  • What are the consequences if we do these ideas as presented?
  • What could potential challenges arise in the workplace?
  • How will these ideas work within the available resources of time, money, and people?

If you don’t like your answers, refine the ideas – don’t kill them.

Team Building Strategies #4:  Create a specific step-by-step action plan

Create a plan to ensure that the idea can be implemented successfully. Consider such things as:

  • Training and resources: Does the timeline and task schedule require training or resources not currently at hand? If so, how do you get them?
  • Budget: Do you have the financial resources to see the idea through to completion? If not, what creative things can you do to offset costs (trade out products or services, use contract labor, etc.)?
  • Timelines: What is the chronological order for doing each step?
  • Celebration points: At what point will you celebrate milestones, and what celebration activities will be most appropriate?

Let’s Get Real

When people have a thought-out plan for carrying out an idea, they are better equipped and better able to turn that idea into reality. So use these team building strategies for every dilemma, whether large or small. You’ll get the most creative solution for your current challenge, as well as the ability to turn that idea into action. This will reduce conflict in the workplace to move your team to the next level.

I want to hear from you

Send me an email with your most pressing issue that you are experiencing with your team. Please share your team building strategies in the comment section.

Please share this and any article that speaks to you or your company

Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts. Help us help them reduce

Joyce Weiss
Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”

PS  Learn how I can leverage my 30+ years of communication and leadership consulting and coaching experience to help your organization address team building strategies here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Communication Strategy That Really Worked with My Family

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCOH-8Z-fs8

Would you like to learn a communication strategy to use the next time you initiate a family dinner or business meeting?

Have you ever attended a family gathering or business meeting and it seemed like the stars were lined up – where everyone spoke and had a chance to share his or her thoughts?  If so, did you ever analyze why it was such a successful time for you and others?  This article is about one of those perfect family dinners.

My story starts during an evening where everyone got along and the communication flowed as if was a well-directed play.   A cousin of mine was in town visiting his mother.  He and I enjoy lunch or coffee each time he visits her.  This time he expressed an interest in getting to know my grown children and their kids.  I invited my family to come to dinner.  They all accepted the invitation because they knew that I’m a huge fan of this cousin.

Here’s the hard part of my story.  I decided to sit back and not speak as much as I usually do because this night was about the family getting to know each other.  It was not about me interjecting my own opinion about our family history.  Remember I told you that keeping silent is a tough behavior of mine!  The good news is I’m glad that I observed the magic happening right before my eyes.

The communication strategies below can help you the next time you initiate a family gathering or business meeting.

communication strategyCommunication Strategy #1:  It helps if everyone is motivated to attend

Of course, this is tough for meetings at work but, it can be done when leaders create a positive environment for everyone.  Food and a focused agenda help.  You can invite colleagues and direct reports who you feel have the right attitude to attend the meeting.

I don’t know about you, some of our family gatherings aren’t picture perfect.  The timing may not be right or family members were tired.  Well, this time everyone was eager to be there.  It worked because my cousin reached out and my kids were thrilled that he wanted to get to know them better.

Communication Strategy #2:  Leaders need to sit back at times and let the conversation flow

Leaders usually start the conversation, ask questions, and follow his or her agenda.  The magic happens when leaders don’t give their opinion but, observe and listen to others.  People are open when they want to be there and when they feel valued.  The quiet ones feel more comfortable and contribute when they see the leader relaxed and not micromanaging the meeting.

Of course, I wanted to interject a story here or there and I chose not to.  Instead, I let the family make their own conversation.  Again, this was not easy but so enjoyable to watch.

Communication StrategyCommunication Strategy #3:  Ask questions about others that show you are interested in them

This communication strategy is so basic yet is one of my secrets to success.  My grandkids always hear me express how important it is for them to ask questions to others.  Making other people feel important is something  I find missing from many communications.  I know you know what I mean.  It’s usually all about the speaker – a one-sided conversation.

Back to my story:  Each person asked questions about the other person during the entire dinner.  The result was that everyone felt appreciated. The laughter and positive atmosphere were apparent and I was smiling internally during the entire evening.

Now for some reality

The communication strategy is simple yet so hard to do when there’s a narcissist or bullies at the event.  You know I had to bring these two characters up since they seem to follow me and my loyal readers around. 🙂    It’s still possible to use the communication strategy.

Just remember to concentrate on the people who you want to speak with during the event.  You read this correctly.  Ignore the bully or narcissist.  They will either get the idea and move to another target or try to sabotage your communication. At least you tried to stop the bully from taking over.

You need to remain in control.  Don’t let these negative behaviors stop you from enjoying others.   Remember, “You get what you tolerate!”  Tell yourself that you are in control and that you’re not going to let the “negativos” ruin your time.  Believe me when I tell you this is very hard to do.  It’s also possible because I’ve worked on this behavior many times in my own life.  My clients thank me for supporting them to gain control with these toxic people.

I want to hear from you!

Send me your questions or comments on what is and what isn’t working with your family or business gatherings.

This is Joyce Weiss, Communications Strategist and Coach
I provide personalized coaching and Premier Programs for individuals and groups.

Learn how Joyce Weiss can leverage her 30+ years of leadership consulting and coaching experience to help your organization address and discover communication strategies HERE

Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”

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Strategic Communications: Disarm Tough Conversations

Have you been involved in difficult conversations when you wished you had strategic communications skills in your tool box?

Do you want to stop making others feel defensive while giving them constructive feedback? 

If so, Great!  This article will give you 5 strategies to use the next time you are in these complex situations. We’ve all dealt with people who become defensive.  How you react can influence your future relationship with this person.

Strategic Communications #1- Understand Your Role

  1. When someone responds defensively to you, ask yourself,“What did I just do to cause that defensive reaction?”
  1. Whenever someone says or does something that causes you to become defensive, ask yourself, “What did that person do to cause that reaction from me?”

Strategic Communications #2 – Use Constructive Feedback Wisely

Constructive feedback is a gift that you give to people you truly care about.  This statement is hard for some people to grasp.  Think about a time when someone gave you feedback in a constructive way.  What did you learn from this experience?  Use that knowledge to help your coworkers.  

Strategic Communications # 3 – Disarm Toxic Comments

The next time you’re confronted with a toxic comment, be prepared!  Pretend you’re in their situation. Figure out why they are behaving this way.  This helps us respond, not react.  Ask yourself, “How would I feel if I were in their shoes?”  We can’t put our head on their shoulders.

Strategic Communications #4 – Know How to React

If the toxic comment were delivered as constructive criticism, would there be any truth to it?  If so, how will you react?

  • Don’t explain or defend yourself when something goes wrong.
  • Acknowledge, apologize and act – versus explain.  Explanations come across as excuses. 
  • Agree if what they say is somewhat true. 
  • Don’t blame it on someone else, even when you know who made the mistake.

Strategic Communications # 5 – Know What NOT to Do

When people give feedback, they do it to influence future behavior – not to change the past.  Though it may be difficult to hear, try to listen and:

  1. Don’t defend yourself
  2. Don’t deny responsibility
  3. Don’t counter attack
  4. Don’t withdraw

I want to hear from you!

CLICK HERE to send me your questions about your communication issues at work. How do you react when someone pushes you?  What have your learned about yourself when you have pushed others?  Understanding these reactions will improve your communication skills and take you to the next level in your career development.

CLICK HERE if you want more ideas on how to improve your career and working condition by signing up for Tips2BeHappy.com.  You will receive weekly strategies to put to use immediately.

Until next time,

This is Joyce Weiss, Communication Strategist and Coach

I share powerful techniques on tackling tough conversations to build employee engagement, accountability, and improve my client’s quality of life.

Feel free to call me (800.713.1926) concerning your own team/executive retreats, workshops, and on line professional growth coaching.

Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!

See YOU Next Week.

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Strategic Communication to Get Noticed More in the Workplace

Do you know how to use strategic communication with your leadership?
Do you want to learn and use a new strategy to feel heard at work?

Great!  This article will provide 2 simple techniques you can use to speak to leadership.

I recently spoke to leaders at a financial conference.  There were both emerging and experienced leaders in the audience.  We discussed how to deal with bullies in the workplace and how to resolve numerous tough situations.  I will be using more of their ideas in future articles

Strategic Communication #1:  Make The Conversation Safe

Here’s a strategy to use when you want to have a tough conversation with leaders.  If you work for a bully, you will have to rethink your approach!  This scenario came up when an emerging leader was not included in certain social gatherings and meetings.
Start out by filling in the blanks:
I don’t want:
I do want: 
For example:  “I don’t want to be disrespectful.  I do want to understand your reasoning for certain decisions.”

This will start the conversation going by asking to be kept in the loop if that’s possible.

Strategic Communication #2:  Use the Power Formula

Fill in the blanks below
I am:
when:
because:

For example:  “I am frustrated when I don’t feel “heard” because I would like to have a seat at the table and work as a productive team member.”

This strategic communication may get the attention of your leaders that you are actively interested in being part of the team and want to be included in the decision-making process.  You need to be ready for constructive feedback if and when you hear why you are not included.  Your leaders need to be aware of your desire to be part of the big picture thinking for the company. 

Want to learn more? 
CLICK HERE to check out the premier program Communicate with Impact!  It develops leadership skills and teaches strategic communication to help participants grow professionally.  Clients are supported personally by me to achieve long term and positive change.  Sound good?  Here’s the link.

I want to hear from you!
CLICK HERE to share your experiences on how you received positive attention from your leaders and you felt heard.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Joyce’s career coaching system and put your career on track to your next promotion

Until next time,

This is Joyce Weiss, Communication Strategist and Coach

I share powerful techniques on tackling tough conversations to build employee engagement, accountability, and improve my client’s quality of life. Feel free to call me (800.713.1926) concerning your own team/executive retreats, workshops, and on-line professional growth coaching.

Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!

See YOU Next Week.

PS  CLICK HERE If you like this post on Strategic Communication to read my article on Enhance the workplace to increase the work pace.

Read more articles and listen to podcasts at our Career Skills Knowledge Base https://www.joyceweiss.com/resources/knowledge-base/career-skills/

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Joyce

Email: joyce@joyceweiss.com
Phone: 248-681-5831