Tips on Team Building

Working as a team is very important in the office environment. It not only fosters good social relations with your officemates but provides a deeper and better insight on the machinations of the company.

As a leader, one must make sure that none of the members of the group are left out. Because of this, it is important that communications within the group is free flowing. Opinions and ideas are freely shared and accepted. Debates, instead of creating arguments should become tools for brainstorming. Decisions, when made should be voted on by the group and not just by one individual person.

Establish objectives as a group and continually update on the developments towards the target. During a project, it is best to clarify each of the members task to avoid confusion. This would also help the team member’s morale as they would have a definite action to do for the group.

Treating each other as friends is well and good. This could help soften the impact of rejections when it comes to proposals. However, when problems in social interactions arise, it is better to act professionally with each other. Don’t let the differences of opinion in the personal field affect the relationship in the work place or vice versa.

In team projects, the most important thing is the successful completion of the venture. Hence, competition isn’t really necessary since everyone is working towards the same goal. A bit of friendly competition would be alright since it would promote members to think, but letting it heat up intro large proportions would be unwise. When noticing competitions that seem to spark a bit of resentment, put a stop to it immediately, reminding the members that they are here to work as a group.

As they say “two heads are better than one”, just imagine what three heads or more can do!

Minimizing the Gossip Factor in the Workplace

Like it or not, the office grapevine is one of the reasons the workplace remains exciting despite the dozens of overtimes. However, the grapevine is also one of the most dangerous things in the career world that could destroy a good standing in the company. So what’s the best way to handle gossip? 

First, you have to accept the fact that gossiping is bad. I know those juicy little secrets makes great stories but they will in the long run come back to haunt you. The best way to manage those rumors is to keep mum. Steering clear of spreading gossip have been and will always be the best solution for this type of problem. It would be best to just concentrate on work and don’t lend the rumor mill a helping hand by talking about your coworkers behind their back. However, sometimes the lure of a tasty little morsel of office news can be very attractive. When you find yourself smack in the middle of the gossip problem, the ideal bet would be to stop talking about the rumor altogether. This may not stop the gossip as it is already known in the workplace, but keeping silent about it would allow the rumor to die a natural death. Talking about it, regardless of a change in opinion, would only fan the flames of the story.

To minimize the gossip problems wherein you are the target, choose friends wisely. Rumors spread because somebody starts talking about them; hence it is best if you irrevocably trust the person before telling them something important about yourself.

A sad fact, sometimes the act of spreading rumors is a way of getting accepted in the group. Don’t fall for that particular trap. Gossip not only hurts people but disrupts an otherwise healthy career.

Working with Bothersome Colleagues

Ever been the recipient of nasty looks across desks? Or maybe even derogatory phrases from an office worker?

Like it or not, the typical work environment means socializing with colleagues. You are after all working in the same company and after the same goals. However, no matter how you try to avoid it, at one point during your career, encountering bothersome colleagues would be inevitable. It could be from something as simple as a misplaced document that could get the ball rolling toward the unpleasant scenarios or sometimes it’s just plain old “oil and water don’t mix” syndrome. The fact is, the office could sometimes be a battleground, harming not only the quality of individual work but the overall performance of the company.

Of course, although inevitable, office conflicts could be resolved if prevented. First things first, before going right up to that officemate you seem to be clashing with often, ask yourself first if maybe it’s your attitude that’s the problem. Most people don’t realize that they are in as much fault as the other party so it’s better to analyze yourself first. If possible, ask other colleagues if they have a problem with your attitude. You could also ask them if they too are having problems with the particular coworker. If the conflict seems to rest on the other party, then talk it out.

Nothing beats a good long sensible talk in resolving a problem.

However, there will be times when you just can’t work with a colleague, regardless of the compromises. In times like these, the best way to act is be civil. Granted, you can’t be friendly with each other, but you can respect each other as coworkers. That base is enough to maintain a harmonious work place. Remember, you are both working to achieve one objective: the betterment of the company.

Tips in Presentations

Tips in Presentations

Ever had one of those times when you’re on the spot doing a presentation and your voice just seems to go through your audience’s head? Like it or not, presentations are important in the career world. They either make or break a deal so planning a good one is essential. However, it’s not just the content that must be meticulously thought of, it must also be shown in a manner that won’t bore the people watching it. That’s half the challenge. Here are a few tips on making that presentation attractive even for that coworker who has the shortest attention span.

Long is Boring

If utilizing slides, don’t cram every tiny information into that slide. As much as possible keep it brief. One to three sentences should do it. The letters should be big enough so even those in the far seat could see it clearly. Where to put the extra information? In your head. Explaining it as you go along would help the data get in your listener’s head much better. This is also why you should really study and be prepared prior to the presentation.

Cue Cards

If you’re afraid to forget all the necessary stuff, it’s not a crime to glance at an index card now and again to remind yourself. Although not having one is infinitely impressive, if you’re not just sure, then have one at hand. However, as with the slides, don’t cram your cue card with information. Just a few words or phrases that would help you get back on track by expounding on them.

Inject A Little Humor

By humor, I don’t mean recite a joke in front of the whole assembly. Just throw in a few light comments now and then to keep the party interested. Humor tends to draw out people and you could use that for the presentation.

Oh, and one more thing. Practice, practice, practice.