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{EAV_BLOG_VER:7e98c0c981616258} A discussion on free speech and the need to maintain our right to say things that upset those around us. The stifling of free speech is one of the most important issues of our time. I have recently seen a crazy example of this: Qantas was at the centre of a scandal after posting… Continue reading »

May
18

Being Professional: Tips on Writing Better Business English

It constantly amazes me that so-called professional writers use such poor English in their written communication. Now none of us are perfect however a few simple rules can at least help us look and hopefully become, a little more proficient in the way we communicate. Tip one: When you use “and” in a sentence don’t… Continue reading »

Apr
21

The 10 Commandments of Effective Communication

Communication Commandment 1: Thou shall not make personal attacks, nor be sarcastic, insulting, mocking or scoffing. Communication Commandment 2: Thou shall not hide by avoiding responding to emails or calls, or use total silence when face to face. Communication Commandment 3: Thou shall not interrupt, arrogantly cut in with your own views, nor just be… Continue reading »

Feb
18

Building Effective Communication Skills – The Basics

Communication Skills Are About Transmitting Ideas Not Just Talking Communication is… “Achieving a state of shared understanding of the message transmitted”. Communication only occurs when the receiver fully comprehends what you mean. Communication to be successful must be confirmed by appropriate feedback that demonstrates that understanding. Communication is not… just telling someone something! So what’s… Continue reading »

Aug
19

Career Advice: You’re Never Out to Lunch – Telephone Diplomacy

Obviously we all go to lunch on most work days however when our staff are explaining why we can’t take a telephone call they should never say we are “having lunch”, “in the lunchroom” or “out to lunch”. Actually the information that inept staff or colleagues will offer over the phone is often astounding. In… Continue reading »

Jun
17

Effective Business Writing: Letters, Reports, Memos and Emails the B and C of the ABC Method, Brevity and Clarity

to continue Effective Business Writing… b) Brevity As with speaking one of the quickest ways to lose your audience ti to circle around the topic or by indulging in the proverbial ‘beating-about-the-bush’. There is an old sales letter adage that if you don’t capture your audiences attention in the first ten words you have lost… Continue reading »

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Jun
17

Effective Business Writing: Letters, Reports, Memos and Emails – Overview and Accuracy

Effective business writing skills in my experience are still one of the most difficult competencies for young employees to master. Here are a few rules that may help. Rule 1. Write like a journalist, or as some call it the A:B:C way Obviously good journalists are experts at getting their message across so the skills… Continue reading »

Jun
03

Working in a Multicultural Environment: Continued part 2

NATIONAL PSYCHE EXISTS… MAYBE Admittedly it is dangerous to comment or make judgments regarding another’s culture however sometimes I believe it is necessary. With that said did I once have the misfortune to listen to a young American professor while he advised a willing audience of ‘expats’ and ‘locals’ on the intricacies of dealing across… Continue reading »

Jun
03

Working in a Multicultural Environment: An Introduction

With the fluidity of borders and the rapid migration of workers from country to country there is today more than ever a pressing need in many organizations for us to work effectively with people from many cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Even if we work with those from similar backgrounds professional and personal characteristics mean… Continue reading »