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Communication is at the heart of everything we do each day, whether at home, work or play. It involves talking and listening – actively listening. Unfortunately, in today’s technology-driven, fast-paced world, studies suggest many of us are spending less and less time to really listening to one another.

As an active listener, it’s important to try to understand the message from the speaker’s point of view. It includes letting the speaker know you’re listening and you’ve understood what was said. Head nodding, smiles and eye contact are indications you’re tuned in.

“We were given two ears but only one mouth,
because listening is twice as hard as talking.”
                                                                       – Epictetus (AD 55 – c.135)

Mind you, this is not the same as hearing, which is a physical process where sound enters the eardrum and messages are passed to the brain. Rather, active listening can be described as an attitude that leads to listening for shared understanding. When we make a decision to actively listen, we listen for the content (the message) of what’s being said as well as the attitude behind what’s being said. Is the speaker happy, angry, excited, sad…or something else entirely?

Active listening encompasses the best of communication: actually hearing and understanding what’s being said, processing the information and responding in order to clarify and elicit more information.

Active listening is the foundation of effective communication. It solves problems and resolves conflicts. It builds relationships and careers.

Develop and practice these six tips to boost your listening skills:

1. Make a Decision to Listen. Close your mind to clutter and noise, put away
   your smart phone and look at theperson speaking to you. Give them your
   undivided attention.
2. Don’t Interrupt. Make it a habit to let them finish what they’re saying. Respect they have thoughts they’re processing and speaking about, and wait to ask questions or make comments until they’ve finished.
3. Use Positive Body Language. The occasional nod, smile or hand/arm gesture shows you’re listening to their every word. Avoid folding your arms across your chest as this may reflect defensiveness or disinterest.
4. Maintain Eye Contact. Keep your eyesfocused on the speaker and your earstuned to their voice. Don’t get distracted and let your eyes wander.
5. Put Yourself in the Speaker’s Shoes. Empathy is the heart and soul of good listening. If the person with whom you’re talking to expresses sadness, anxiety or happiness, you, too, should convey the same feelings in your body language and words. This not only conveys you’re a good listener but also shows respect.
6. Ask Questions throughout the Conversation. Asking questions show you’re engaged and interested in what they have to say. Your ability to summarize and paraphrase will also demonstrate you hear them loud and clear.

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ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – The attitude around the office is changing, both good and bad. This is National Business Etiquette Week and Nancy Schnoebelen Imbs of ‘Polished–Communications and Professional Development’ says manners still matter.

In this age of social media, she says it’s important not to overshare with colleagues.  Don’t overshare your personal life or your germs.

“If you’re sick and you feel like you’re contagious, don’t second guess yourself. Just stay home,” she says.

She says casual Friday is not a free-for-all, and be considerate of other people’s noses.

“Perfume or that cologne that you love so much you may want to recognize your coworker may not care for that. He or she might have an allergy. If you like it and want to wear it to work, a little touch will do and it goes a long way,” she says.

She says some workplaces actually go fragrance-free because it’s often difficult for people to do fragrance in moderation. And in today’s open and collaborative work spaces, there’s always the person who blasts videos or talks too loudly on the phone. Just be mindful and aware of other people in the room.

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In honor of National Business Etiquette Week (NBEW) June 3-9, 2018, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a better understanding of our graduates and the amazing things they are doing! Nancy Schnoebelen Imbs is a 2016 graduate of PSOW, Here’s what she shared with us!

How do you utilize your PSOW training? The comprehensive materials I received during my training are wonderful references to ensure I’m providing the best information. I especially appreciate having access to the PowerPoints, workbooks, scripts, fliers, etc. as there’s so much great information to share and incorporate into my seminars. As a graduate, I love the Alumni Zone and all the resources it offers!

What topics do you teach the most (or favorite topics to teach)?  Outclass the Competition and Dine Like a Diplomat are among my popular programs. I’ve delivered these workshops to people of all ages and in many different industry sectors.

How has PSOW had an impact on your life/career? After a year in business, I decided being licensed by PSOW would provide me with an excellent credential and add value to my business. It was the best decision I made to help elevate my career!

What advice would you give to those who are considering attending a course at PSOW? Do it! Not only will you enhance your career, you’ll also get to know and build lasting relationships with talented people from all over the world, and you’ll have great access to advice, up-to-date information and other benefits as a PSOW alum. PSOW staff is incredible, too!

First job(s)? Aside from babysitting, making $1 an hour (I’m aging myself!) my “real” job at 16 years old was a bus girl for a fancy French restaurant. I credit that job as my introduction to dining etiquette. Not only did I learn how to set a table properly, I also learned how to fold a napkin to wow any guest!

Favorite book, movie or TV show? On occasion, I’ve been known to binge watch “The Crown” or other popular series on Netflix; Favorite book, Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, M.D. – and I love his popular quote: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”

Guilty Pleasure? Sleeping in on a Saturday, wearing jammies all day and eating whatever my tummy desires!

If there’s one thing we should know about you, it is… I believe anything is possible – all you need is passion, belief in yourself and the will to succeed.

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Giving back, such as volunteering your time or serving on a committee or board, reaps enormous benefits for you and your community. Not only is it the right thing to do, it will also help you learn new skills, reduce stress, make you happy and even advance your career among many other touted benefits.

“We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give.”

                                                        ~ Winston Churchill

So, where to begin? You might want to start by checking with your HR department to ask if your employer has a formal volunteering program in place for employees. It’s reported that current employees who volunteer through their workplace have an increased positive feeling toward their employer, feel a stronger bond with co-workers and are more engaged with their work responsibilities. A win-win.

When seeking volunteer opportunities, it’s important to find something you love, so you can put your heart and mind into it. At the risk of stating the obvious, pick something that’s important to you and that you will enjoy. Whether it’s giving back with a well-established nonprofit or a grassroots organization, find a volunteer opportunity that moves your emotions. You may even consider going it alone like, for example, mentoring a vulnerable high school student or offering friendship and social activities to seniors in nursing homes.

Any amount of volunteer time you can offer counts. If you can dedicate, say, four hours a month, that totals 48 hours a year! That’s valuable time, and any organization would gladly embrace your generosity.

Fortunately, the opportunities to volunteer are limitless! Once you find a cause that resonates with you, plan to get involved and give back. You’ll not only be glad you did, you’ll find your decision to be a beneficial one all the way around.

Below is just a sampling of the many benefits volunteering affords you:

Expand Your Network – Volunteering is a great way to meet people. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your business and social network, exposing you to people with common interests, resources and career opportunities.

Make an Impact – Unlike other aspects of life you cannot control, volunteering allows you to choose where and how to make a difference. It’s easy to get inspired with a cause you are passionate about — and it’s rewarding to see you’re helping to make a difference.

Learn New, Transferable Skills – Volunteering will help you develop skills as well as apply current skills in new ways. For example, an administrative assistant in the financial industry could use his/her skills to help an organization with its budget and financial planning. Additionally, being a part of a committee or board is a good way to strengthen your communications skills.

Enhance Your Social Skills – While some people are naturally outgoing, others may be shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills and build rapport.

Improve Your Health – Yes! Volunteering is good for the mind, body and soul. Studies show, (for example United Health Group,) that volunteering makes people feel happier, physically healthier, manage chronic health conditions and lower stress.

Increase Confidence – You are making a difference for others, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride, identity and confidence. The better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.

Bring Fun and Fulfillment to Your Life – Volunteering is an ideal way to explore your interests and passions. Finding that special volunteer opportunity can be a rejuvenating escape from your day-to-day routine of work or family commitments. It also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation and vision that can carry over into your career.

Develop your Emotional Intelligence – Knowing your skills, interests and values are ingredients for career success. Volunteer experience can be a good way to learn more about yourself and your potential to grow. It also gives you a chance to find out how other people relate to you.

Where to Find Volunteer Opportunities

• Hospitals
• Community theatres, museums and monuments
• Foodbanks
• Homeless shelters
• Libraries or senior centers
• Service organizations such as Lions Clubs or Rotary Clubs
• Local animal shelters, rescue organizations or wildlife centers
• Youth organizations, sports teams and after-school programs
• Historical restorations, national parks and conservation organizations
• Places of worship such as churches or synagogues

Check out this great resource to help you with your volunteer search!

Contact Polished, today to fine-tune your leadership skills to become more successful in your professional and personal life.

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How would you feel if people associated you with the following traits: respectful; credible; kind; problem solver; confident; dependable; and focused? You, no doubt, would feel good! These are powerful words any individual would want described about them. It speaks to your professional abilities. It speaks to your reputation. It speaks to your personal brand.

Building a personal brand is an ongoing effort and one we should all work to develop. To borrow a quote from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” Building your personal brand is essential in advancing your career. It’s those characteristics and skills you’ve worked so hard to master. It’s a reflection
of you.

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