I used to work for a guy that spent most of his time checking his e-mail during meetings with his staff, and during one-on-one conversations. He never really cared what others were saying because his responses to questions and his off-hand comments would always deflect to what he wanted to discuss and rarely would he address the other person's ideas or inquiries. I still think of him as one of the most disrespectful and arrogant people I have known.
Looking back, I think he is insecure and uncomfortable communicating face-to-face, which would explain why 98% of his communications to his staff and peers is via e-mail. His poor listening and communication skills hurt his credibility with others, and cause many of of his ideas to be rejected or considered to have little merit. You see when you tend not to respect and listen to others, they tend not to respect or listen to you. It is a shame people like him hold powerful "leadership" positions. Great leaders must be incredible communicators, and must be respectful of others at all times.
Watch this very short video of Tom Peters explain how we can ensure we are showing proper respect to others.
Remember, give people the time they deserve and really listen to them. To be honest, I am guilty of not listening well all the time, but I'm aware of it and I'm trying continuously to improve these skills.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
You can now follow me on Twitter
If you are a “Twitter” fan, you can follow me by creating an account with Twitter, or you can just view my “tweets” by coming to this page. My Twitter ID is sfseay.
What is Twitter you say?
As taken from Wikipedia, “Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send "updates" (or "tweets"; text-based posts, up to 140 characters long) to the Twitter website, via the Twitter website, short message service (SMS), instant messaging, or a third-party application such as Twitterrific or Facebook.
Updates are displayed on the user's profile page and instantly delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. The sender can restrict delivery to those in his or her circle of friends (delivery to everyone is the default). Users can receive updates via the Twitter website, instant messaging, SMS, RSS, email or through an application. For SMS, four gateway numbers are currently available: short codes for the United States, Canada, and India, as well as a United Kingdom number for international use. Several third parties offer posting and receiving updates via email.
What is Twitter you say?
As taken from Wikipedia, “Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows users to send "updates" (or "tweets"; text-based posts, up to 140 characters long) to the Twitter website, via the Twitter website, short message service (SMS), instant messaging, or a third-party application such as Twitterrific or Facebook.
Updates are displayed on the user's profile page and instantly delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. The sender can restrict delivery to those in his or her circle of friends (delivery to everyone is the default). Users can receive updates via the Twitter website, instant messaging, SMS, RSS, email or through an application. For SMS, four gateway numbers are currently available: short codes for the United States, Canada, and India, as well as a United Kingdom number for international use. Several third parties offer posting and receiving updates via email.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Thoughts from a Child
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN‘T LOOKING
(Written by a former child)
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don‘t.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn‘t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it‘s all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I learned most of life‘s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn‘t looking."
(Written by a former child)
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don‘t.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn‘t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it‘s all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I learned most of life‘s lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn‘t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn‘t looking."