I ordered new business cards 10 days ago, paying extra to ensure they would arrive in time for a conference I’m attending next week on Wed.
This morning (Friday) I received a call from a woman in Memphis saying she had received my business cards! I immediately called the printer, explained the situation and that I needed the cards by Tues. for the conference. The rep said their records showed my cards will be delivered later today. I said, great if they do, but what if I receive her order instead? The rep said he could see a image of the cards and they are mine.
I always find it interesting that two people can interpret the same words differently. I almost missed meeting up with an old friend because of this. Her email said, “Let’s meet at our place.” She and I often meet at a parking lot, then drive to our destination together to save finding parking for two … Read more
Most of the people I know want to make a contribution to others’ lives. They are vigilant around how they can be helpful to others, whether that’s a compassionate ear when someone is having a rough time, volunteering for hours to help others in need, or raising money for good causes.
At some point in our lives, many people’s commitment to contribution can fade, as other priorities take precedent, whether that’s time with family or job, hobbies, or failing health.
So imagine my delight to meet 95-year-old Sister Mary Hayden in 2014 when I visited her Good Shepherd Sisters home in Nong Khai, Thailand as part of our Together We Can Change the World tour. We were escorted to a meeting room where Sr Mary was awaiting us. She put aside her project — cutting out angels to be incorporated into crafts that were sold in shops and online to support the GSS homes and village programs.
Later, one of the long-time staff told me that Sr Mary helped with the crafts projects as much as she could. She didn’t like to sit idly watching TV when she could do something to help others, no matter how small. So when she wasn’t talking to others who came to her for advice or comfort, she put her hands to work. She knew her part of the craft woud mean less work for others and the finished product’s sale would benefit those she’d worked decades to help.
Your new co-worker is proposing a project that was tried before she arrived and failed.
Your boss suggests a direction you think will be a disaster.
Your lunch-mate is sharing a “fact” you know has been debunked.
Situations like these are commonplace. Someone says something you either know to be wrong or with which you disagree. How you respond determines how you will be perceived by them and others present, as well as how receptive they will be to hearing your point of view.
What you say next and how you say it set the tone.
I am pleased to share Pete Mockaitis’ interview of me on his “How to Be Awesome at Your Job” show. 070: Upgrading Your Level of Service with Rebecca Morgan
Most of us need to enlist others outside of our team to help accomplish some tasks. Since the others are not required to say yes, you must finesse how you ask. In fact, even if the person is on your team, s/he may not be obligated to help you if what you’re asking is outside his/her area of responsibility.
It’s important to build relationships before you need to ask for help. People are inclined to help others they like, respect and trust. So ensure you are treating everyone you encounter in the best possible way. If someone asks you for assistance and you are able to provide it easily, then help them out. While requests are never to be quid pro quo, it often helps someone say yes to you if you’ve helped them. But don’t expect it or make them feel badly if they can’t help you in return.
In asking, your timing, tone of voice and word choice are critical.
At a recent business meeting of 8 people, one participant was unaware that his ramblings were irritating others. He spoke aloud whatever crossed his mind – when he had the floor, he got a text and mentioned it was from his wife. He further explained that his was was upset about her boss and wanted his input. “She just wants me to listen” he went on, “Boy, is her boss a jerk.”
This kind of unedited commentary was not unusual. He had conversations with individuals in the group — taking up the whole group’s time — that should have happened afterwards between just the two of them.
I was struck by how much time — and money — this wasted. And I’m afraid it was not an isolated instance.
A pal was sharing how frustrated he was in getting his non-profit idea off the ground. He has decided his solution was to convince a big tech company to fund it. He mentioned various ones he knew had big bucks, but I knew his idea was not aligned with what their foundations funded.
He was staunch in his belief that he could get them to fund him if he just met with the right people. I told him he was bloodying his head pounding it on a brick wall to get someone to embrace his idea and fund it for millions of dollars.
Finally, I said, “You’re fishing in a bathtub. You need to find a pond of fish who want your bait.” I didn’t mean to trounce his idea, but rather to help him find a more fruitful path.
I was honored to be featured in the press coverage of our Together We Can Change the World’s Global Leadership Boot Camp last month. In addition to the fabulous piece in the Asian Journal, I was also featured in the publications below, plus The Standard, Malaya and at GlobalPinoy.com and Manila Bulletin Online. Business Inquirer Malaya … Read more
