Bridges Edition of 5/8/2006

Welcome to Bridges, a monthly newsletter published by Robin Fogel, Executive and Career Coach & Consultant. My goal is that these newsletters include practical information that you can use in your work and in your life. If you enjoyed the newsletter please forward it to your colleagues, friends and family.

If you would like to take advantage of an executive coach, please
email me at robin@coachrobinfogel.com for a complimentary coaching session or visit my website - www.coachrobinfogel.com

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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
In today's hurry up world it seems that many of the problems and missteps we encounter are the result of poor communication. A number of years ago I put together a list called 15 Tips for Effective Communication. Based on a few of my recent assignments I thought it might be of benefit to share those tips, though I must confess that nothing on the list is original but they are all common sense.

1.Outline in your mind what you want to say before you say it
2.Organize your thoughts
3.Use clear, concise statements
4.Ask the listener to summarize what they heard - you'll know if yours were clear
5.Ask for clarification if necessary
6.Watch for nonverbal cues such as body language, restlessness
7.Communicate in a positive, open manner
8.Be on the lookout for communication breakdowns
9.When talking on the phone avoid multitasking, focus on the call
10.Really hear what the other person is staying instead of preparing your response
11.Use the question - what I heard you say is....
12.Don't interrupt
13.Maintain good eye contact without staring
14.Listen more than you speak
15.Learn to give constructive feedback

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FEEDBACK
Speaking of feedback, thanks for all the feedback on last month's column about tying your to-do lists to your priorities. Must be a national phenomena... from a recent Sunday paper and the cartoon Hi and Lois - Lois said, "I spend my whole life keeping track of all the little details but I never get around to doing the BIG important things!" Another example of "art" imitating life!

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WORKPLACE TRENDS
We've all heard the stories about jobs going off shore. A January issue of Business Week ran a story about a new and expanding trend they called "homeshoring". The article said that the largest number of homeshorers are educated, stay-at-home moms, who answer those customer service calls for large companies from their home offices. More than 75% have attended college vs. 20% who work in the call centers. They are older and more experienced and have an attrition rate of 20-30% vs. 100% at the brick and mortar call centers. Companies such as Office Depot, J Crew and Flowers.com are using these home based agents to field their calls.

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CONSULTING/COACHING NOT FOR PROFITS EXECUTIVES
Over the past few years an expanding part of my business has been to work with executive directors and staff of not for profits, supporting them on issues such as board relations, staffing, and leadership development. If I can be of assistance to any not for profit or association for which you volunteer or are associated with, I hope you'll consider recommending my services.
http://www.coachrobinfogel.com/business.html

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I appreciate your comments and feedback on this newsletter, please keep them coming. If there is a topic you would like to hear more about let me know.

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A FINAL THOUGHT
"Our life is what our thoughts make it."
-- Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher (121-180 A.D.)

COPYRIGHT: 2006, Robin Fogel & Assoc., LLC. All Rights Reserved. May be distributed and reprinted in its entirety with copyright, subscription instructions, and contact information intact. However, you may not copy it to a website.