Interpersonal Business

Have we lost touch with our priorities and replaced them with sales figures, profit, and the bottom line? We are challenged by the day-to-day operation of our business, but is this the best use of our time? In the absence of electronic communications, when was the last time you personally communicated with your staff? It’s time to regain the personal touch that is what made you successful in the first place! Refocus your priorities and take control of your time.

There is a tremendous difference between talent versus mental toughness and hard work. As managers, we must often look at our sales team in terms of a sports team; our line-up includes the best and lesser players. Our best players have the mental toughness to overcome the obstacles and negative thoughts inherent in one’s career. Those with natural talent alone will ultimately wash out; the presentation never quite lives up to the product. Similar to sports, the winners will accept the cards they’re dealt, suck it up, and perform.

Delegation is management’s only long-term hope for survival. The only great risk to management is in not effectively granting responsibility to others. What are the qualities of pride and doing a job well? We must have the confidence and ability to hold all of our staff accountable. Expect those around you to take on a challenge and they will rarely disappoint you.

If not an art, there is certainly skill required in the process of negotiations. Most importantly, learn to choose your battles. Prepare your thoughts in advance, and always show consideration of others perspective. Anticipate others’ objections, and accept responsibility. Never corner the tiger. Watch for non-verbal signals through body language. Be prepared to compromise; you don’t have to win to be a winner.