Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Importance of Teamwork at Workplace

One of the most commonly-used jargons in the management world describes the word “TEAM” as an acronym where T represents Together,

E stands for Everyone, A signifies Achieves and M indicates More. This just underlines that businesses realize that though individual performances can lead to sharp spikes in their growth, it is teamwork and a healthy work environment that can sustain a progressive, sky-facing trajectory of growth. This isn't surprising since most of us realize that Teamwork or working together in a cohesive manner raises our individual and the organizational performance. The following are some of the most established and sometimes-ignored benefits associated with teamwork at a workplace:

Teamwork Helps in Uniting Employees

Functioning in unison to pursue a common goal is what team members abide by once they understand how to work in a team. This kind of working atmosphere brings together employees in the most fruitful manner. Despite their differences, egos and even dislike for a team member, they are forced into situations where trusting and working with others cannot be avoided. This acts as the most efficient form of team bonding. No management seminars or formal training can put employees at ease with each other like teamwork. There are many employees who are not familiar with the concept of working in harmony with others. For such folks, the presence of team members they can depend upon and the collective spirit of working together acts as a motivation to modify their approach towards work and become more cooperative.

Teamwork Raises Overall Quality of Output

Working in a team has its most transparent advantages in the form of people being able to complete assignment faster. The issue of being unable to meet deadlines is diluted once teams at workplace start performing like a well-oiled machine. 

Monday, July 8, 2013

7 Fundamental Truths about Personal Development



Before we can really lock into meaningful personal development and create the life we truly desire, there are a number of basic concepts that must be accepted. In personal development, as in any other field, there are fundamental truths that exist. If we want to experience optimal results, we need to understand and fully embrace those truths.

While the existence of these personal development truths may be generally accepted on an intellectual level, more than acknowledgment is required. This seems to be one of the major differences between people who make things happen in life, and those who can’t figure out why things are the way they are.
“I know” doesn’t get it done!

If you have ever raised a teenager, you are probably familiar with the phrase “I know.” That’s what you hear when they neglected to do something. Obviously, knowing wasn’t enough. When it comes to our own personal development, could we be doing the same thing?

Many people who know the following 7 personal development truths are not getting the results they would like for this very reason. To get past that tendency, I invite you to use this list for some honest self-evaluation. As you look at each item, you may think to yourself: “I already know that.” In that case, stop and ask yourself: “Am I doing something with that knowledge?” In other words, are you really following through?
7 basics personal development truths

1) Always take responsibility for your life. We must recognize that our life is our personal responsibility. This is the foundation of all personal development. We can either accept conditions as they are, or accept the responsibility for changing them. Whatever we choose to do, we must acknowledge that we are the only person responsible for our decisions and actions. 

Is Your Life Satisfying or Disappointing?



Do you ever feel that perhaps there is some vital element of your life missing? When you hear others talk about their deepest passions, do you look at your own life and wonder why you don’t have those same feelings?

When someone speaks of how they find their work, marriage, or daily activities incredibly meaningful and satisfying, do you ever feel shortchanged? Have you ever thought: “What are my deepest passions, and why doesn’t my life feel very satisfying and meaningful?” Have such questions ever left you wondering…

Is there something seriously wrong with me?

Rest assured, the vast majority of people wonder the very same thing in regard to one or more areas of their life. When we become aware of how other peoples life experience seems to be richer and more meaningful than ours, we can’t help wanting the same thing.

Deep down, we all know that life can and should be full of meaning and fulfillment. Then why is it that so few people actually find those things? Why does the richness of life seem to be missed by some, and fully experienced by others?

Could it be circumstances that make a meaningful life?

Is it because some people are just lucky enough to be born into a situation that makes it easy to have a richer life experience? Maybe they were raised by exceptionally loving and insightful parents. Perhaps they had a wise teacher or mentor who helped them unlock some kind of deeper understanding about life at a young age.

Certainly, any scenario similar to these could create an advantage. And obviously, this would not be an advantage that is shared by everyone. But when we interview people who are actually living lives full of meaning and passion, what do we find? 

Good Skills for Teamwork



The ability to work well in teams is a skill set on its own. However, several related traits correlate with good teamwork and often make someone a good candidate for a position that requires teamwork This is often critical in small businesses, as employees are more connected in their roles and work closely together in operating the business.

Listening Skills

The use of teams in the workplace is intended to foster sharing and debate about ideas and alternative solutions. Strong listening skills help an employee perform better by showing support of others when they speak, along with better understanding the ideas they share. This improves team chemistry. Good listening skills are sometimes an afterthought compared to the ability to share ideas, but are equally important.

Persuasion

While listening to the ideas of other team members, a knowledgeable team member must often use his skills of persuasion to convince others to go along with his suggestion. Teams often use different approaches to come to agreements, but in certain situations, the team member with the best experience in a given situation needs to step up and sell that experience and point of view to ultimately bring out the best solution.

Accountability

Responsibility and accountability are closely related traits that are critical to teamwork. Teams often distribute tasks to different team members. To achieve success, it is important that each team member accept accountability and complete his duties in a timely fashion. Along with being accountable for task completion, the skill of accountability means that you acknowledge and take responsibility for mistakes.

Cooperation

Cooperation is a general skill that encompasses a helpful nature and willingness to participate actively within the team. Work teams succeed only when all members are fully engaged in sharing ideas and performing tasks. 

The Top 10 Points for Eliminating Speaker Jitters



1. Nervousness is fear of failure.

Here is the secret of conquering anxiety. Become message-centered and audience-centered, not self-centered. Stop thinking of yourself, and start thinking of your message.

2. If you are thoroughly prepared, your internal nervousness seldom shows.

Prepare 150%.

3. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

Talk out loud, and walk around while you practice. Use the same physical energy you plan to use on the day of your presentation. Practice in the car. If you can concentrate while driving, you will be able to pull it from your unconscious when you are in front of the group. Make your points sound off-the-cuff and conversational.

4. Practice in front of your mirror.

5. Exercise is an antidote to stress.

Arrive early and take a brisk walk for at least five minutes. If it is raining or snowing outside, you can still do some body stretches.

6. Abstain from caffeine and alcohol before you speak.

You don't need more jitters. Always wear your favorite outfit and use attractive colors. Women, go simple on the jewelry. Avoid too much black and white.

7. For trembling hands, place your hands on the side of your chair and count to 10 as you try to lift the seat.

This is an isometric exercise that works... and nobody will notice you doing it.

8. Don't be perfect - give yourself permission to make mistakes.

People are not perfect in real life.

9. Remember, you want to be nervous.

It can be a positive reaction. You don't want to eliminate the butterflies in your stomach; you want to get them to fly in formation. When that happens, you will have converted your stress into speaking power!

10. Most of all - enjoy yourself and have fun.