D.I.V.A. of Dialog™ Blog

Toastmasters International: The Cure for Your Professional Development Deficiencies - Part 8

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 12:30:00 +0000

I have spent time in previous posts sharing specific professional development deficiencies that Toastmasters International can help you to "cure."

I recognize that there are many organizations out there in which you can join as a working professional.

In my opinion, however, there is no organization like Toastmasters International.

Regardless of your profession or your job title...

Toastmasters International has a "prescription" for ensuring that you are a competent professional who develops the ability to...

Take initiative
Make decisions
Improve your communication skills
Enhance your listening skills, and
Remain motivated to succeed in the workplace.

Investing in membership with Toastmasters International is "immunization for the ailments" that attempt to weaken you as a professional.

Visit https://www.toastmasters.org to find a club to join.

I say if you are ready to remove all the professional development deficiencies that threaten to plague your career...

You should invest in membership with Toastmasters International.

As I have said in many posts before...

Toastmasters International is the cure for your professional development deficiencies.

Keep me posted on the club you join and be sure to...

"Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™"

DISCLAIMER: Toastmasters International® and all other Toastmasters International trademarks and copyrights are the sole property of Toastmasters International. This post is the opinion of the author and is independent of Toastmasters International. It is not authorized by, endorsed by, sponsored by, affiliated with, or otherwise approved by Toastmasters International. Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development, with a global network of meeting locations spanning 143 countries worldwide. Through a proven educational program, the 358,000 members of 16,800 clubs are empowered to develop their speaking and leadership skills, facilitating greater self-confidence and personal growth. To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit www.toastmasters.org.

Toastmasters International: The Cure for Your Professional Development Deficiencies - Part 7

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:30:00 +0000

Your professional development is something that you must focus on throughout the duration of your career.

Those with whom you work, may share those areas of strength they recommend you keep using...

Or those areas of weakness of which they would like for you to improve.

However, in some cases, you won't receive that insight from others which means you will have to provide it to yourself.

Are you motivated to do that?

Well, here's how Toastmasters International can help you with...

DEFICIENCY #5: Lacks Motivation

Self-motivation is a mandatory characteristic you must possess for advancement in your life.

Since life has a way of knocking you down and tossing you around, you must learn how to find the energy within to stay on course.

The energy from within is crucial for your progress because you will not always have people standing next to you telling you that you are “great,” “fantastic,” and “capable of anything.”

You must learn to tell yourself these positive words of encouragement so that you can meet your deadlines, handle difficult people, or manage multiple projects without stressing out.

Toastmasters International teaches you how to find the motivation within by encouraging you to set personal goals, monitor your progress as you achieve your speaking and leadership goals, and share your achievements with others when you meet your goals.

The "Pathways Certificates of Completion" at the end of each Level or the "Curriculum Transcript/Training Details" will give you a visual of your progress.

This helps you to know exactly where you are and exactly where you are going next.

Printing or viewing these resources generates an exciting and self-fulfilling energy within that provides you with a sense of accomplishment for your achievement.

The Toastmasters education program teaches you how to “toot your own horn” without being braggadocios.

You can use the Toastmasters system of recognition for informing your supervisors of the speaking and leadership certificates you earn.

Toastmasters International will mail to the supervisor/manager you designate a letter informing them of your achievements.

This letter, sent on official Toastmasters International letterhead, is a great addition to your personnel file because it details specifically what you accomplished and why.

This makes it easier for you to share your accomplishments without walking into your boss’s office, jumping on top of their desk, and screaming at the top of your lungs “I’m da’ bomb diggity! Check out my Dynamic Leadership, Level 1 certificate from Toastmasters International!”

Although I do not suggest this bold display of declaration, I do encourage you to share your achievements in writing or verbally at staff meetings with your co-workers and boss.

Sharing the good news of your achievements will show your boss that you are committed to your professional development.

Also, sharing your accomplishments will keep you motivated to achieve your next goal.

"Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™"

DISCLAIMER: Toastmasters International® and all other Toastmasters International trademarks and copyrights are the sole property of Toastmasters International. This post is the opinion of the author and is independent of Toastmasters International. It is not authorized by, endorsed by, sponsored by, affiliated with, or otherwise approved by Toastmasters International. Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development, with a global network of meeting locations spanning 143 countries worldwide. Through a proven educational program, the 358,000 members of 16,800 clubs are empowered to develop their speaking and leadership skills, facilitating greater self-confidence and personal growth. To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit www.toastmasters.org.

Toastmasters International: The Cure for Your Professional Development Deficiencies - Part 6

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 12:30:00 +0000

Most people think that communication is all about speaking.

What they miss is that communication must incorporate listening.

If you have ever had someone "suggest" that you improve the way you listen,

I say that Toastmasters International is your "cure."

Here's how it can help you with...

DEFICIENCY #4: Not an Extraordinary Listener

It has been said that it is one thing to hear and another to listen.

Listening requires that you hear what the speaker is saying so that you can process the information correctly.

Listening allows you to form an appropriate perception of what the speaker says because you are obligated to ask questions, paraphrase, or restate what you heard the speaker say before you give your response.

When a person only hears, they tend to miss the true meaning of what the speaker is saying.

Due to the nature of the Toastmasters’ educational program...

Members learn how to sharpen their active listening skills by giving evaluations to speakers regarding their prepared speeches.

Written evaluations help members to understand the objectives for the speaker’s message; while the oral evaluations allow members to clarify or summarize the speaker’s message.

This is a valuable experience for the workplace because it helps professionals in situations where they must...

Clarify assignments they must complete
Summarize the progress on assigned projects, and fully
Understand conflict with co-workers by asking direct questions to diffuse anger and provide resolutions.

You will be amazed at how your listening skills improve when you become a member of Toastmasters International.

It will no longer be a deficiency for your life or career when you do.

"Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™"

DISCLAIMER: Toastmasters International® and all other Toastmasters International trademarks and copyrights are the sole property of Toastmasters International. This post is the opinion of the author and is independent of Toastmasters International. It is not authorized by, endorsed by, sponsored by, affiliated with, or otherwise approved by Toastmasters International. Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development, with a global network of meeting locations spanning 143 countries worldwide. Through a proven educational program, the 358,000 members of 16,800 clubs are empowered to develop their speaking and leadership skills, facilitating greater self-confidence and personal growth. To learn more about Toastmasters International, visit www.toastmasters.org.

Toastmasters International: The Cure for Your Professional Development Deficiencies - Part 5

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:30:00 +0000

In my previous posts, I've mentioned to you that Toastmasters International is the cure for your professional development deficiencies.

I've shared with you two deficiencies it can help you to "cure."

Now, let me share with you another...

DEFICIENCY #3: Lacks Communication Skills

Membership in the world’s most prestigious organization for communication skills will resolve this deficiency almost instantaneously!

The professional development deficiency of “lacks communication skills” translates into many things in the professional environment including but not limited to:

“Not speaking directly or clearly enough”
“Does not verbally address issues when they arise”
“Avoids providing sufficient or frequent updates to supervisors and/or staff.”

Toastmasters International helps you to organize your thoughts in a logical manner using words that help you convey your meaning without rambling on and on and on and on.

Toastmasters International builds your confidence of approaching an audience of one or 1,000 to extemporaneously address an issue at...

Staff meetings (e.g. Table Topics®)
Prepare your thoughts prior to confronting issues with co-workers (e.g. prepared manual speeches)
Give regular and frequent updates to your boss (e.g. reports for time and grammar)
Provide recommendations and suggestions to clients for their projects (e.g. speech and general meeting evaluations).

With the format of Toastmasters International, you receive regular, hands-on practice with...

Creating your thoughts into words
Speaking within a time limit
Speaking off the top of your head, and
Speaking from a script, outline, or notes.

Whether you attend once a week, every two weeks, or once a month, as a Toastmasters member...

You will receive consistent practice with communicating in a variety of ways to help keep club members informed and on track.

These strategies help to make you a better communicator in the workplace, too.

This isn't the only deficiency Toastmasters International can help you to "cure."

Read the next posts to learn of the others.

Toastmasters International: The Cure for Your Professional Development Deficiencies - Part 4

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:30:00 +0000

Toastmasters International is a great professional development resource.

I strongly believe that it helps to cure your professional development deficiencies.

It can help you with...

DEFICIENCY #2: Avoids Making Mistakes

Toastmasters is a place where you can tell almost instantly when decisions are not being made.

Clubs lose members and shut down.

Members remain stagnant, never achieving the next (or any) speaking/leadership awards.

Districts do not achieve recognition as Distinguished, Select Distinguished, or President’s Distinguished District at year-end.

In Toastmasters, decisions must be made for progress to happen.

Problems cannot persist; otherwise, clubs would become ineffective, resulting in the dysfunction of the Toastmasters program.

Members of Toastmasters International find they must think like creative problem solvers to find solutions to the marketing, membership, or apathy problems their clubs face.

Possessing the ability to resolve problems effectively is not only required in Toastmasters, but also in other professions from engineering to law, medicine to computers, and automotive to administrative.

If it is your habit to allow problems to fester, Toastmasters will help you become a person of action.

Membership in Toastmasters International will increase your ability to solve problems in your workplace and other areas of your life as well.

Test it out to see for yourself.

Toastmasters International: The Cure for Your Professional Development Deficiencies - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 12:30:00 +0000

I say that Toastmasters is the cure for your professional development deficiencies.

Here is how it can help you with...

DEFICIENCY #1: Afraid to Take Initiative

In Toastmasters, every club thrives when each member becomes involved.

Members can be involved in everything from the simplest of tasks to the more complex.

Meaning, members are the ones that participate at meetings by giving the Word of the Day, leading Table Topics®, giving speeches, sharing evaluations, or reporting the time.

Members must also lead the club by:

Carrying out its vision and mission (i.e. President)
Recruiting new members (i.e. Vice President Membership)
Scheduling educational sessions that retain members (i.e. Vice President Education)
Marketing and publicizing the club meetings (i.e. Vice President Public Relations); and
Greeting guests in a room with proper setup (i.e. Sergeant-at-Arms).

Yet, when there is a meeting role or club officer position that is vacant and necessary for the progressive movement of the club...

Members will take the initiative and accept the task, duty or role to ensure the club functions smoothly.

Many times, members take the initiative even when it puts them into a duty or role that they have never done before.

It is this level of initiative that is needed for productivity in the workplace.

Allow the friendly club environment in Toastmasters International to help you build your confidence for taking initiative in baby steps.

This will give you the springboard you need to take giant leaps later in your professional development.

Make the jump into membership!

Toastmasters International: The Cure for Your Professional Development Deficiencies - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 12:30:00 +0000

So, it has happened to you again, huh?

You received a performance evaluation that leaves you wondering if you are getting fired.

Or perhaps you are dreading your performance evaluation because you know that your boss will give you a checklist of deficiencies with no prescription for how to cure them.

Well, no matter your situation, I have a recommendation for you – Toastmasters International!

Toastmasters International is the “cure” for many professional development deficiencies.

Toastmasters International is the “antiseptic” for clearing up poor performance evaluations.

Toastmasters International provides you with the “check-up” for networking effectively.

Toastmasters International is the “ointment” for removing communication catastrophes on the job and at home.

Toastmasters International is “a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience.

Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality.

Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking – vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind.”

As a professional that is looking for promotions, raises, and high-scoring performance reviews,

You cannot afford to pass up on an opportunity to strengthen your skills and enhance your abilities through the Toastmasters International program.

In my opinion, Toastmasters International is the “prescription” every professional should use on their journey toward professional development.

Don't believe me?

Read the next post!

Toastmasters International: The Cure for Your Professional Development Deficiencies - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 12:30:00 +0000

When I’m conducting my professional development training sessions for administrative professionals, women professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, managers, supervisors, and candidates for re-employment, I make sure to mention Toastmasters International.

Why?

Because – Toastmasters International has been an extremely useful tool in building my leadership skills; enhancing my public speaking skills; and grooming me for my career as an entrepreneur.

Since I have seen tremendous benefits from my 20+ year involvement in Toastmasters International, I share with others how they could potentially benefit from Toastmasters International, too.

Although I am currently a full-time entrepreneur, I found the most benefit from my membership in Toastmasters International when I was a full-time employee, over 20 years ago.

When I was working full-time at the American Bar Association, (and part-time at a variety of other locations), Toastmasters International was THE #1 professional development tool that I used to improve my workplace skills.

I found that Toastmasters International became my prescription (and the prescription for many of my fellow members and colleagues) for several professional development deficiencies, such as:

Afraid to take initiative
Avoids making decisions
Lacks communication skills
Not an extraordinary listener
Lacks motivation

I discovered that the more active I became with the ABA SPEAKeasies Toastmasters club, #9424, the easier it became for me to fix these deficiencies.

My active membership within my club, coupled with my active involvement in my area, division, and district, all helped me to improve my workplace performance and receive higher ratings on my performance review at the end of each year.

Today, as charter member and founder of the Wrightwood-Ashburn Overcomers (WAO) Toastmasters Club, #771880, I encourage my fellow WAO members to use the Toastmasters experience to help them succeed on their jobs and in their careers.

I also implore you to do the same.

The purpose of this message is to give you insight on how Toastmasters International can help you to cure any of the professional development deficiencies I described earlier.

Do you suffer from any of them?

Have any of your bosses, in the past five years, pointed out any of these deficiencies as areas in which they would like you to improve?

Would you like to finally remove these deficiencies, or barriers, from your personal and/or professional life?

If you are already a member of Toastmasters International, would you like to learn how you can maximize your Toastmasters membership for the benefit of your job or career?

Yes?

Then, keep reading to find out how.

The Spread of Energy Influences Work Performance - Part 4

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 12:30:00 +0000

In my last post, you learned how I discovered that at one point in my career...

I de-energized the people I worked with by bringing negative energy into the workplace from my bad attitude.

I'm not proud of it.

But I'm glad I experienced it.

What better way to understand something than to have first-hand experience with it.

Right?

I am better able to understand the concept of "relational energy" as described in the Harvard Business Review article, "The More You Energize Your Coworkers, the Better Everyone Performs," because I lived the concept.

If you find that you want to improve the "relational energy" that you provide in your workplace...

Let me share with you four actions that you can take.

The first action you can take is...

Build High-Quality Connections: this action generates "relational energy" because it allows you to "work with a group of like-minded people."

I used this action to fix my bad attitude and minimize the amount of negative energy that I brought into the workplace.

The network of people that I surrounded myself with became my "success support system."

They helped me to strengthen my work relationships and improve my attitude inside and outside of work.

The second action you can take to improve your "relational energy" is...

Create Energizing Events: this action generates "relational energy" because it allows you to "run events with the explicit focus of creating energy, not just delivering content, products, or services."

I see this action as an opportunity for icebreakers, hang outs, and social moments built into the work environment.

These could even be after work social moments or happy hours, too.

The third action you can take is...

Use Tools That Promote a "Giver Culture: this action generates "relational energy" because you "experience positive energy from helping others at work."

When you give help to others at work, you create energy in the form of positive energy.

When you get help from others at work, you create energy in the form of gratitude.

The article says that "Gratitude for help received encourages paying it forward..."

This "...increases positive emotions and decreases negative emotions."

I have to agree as this is something I stumbled upon which helped to change my bad attitude.

The final action you can take to improve your "relational energy" is...

Map Relational Energy: this action allows you to uncover how your energy is affected when you interact with the people of your workplace.

Answering the question, "When I interact with _______, how does it affect my energy?"

Asking this question about every person with whom you work, will allow you to uncover if your energy is:

"Very energizing"
"Neutral"
"Very de-energizing"

Or somewhere in between.

Test out these actions.

See if you can improve your work performance with them.

Find out how your "relational energy" can be influenced in a positive way when you become intentional about the energy you get and give in your daily interactions.

Allow these four actions to boost your productivity and performance.

Be sure to share with me what you discover.

Until our paths cross again, I want you to...

"Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™"

The Spread of Energy Influences Work Performance - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:32:00 +0000

Did you realize that you are a source of "relational energy"?

I discovered this concept - the hard way - years ago.

It was the early days of my career as a working professional.

I worked at a non-profit organization holding down the roles of administrative assistant and mid-level manager.

I was fortunate to work with a small team of passionate, hard-working, and dynamic people.

I was also fortunate to learn more about myself in the process.

The major lesson that I learned about myself was that...

When I became irritated by something or someone,

I operated from a bad mood which permeated the room like a dark cloud on a rainy day!

Everyone was affected by the energy!

Or should I say, "infected by the energy."

It became hard to bear for those who worked with me.

I was eventually called on the carpet about it.

I was told that my attitude was so bad that people didn't know how to interact with me.

("Good," I thought, "That makes less people I have to talk to!")

I was told that my colleagues and team members felt like they had to walk on eggshells around me.

("So, what!" I thought, "That's their problem!")

I was told that my attitude created such a heavy energy in the room...

That working in a three-room office without windows made it hard to escape its draining effect.

(I thought, "Are you kidding me? Seriously!")

I was given the instruction to work on my attitude.

The ultimate request was for me to learn how to shift the negative energy, so it did not bring down the entire office.

Initially I thought,

"What nerve!"

"Forget them!"

"I don't care what they think!"

Oh, I sat with those thoughts and the feelings they brought for a few days...

Until I eventually had "a come to Jesus moment"!

I realized that my pattern of behavior which created such a heavy energy in the workplace was the same pattern of behavior that I used with family and friends.

Let's just say that even my family and friends were walking on eggshells, and tired of my bad attitude and negative energy, too.

LOL 🤣🤣🤣

I can laugh about it now.

But it was no laughing matter back then!

I was mad.

I felt insulted.

I believed that I was stuck.

How do I make the shift?

What can I do so I don't lose my job?

Interestingly enough, I did a strategy provided by the Harvard Business Review article, "The More You Energize Your Coworkers, the Better Everyone Performs."

I'll share that with you in a later post.

In the meantime, I want you to think about yourself.

Are you bringing positive "relational energy" into your workplace?

Or are you doing as I did, bringing negative "relational energy" to your coworkers and stifling workplace performance?

Share your thoughts.

Until our paths cross again, I want you to...

"Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!"

The Spread of Energy Influences Work Performance - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

I continued reading the Harvard Business Review article entitled:

"The More You Energize Your Coworkers, the Better Everyone Performs."

I learned more from the author Wayne Baker about an energy known as...

"Relational Energy."

Ever heard of it before?

Me either.

I discovered that "relational energy" is energy that we "catch" through our interactions with people.

I also discovered that "relational energy" affects our workplace performance.

The more I allowed this knowledge to resonate with me...

The more I recognized I had experienced "relational energy" throughout my time in corporate America.

Truth be told, I still experience "relational energy" with the clients and colleagues I work with now.

As the author described it...

"Relational energy" is a source of energy that everyone experiences in everyday life because it comes from our relationships with others.

I immediately thought how this could be good or bad, depending upon the relationship.

Sure enough, the article made mention of this.

It talked about how "some people are energizing because they give off positive vibes" or "because they create genuine connections."

As the article described the behaviors of energizing bosses and coworkers, I could relate.

I am grateful that I was able to experience people in the workplace who energized me because they:

Gave off positive vibes
Loved their job
Was a happy person
Created genuine connections
Devoted their full attention
Listened carefully and attentively

I could see why my work performance was higher and more enjoyable in some environments than others and it was all due to the energizing bosses and coworkers with whom I worked.

How about you?

Does any of this knowledge resonate with you?

Can you think of people with whom you work that fit the behavioral descriptions above?

Share with me how your work performance has been positively influenced by "relational energy."

“Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™”

The Spread of Energy Influences Work Performance - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

"How much energy do you have at work?

Do you feel invigorated and engaged or down and disengaged?

Either way, the reason might be your coworkers:

They are infecting you with their energy, positive or negative."

Wow!

This was the opening paragraph to an article I read by the Harvard Business Review entitled,

"The More You Energize Your Coworkers, the Better Everyone Performs."

These words stopped me in my tracks!

I thought about this energy idea in a moment of flashback to my own career experiences.

Then I thought I needed to share these words with you.

What are your thoughts on this point?

Let me know.

"Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™"

WORK RELATIONSHIPS: Don't Push Them Down a Flight of Stairs! | Part 6

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

The workplace gets a lot of your time, during which you will...

Face issues and challenges with work overload
Insufficient staffing
Lack of adequate resources, and even
Personality clashes with bosses, co-workers, and staff.

To make certain that your time, energy, talents, and service are used wisely,

And to the benefit of your health...

Be certain that you...

Respect those you work with
Greet those you work with, and
Acknowledge those you work with ...as a way to strengthen your work relationships.

Use each strategy to help you promote workplace harmony and productivity without having to push anyone down a flight of stairs.

Do you think that's possible for you to do in your career?

Let me know what you think.

“Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™”

WORK RELATIONSHIPS: Don't Push Them Down a Flight of Stairs! | Part 5

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

The workplace tends to be an area of our lives where we expend a lot of energy, utilize a fair amount of our talent, and very often go without getting recognized.

If you are to strengthen your work relationships, you must remember to acknowledge those with whom you work with compliments.

Joel Osteen once said, “Compliments are the glue to a relationship.”

I must admit that I agree with him wholeheartedly.

My work experiences demonstrated to me that when I shared compliments with those whom I worked...

I had a better working relationship with them.

So don’t underestimate the power of compliments.

Compliments allow you to become “people-centered” instead of “self-centered.”

Compliments can change attitudes and boost connections

Compliments allow you to acknowledge those with whom you work for the good things they’ve done for you.

Saying...

“Thank you,”
“I appreciate your help,” or even
“That was one of the best reports I’ve ever heard,”

...will allow you to specifically show your appreciation for their time, effort, and service.

Compliments

– when honestly stated and openly given –

Help you to connect to your bosses, co-workers, and staff in such a way that builds respect and strengthens work relationships.

STRENGTH TIP #3: Share compliments with your bosses, staff, and co-workers when they have done things that you appreciate. Compliments provided in public mean even more than compliments provided in private. When you help others to know that you appreciate them for what they do, they will become more supportive of you.

How do you plan to use this wisdom for your career?

I'm curious to know.

“Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™”

WORK RELATIONSHIPS: Don't Push Them Down a Flight of Stairs! | Part 4

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Do you work with people who don’t speak to you when they first see you?

Do you find that habit annoying?

Most workers find themselves irritated when their boss, staff, and/or co-workers fail to greet them.

I, too, found myself irritated when I worked with a co-worker who would walk by my desk – first thing every morning – and not greet me.

Oh, boy, would that burn me up!

Why the typical greeting is withheld in the workplace is a mystery to most.

For those who have been angered by the lack of greetings from bosses, co-workers, and/or staff, several theories have been created.

For instance, some say that the greeting is withheld because bosses, co-workers, and staff are not morning people, which is why the greeting is not exchanged.

Others say that bosses, co-workers, and staff are so focused on what they must do for the day that their thoughts are consumed by the need to complete tasks not the need to give greetings.

Whatever the theory, the fact remains that greetings are a way to build and strengthen work relationships.

It is important to remember that greetings help you to establish a connection with those you work with.

Greetings become the first line of conversation between you and your bosses, co-workers, and staff.

Greetings help to set the stage for communicating requests, reports, problems, and progress.

Greetings are a vital part of a work relationship that should not be ignored.

STRENGTH TIP #2: Greetings set the tone for your workday. Speak to those you work with upon first encountering them. A simple and brief “Hello,” “Good Morning,” or “Glad to see you” will humanize your work connection and help you to promote the right tone for your day.

How do you think this wisdom will help you with your career goals?

Take a moment to let me know.

"Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™"

WORK RELATIONSHIPS: Don't Push Them Down a Flight of Stairs! | Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

R-E-S-P-E-C-T is important to every relationship.

Don’t give someone respect and watch how quickly that relationship dissolves.

Respect in the workplace is essential to...

Healthy and productive interactions between:

Supervisors and subordinates, as well as
Co-workers to co-workers and
Clients to vendors.

Showing and giving respect means you are willing to like your bosses, staff, and co-workers...

Despite their shortcomings and idiosyncrasies.

Showing and giving respect in the workplace means you will...

Honor those you work with as individuals who have a job to do that is vital to your collective workplace success.

Showing and giving respect in the workplace means you will...

Value your bosses, staff, and co-workers as professionals who have an expertise different from you that adds value to what you do.

Showing and giving respect means that you understand how important respect is to the process of strengthening your work relationships.

STRENGTH TIP #1: Learn to respect those you work with by seeing the job they perform as an important and necessary aspect of your work environment.

Now that you know this wisdom, how will you use it today for your career growth and success?

"Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™"

WORK RELATIONSHIPS: Don't Push Them Down a Flight of Stairs! | Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

It has been estimated, on average, that

Korean workers spend 2,380 hours per year at work
Mexican workers spend 1,848 hours per year at work
American workers spend 1,824 hours per year at work; while
Dutch workers spend 1,357 hours per year at work
Norwegian workers spend 1,363 hours per year at work
French workers spend 1,441 hours per year at work; and
German workers spend 1,443 hours per year at work

(The American Workplace - How Much Time Do Americans Spend At Work?).

With so many of your hours per year being spent around others that are not your family,

...and in some cases,

People with whom you do not get along,

It makes it important that you learn to build and...

Strengthen your relationships at work so that...

They are beneficial to your time and health.

Respect one another.

Greet each other.

And acknowledge one another are the three ways that will help you to...

Strengthen your work relationships.

These three solutions are important because they are...

Beneficial to your time and health and will...

Keep you from pushing others down a flight of stairs.

We'll talk more about each one in future posts.

In the meantime, share with me how you plan to use this wisdom for your career.

"Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™"

WORK RELATIONSHIPS: Don't Push Them Down a Flight of Stairs! | Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Have you ever worked with someone that made you angry by the things they did or said?

Have you ever worked for bosses who had – what you thought to be – unreasonable requests for which you felt like smacking them?

Have you ever considered giving your co-workers a “piece of your mind” because you were fed up with them not performing their duties as assigned?

Have you ever felt as if you had had enough of the annoying behaviors in your workplace to the point where you felt like pushing bosses, co-workers, and staff down a flight of stairs?

If you answered “yes” to either of the questions above, you’ve learned that relationships in the workplace can be very trying to one’s patience, mind and nerves.

As you may have realized, slapping bosses, telling off co-workers, or even pushing staff down a flight of stairs might make you feel better,

But could potentially make existing problems worst!

Not to mention, you could end up getting fired and possibly serving jail time – which would not be a good situation.

In the next few posts, I will provide you with three solutions that will help you to create stronger relationships in the workplace.

The key is not to make you have “best friends” in your work environments.

The key, however, is to help you find a connection that promotes work harmony and productivity.

What do you think of this wisdom?

How do you plan to use it for your career?

"Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!™"

The Start of Something New

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 15:18:00 +0000

Hey Career Advancer,

Today is the start of a new month.

The start of the first day of the last month of the year.

The start of something new.

What is that something new for you?

I know for me, today is the start of reviewing my quest towards achieving my professional goals.

Eleven months ago, I started the year with a theme that included my professional goal of using social media for business purposes.

I have a history of hesitating with using social media for business purposes.

Truth be told, I have a history of "kicking and screaming" with the thought and efforts of using social media for business purposes.

But this year, I did less "kicking and screaming" and more "liking and posting."

That's progress for me!

On this start of a new month, I celebrate my progress and give thanks for the opportunities that allowed me to make progress on using social media more consistently this year.

I actually used it more this year than I've done in the past four years when I first set social media as a goal and theme for my year.

I'm amazed that I feel less frustrated by using it and more confident with my understanding of how to use it for business purposes.

Today marks the start of me seeing evidence of my progress with achieving my professional goal.

Today sets me on a committed path to start something new with my social media skills.

What exactly will I do?

That's a great question!

I think we must all stay tuned to find out 🤣

How about you?

What is the start of something new for you?

Share to let me know.

Whatever you decide is the start of something new for you,

I want you to...

"Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!"

A Thanksgiving Message from Career Coach Cassandra Lee

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 18:15:00 +0000

Great Day, Career Advancer!

A friend of mine asked me a few years ago,

“Who helps the helper when the helper needs help?”

It was a perplexing question, and it made me laugh...

Until I saw the serious look on my friend's face!

“Oh, wait, that wasn’t a rhetorical question?”

“You’re asking me that question for a reason?”

I was surprised but she was serious.

It was a silencing and eye-opening question for me.

After what felt like an hour, she spoke 20 seconds later to share how she had been observing me for years.

She said she had observed how I was always there to help out family and friends with what they needed, but she questioned who I reached out to when I needed help.

I paused for some time before she and I both responded – “NOBODY!”

After a few moments, I realized that wasn’t totally true.

Sure, I seldomly reached out to others for help.

But on the rare occasions when I did, I reached out to a select group of people who I knew I could truly count on and trust to help me.

She was one of those people.

Not only did she support me with what I needed, she encouraged me, cheered for me, and challenged me to become who I am today…

A career coach for busy professionals!

I take a moment of pause to say “THANK YOU” to my dear friend.

I thank her for reminding me not to go it alone, to reach out for assistance, and to have courage in seeking help.

I thank her for challenging me to remain refueled, recharged, and renewed by seeking help from others so I could be of better service to those I know, love, and serve.

I thank her for living her life by that example and for leaving me with her legacy to remember.

I am forever grateful to her!

As we close out this Thanksgiving week, I ask you,

"Who are you thankful for?"

I invite you to...

Call them.

Text them.

Email them.

Zoom with them.

Find a way to let them know.

“Stay on the rise by finding joy in every moment!”

P.S. And if they are no longer here, like my friend, simply think of them with a grateful smile as their memory warms your heart 😉

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:00:00 +0000

A few months ago, I received an inspirational message about renouncement.

“Renouncement?” I thought.

“Renounce what?” I asked myself.

As I read through the message, I realized it was a message challenging me to give up, let go, and release things which are holding me back and no longer serving me.

It got me to thinking, “What can I renounce today?”

The answer came quickly, and I chuckled because it was, “Your hesitation with using social media!”

My lack of social media involvement has been the running joke of my family and friends for years.

My niece once said, “Oh, she won’t ever see that because she’s not on social media. If you want her to know about it, you’d better text her.”

She was telling the truth!

I have s-l-o-w-l-y been working my way back to social media since “Girls Trip 2022” in Topsail, NC.

Many of my followers were SHOCKED to see that I had posted pictures, added videos, made comments, and used reaction icons to engage in a place that I’ve been nonexistent in for years.

While on that trip, I challenged myself, in all honesty, I promised myself that I would become more active on social media – in a way that was comfortable for me.

I found that I could “like” very easily.

I would also give the occasional “laugh,” “heart,” or “hug.”

I thank Zoom for teaching me how to effortlessly use these icons.

Every so often I would make a comment here or there, but I mostly “liked” my way into social media involvement.

Today I think back on that inspirational message and how it has challenged me to renounce my social media hesitancy and inactivity.

I’m stepping up my involvement so I can level up my understanding of this experience.

I recognize there is so much which has changed since I first got my social media accounts.

There are also so many nuances of social media that I don’t know or understand.

Yet, today, I embrace the challenge of that inspirational message to renounce my hesitation on using social media.

I will figure it out so I can find a comfortable place in which to connect and reconnect again.

Hence my sharing this post with you today.

How about you?

Is there something this message has inspired or challenged you to renounce?

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Great day, Career Professionals!

On this "Tackle It Tuesday," I share with you an article I read a few months ago.

A conversation with a colleague made me remember some of the advice it provided, and I thought I would share it with you.

Enjoy reading "8 Skills to Learn for a More Productive and Fulfilling Work Life."

What are your thoughts on the eight (8) skills listed?

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:39:00 +0000

Good day, Career Professionals!

Welcome to "Make It Happen Monday" and today's motivational message on mindset shifts.

Do any of the words of wisdom from T.D. Jakes, Les Brown, or Tony Robbins resonate with you?

“Tackle It Tuesday™” Inspirational Tip: Laugh

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 10:30:00 +0000

Do you agree with this week's quote? Do you follow this philosophy? Share your thoughts below. - Cassandra "D.I.V.A. of Dialog™" Lee

“Tackle It Tuesday™” Inspirational Tip: Kindness

noreply@blogger.com (D.I.V.A. OF DIALOG) — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 10:30:00 +0000

What are your thoughts on this week's quote? Does it resonate with you? Share them below. - Cassandra "D.I.V.A. of Dialog™" Lee