News From LBD

January 2015 Volume 7 Issue 1

Conversation Starters

In todays world of "social media" the art of inter-personal communication is fading. The social skill of a meaningful "one-on-one" conversation is lacking. This leads to social avoidance and misunderstandings that can alienate personal and business relationships.

The skillful art of conversation is imperative in todays demand for results. Good leaders get it. They understand that good social skills are a requirement in todays business world. Yet few have mastered them. Asking an open-ended question is a great conversation starter.

Do you ever find yourself struggling to ask that next best question? Here are 5 sure-fire questions guaranteed to get your people talking:

1. Tell me one thing you wish you could do about improving your employees? Marketing efforts? Customers? Your time? Your family? Etc.

2. Describe your perfect product? Service? Sale? Vacation? Etc.

3. What frustrates you the most about your managers? Sales results? Customers, Ability to get things done? Etc.

4. What's the first happy thought, frustrating thought, work-related goal, must-do item or emotion you think about when you open your eyes in the morning? Etc.

5. How will you know when you've accomplished, or failed to accomplish, what you set out to do?

Asking these simple questions lets people know you're interested, willing to listen, empathetic and eager to help. Make them a habit and you will be pleasantly surprised by the results.

What Leaders are Reading

TRUTH or DELUSION?

Busting Networking's Biggest Myths

by Ivan Misner, PH.D., Mike Macedonio and Mike Garrison

The business and social world is full of ideas and assumptions about networking. What is true? What is delusion? You will be challenged with these questions and other truths in this book that will enable you to maximize your networking and social skills.

Leadership Tip of the Month

Questions to Stimulate Your Social Skills:

Am I adequately comfortable in unfamiliar social situations?

Do I avoid such uncomfortable social situations?

Do I tend to dominate conversations?

Are my conversations positive or negative by nature?

Do my conversations center around me, people, things or ideas?

Do my conversations tend to be more casual, gossipy, educational, or controversial?

In a group, do other people seek me out to speak with me?

Am I a good listener?

Are your answers potential strengths or a weakness? How will you build on your strengths and/or develop any weakness?

To learn more, contact LBD.

John Branstad

Quote of the Month

"One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anybody."

Mother Teresa

John Branstad
www.leadershipbydesign.org
763-213-5267