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Making A Difference In Your Business - Ten Steps To Get You Going

Written by: Martin Haworth

Article Overview: We are all busy people. Our businesses depend on us and they require our full attention. Yet sometimes, it's of value to reflect on the bigger picture of purpose. What is a way to lead and yet, make a difference in your wake.

Making A Difference In Your Business - Ten Steps To Get You Going

People skills, you either have them or you do not. True - up to a point. Some managers are great at getting from their people exactly what is vital and important in others, well, let's say, less so.

Still, for all there is hope to make progress, by focusing on some key points to build your business quickly and effectively, just by knowing better how to handle your people.

Here are the ten key areas you want to look at - in yourself...

1.Listen Well

It will come as no surprise, but the way you consciously, deeply listen to what others have to say to you is vital. Ask secondary questions.

2.Recognize and Take Opportunities

Any and every interaction is an opportunity for this. Make the most of every chance you have to make a positive difference to someone - try once a day to start with!

3.Build Positive Relationships

Whatever the stresses and strains you are under, take a deep breath when you are going to talk with someone. Your personal state makes a difference - and they notice. 'Respond' rather than 'react' - there's a difference.

4.Appreciate Others Efforts

People try hard to do their best. Start with that premise and you will be making a difference wherever you go. It's often not the girl-on-the-end-of-the-phone's fault - she's probably having a tough day herself. It's not the harassed shop assistant's fault. Seek to understand.

5.Say 'Thank You' Often and Easily

WOW!! This is one winning strategy. There is a website somewhere that says the biggest difference you can make to anyone, anytime, is to say 'Thank You'. (By-the-way, it makes you feel great too!)

6.See Positives In Everyone

There are positives in everyone. It is not about them, it is about you. The most aggressive and challenging person has energy! There are true positives in everyone. The best leaders find it and leverage it - for everyone's benefit.

7.Be Gentle To Your People

Courtesy, kindness, understanding - all words hardly befitting leading edge, tough & mean business managers. Ah, but that's where you might be wrong. Business focus can be as sharp as you like, but that still means you treat people well. By supporting them when they need support, they will support you.

8.Be Generous With Others

In life there are little opportunities to give. Of time; of money; to things that need your support. Rarely will you be so short on resources that you cannot afford to support, in some small way, someone else.

9.Accept Gratitude Back

Treat inbound thanks and gratitude well! By taking these 'gifts' in a gracious, appreciative way, you build relationships. People feel good around you too.

10.Recognize Yourself And Your Needs Too

Do not forget you. Making a difference is about being accepting of yourself in all of the above. Take time to appreciate you and what you do - you are a truly great person. So accept it with good grace!

Ten easy steps to move your business along. People focused, busy where you need to be. It takes time, courage and honesty to get these right. If you do, you will inevitably be successful

Martin Haworth is a business and management coach and trainer, working with a range of clients from corporates to individuals worldwide. www.MartinHaworth.com

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Article Tags: benefit, deep breath, interaction, key areas, kindness, leading edge, mean business, personal state, premise, relationships, shop assistant, strains, stresses, surprise, tough day, true positives



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