“Be a Great Listener”. This one sounds kind of easy doesn’t it? Here’s one of those areas that people often give themselves a higher grade than they deserve when they do self-assessment.

Great listening is not just being silent when the other person is talking.  It’s being engaged with what they are saying. It’s giving them 100% of your energy at that moment.  It’s making them the center of your universe. Now, given those standards:  Do you still rate yourself currently as a “Great” Listener?

We have a lot of noise in our heads, don’t we?  Our “to do” lists, “Oops I forgot to pay that bill”, or “I’m hungry”, or even our anxiety that this person is taking too long to get to the point, etc. A million things.

Becoming a better listener starts with intent. It will not be achieved accidentally. And it does take discipline.

The payoff is there, though. This skill definitely improves dialogues and enhances relationships. Ponder the rewards and then consider working to improve this skill. It’s actually rather calming and fun.

Next week:  Secret Number Eight.

Most people pay some attention to creating a good first impression.

But what about adjusting the paradigm, taking into account that we continually need to impress.

We always need to show up on time, look presentable, offer a firm handshake, exhibit a “Can Do” attitude, smile and be prepared.  Incidentally, “on time” is 10-15 minutes early, often referred to as “(Vince) Lombardi Time”.

And what about handshakes?  Unless you’re a million years old and frail, handshakes should be firm.

Notice I did not say “bone crushing”!  Limpy handshakes are gross.  If a man offers me a handshake that is, shall we say “adjusted”, I will seize the opportunity to remind him that I ain’t dead yet.

Final tip on this subject, always look the other person in the eye when shaking hands.  If it’s not 100% clear that they know your name and company name, It helps to simply say “Mary Ellen Forszt, Solutions Unlimited.  Nice to meet you.” This is a good opportunity to ascertain how they want to be addressed, too.

Next week:  Secret Number Six.