Use these skills discussed here with your employees, clients, vendors and anyone else you find yourself working with skills and begin to increase your success.

Develop a culture of celebrating everyone’s successes

When something goes great let other people know. Tell them when you solve a big problem, when you land an exciting new project, when you finish an crucial certification course. On the flip side ask other people to share their wins with you. Ask them for some wins, give them an opportunity to share with you what is exciting in their business.

Use your intuition

Sometimes you might have a thought or an idea that you cannot intellectually or practically justify. If you want to share it, share it. You can start by saying I have an unrelated thought I would like to bounce off you.”  “I am having the sense that.” Trust your intuition and use your intuition.

Have a theme

Create an idea, affirmation or motto in the form of a phrase or sentence that supports a new belief or behavior you are trying to cultivate with your team. Themes can also hold the focus on a particular desired outcome you are working towards. Themes can help you put your attention on a particular skill you want to continue to develop.

Here are some examples of themes some of my clients have used: We easily create customer solutions, We expect success, Trust yourself and your ability to get the job done, New business is everywhere. Pick a different theme for your team each month.

No matter what is the size of your team, it is in your best interest to consider yourself a coach to your employees, vendors and clients. Utilize these coaching skills and watch how your meetings come to fruition with ease. Also your new skills will enhance all your professional interactions. What could be smarter?

Have you enjoyed this series? If you have tried any of the ideas shared here, or have additional suggestions, please leave a comment!

Use these skills discussed here with your employees, clients, vendors and anyone else you find yourself working with skills and begin to increase your success.

Make powerful requests

Sometimes we think we have made a request when really we have only had a discussion. A request looks like: “Will you do that before our next appointment?” or “I request that you fax me your bid by Wednesday.” Not a request: “If you get a chance send me your updated information.” or “Let me know when you can help me with this project.” When you make a request there are one of three responses. Accept the request with a “yes” response. Decline the request with a “no” response or negotiate the request by making a counteroffer.

Use positive language

Eliminate judgment from your communication, take out the word “should” from your vocabulary. Replacement words and phrases might be – would, could, have you considered, it would serve you. When conversing with someone, never start a sentence with “But.” This word invalidates whatever came before it. Instead of “but” use the word “and.”

Brainstorm

When you do not have the answer to a challenge at hand, generate ideas to create a possible solution through brainstorming. When doing this with yourself or with someone else, remember to not comment, evaluate, judge or edit any thoughts or suggestions. Continue to write them all down until there are no more. Then begin a dialogue using the ones that seem the most appealing. Eventually you may have a solution.

Be acknowledging

Talk about the good things you are hearing, make sure the people you interact with know that you are aware of their, risks, wins, expertise, etc.

Acknowledging someone is very different than complimenting them.

An acknowledgment refers to WHO the person is being. An example would be, ” I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me, it shows me that my project is important to you.” “I want you to know that in working with you, it is clear to me that you know your industry and you really care about your clients.” A compliment refers to something the person did or is wearing. ” That was a delicious batch of cookies you made.” “I really like your lapel pin.”

Coming up in Part 3 – Develop a culture of celebrating success, use your intuition, and use themes.

Smart Leadership for Entrepreneurs – Part 1

A leader steps up, they provide direction, and sometimes even motivation to get things moving. In today’s world accomplishment is achieved largely through collaboration and making sure people feel seen, heard and a part of the process. Entrepreneurs are good at many things: being innovative, risk-taking and moving quickly. One of the skills many can use l more of is leadership. Having the skills of a leader helps you get everything done with more support and engagement from everyone involved.

Use these skills discussed here with your employees, clients, vendors and anyone else you find yourself working with skills and begin to increase your success.

Create accountability

In your professional interactions make sure decisions and actions are not only talked about. Always get a clear, definite agreement. Always have both parties write down any agreements. Each agreement must be specific and measurable and accompanied by a timeline for completion. For example, if someone says to you, ” I will see if I can get to your proposal this week,” create accountability with them by asking, “Are you agreeing to call me back with your decision by Friday?” Take it one step further and make a phone date for Friday to ensure you will get your answer.

Practice power listening

In business you want to show your interest and enthusiasm through both your verbal and nonverbal communication. You will learn a lot more from listening. To be a power listener put your full attention on being fully present with the other person. This includes maintaining open body language; do not cross your arms or legs. Remember to have a relaxed face. Sometimes people are concentrating so hard they look like they are frowning. This intimidates the speaker.  Always maintain constant eye contact when listening.  Allow no interruptions, do not answer the phone do not begin to talk with anyone else, give the speaker your full attention. Use “ I am listening” words and phrases i.e.. “aha,” “yes,”  “I see,” “really,” “interesting,” “I hear you.”

Coming up in Part 2 – Make powerful requests, use positive language, brainstorm, and acknowledge. Be sure to subscribe!