About Christine 
 

Christine Zust, MA, RCC 

is the author of Everything
I Do Positions Me: The Simple
Path to Professional Success.
As a communication expert,
she helps emerging leaders, executives and management
teams develop credibility and
clout with their key clients.
Christine shows employees
- at all levels - how to position 
themselves as professional
brand ambassadors. She is
president of Zust & Company,
a Cleveland-based firm
specializing in speaking,
training, coaching, and
facilitation. She can be 
reached at (440) 777-8373
or visit her website at
www.communicationqueen.com. 
Let's Stay Connected!





The Last Word

 

Breath vs. Breathe

 

When I hold my breath, I can't breathe.

 

NOT

 

When I hold my breathe, I can't breath.

 

How do you remember which is which?

 

Breath is a noun. Bad breath. Garlic breath. Shallow breath. Deep breath. I couldn't catch my breath.

 

Breathe is a verb. Breathe in the fresh air. The air was so toxic, I couldn't breathe.

 

People often struggle with whether or not to include an 'e' on the end of the word. The easiest way to remember: Breathe has a long 'e' sound so it ends in an 'e'.


 

Quick Links







Christine Loves to Dance!



Christine has some open slots on her dance card in 2015 and 2016. She would love to bring her engaging, interactive keynote presentations to your company or professional association. Or coach emerging leaders and executives on professional presence, strategic communication and leadership.
Call her today (440) 777-8373. She can dance fast or slow.

Image by Dan Morgan, Straight Shooter Photography.

Q Tips...
is an e-newsletter that delivers easy-to-use communication ideas to help you position yourself as a true professional. When you speak effectively, you get the results you want. Good communication skills can advance your career, help you mediate conflict and improve your
personal relationships.
Be the Change as a Positive Role Model 

By Christine Zust, MA, RCC

Millions of college graduates are descending upon the workplace this time of year, beginning a new chapter in their young lives. Chances are, you may have hired one recently. You may be the teacher who nurtured those young spirits so full of potential, encouraging them along the way. You may be the parent who is sending that child of yours off into the work environment. Whatever your role, you serve as a mentor and positive role model to those young, fresh minds.

What did it feel like when you began your career? Dust off those mental cobwebs. What were you thinking, feeling and experiencing for the first time? It was exhilarating, life-changing and a bit scary. Let's take a moment to revisit what it takes to be a positive role model, because a lot of eyes are looking to you right now for leadership. On a scale of 1-10 for each quality (10 is the best score), honestly evaluate yourself:

Respect. It's true that you cannot respect others until you first respect yourself. Every solid relationship is built upon the foundation of respect.

Acceptance. One of life's greatest lessons is to accept people for who they are. When yo do, they will feel it and they will appreciate you.

Authenticity. Live your core values and be your most authentic self. Show others your full capability through your actions. (Don't say one thing and do another).

Moral choices. Make good decisions based on what is morally and ethically right.

Openness. Share your knowledge with others. Never hold back important information that will help a person grow in their career and in life.

Guidance. Rather than tell, guide. Telling comes from a place of self-centeredness or arrogance; guidance comes from a place of care and concern.

Confidence. Demonstrate confidence in yourself, your abilities and in others' abilities.

Responsibility. When you take full responsibility for your actions - be they good or bad - you are demonstrating a high level of professionalism.

Patience. The fast-paced, demanding work environment craves patience. Stop. Reflect on the role models in your life who practiced patience with you. Aren't you in a better place because of it?

Inspiration. Those who inspire others to do more, be more and help others along the way open up others' thinking about what is possible.

How did you do? A perfect 100? 50? 10? Whatever your score, with intent, you can become more of the role model that you desire.

World leader Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." As you work alongside the next generation of leaders in the workplace, embrace your role as a positive role model. For the next few months, ask yourself an important question as you begin each day: "How am I being a positive role model today?"

 © Christine Zust, 2015
Netwalking Builds Healthy Relationships

Christine and Tammy netwalking
If you are looking for a creative way to build meaningful relationships through networking, consider netwalking. One of my colleagues, sales and marketing expert Tammy Wise, owner of WISECHAPTER3, has created an effective way to - as she states: "grow your business without growing your waistline." Traditional networking usually happens when you meet up with other professional colleagues Read more 
Still...The Best Primer for
College Graduates and Young Professionals
Start recent college graduates off the right way with Everything I Do Positions Me: The Simple Path to Professional Success by Christine Zust. It is the perfect primer for young professionals who care about their career success. The book focuses on best practices in six core areas:

* Communication Competence
* Networking Savvy
* Positive Attitude
* Advancing and Sharing Knowledge
* Professional Image
* Personal Style 

The book contains 150+ thought-provoking questions that will transform the college graduate into the quintessential professional. To order Everything I Do Positions Me: The Simple Path to Professional Success, click here.