Latest "Communication" Posts
April 27, 2021
Once vaccine numbers rise to the point that people will make the back to work transition, we’ll face a dilemma not seen since the pandemic sent millions of workers home. After more than a year of working remotely, seeing only our families and members of our bubbles, and living entirely online, it’s going to be a huge lift to adjust to in-person interactions once again.
Unlike the jarring, bewildering start of the pandemic, however, we will be able to prepare. Now is the time to start making the back to work transition plans (if you haven’t started already). With a lot of preparation, reasonable expectations, and clear communication, you and your team can weather this next phase of work as gracefully as possible.
Set the stage for a back to work transition
Communication needs to begin long before the in-person back-to-work date. Videoconference with your people to prepare them for what is coming, such as phased work weeks and modified schedules, so they can begin to coordinate their own personal lives.
It’s also a good idea to be crystal clear about precautions and contingency plans, both to allay employees’ fears and to avoid surprises. Are there new cleaning and disinfecting procedures? How should an employee report a possible COVID-19 infection? Will employees be required to stay home if they come in contact with someone who has been infected? Brainstorm every possibility you can think of — even if it seems unlikely — and build your plan. Make sure every employee has access to that back to work transition plan for reference and peace of mind.
Celebrate the return to work!
The first day back at work should be a very big deal! We are all far less socialized than we were in January or February 2020 — even the extroverts among us are out of practice. That’s one of the reasons why the in-person start date should be lighthearted and free of to-do lists.
The other is that you and your colleagues have pulled off what seemed to be impossible, and that effort should be respected and rewarded. Decorate the office. Hire a food truck. Have contests. Organize networking events so people can reconnect in smaller groups. Make it a celebratory atmosphere so there is less pressure all around.
Check in
If you’re in a leadership or employee retention position, such as a manager, HR specialist, or CEO, make the back to work transition a priority, and have one-on-one check-ins with your colleagues. Put their mental well-being first by working with their needs, adjusting schedules as necessary, and heading off any other challenges.
Take care of yourself
Leaders will need to take extra care with their own health. Complaining down might be tempting, but avoid it by putting self-care on your daily must-do list. Eat well, exercise daily, sleep well, and meditate. Ask for support from your mentor, or, if you don’t have one, consider hiring a coach who can help you navigate this transition period. To take care of others, you first need to take care of yourself.
Remember: Put people first during this hectic period. Plan for the unexpected and expect hiccups. With a bit of grace and a lot of understanding, you and your colleagues can rediscover the connection that comes from working as a team.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Business, Time management, COVID, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged back to work, back to work transition, return to office, return to office after COVID, employers, HR Manager
March 8, 2021
No one is an instant leader. But for women, the journey to more responsibility can seem more arduous than most.
Women represent more than half of the world’s population but still lag behind in leadership roles, from local businesses all the way up to national politics and global organizations. For decades, private and public entities have been studying the problem and investing in solutions — all of which seem to fall short.
Women have been told to lean in and speak up (even if we are interrupted more). Our nations have focused millions on programs to help women break into traditionally male-dominated fields. And yet, the percentage of women in leadership or senior management roles or worldwide is still only 30%.
What are we missing?
I’ve been a serial entrepreneur throughout my adult life. I’ve been an owner or a co-owner of a number of companies. I didn’t experience many of the horror stories I’ve heard from women who were blocked by their male counterparts.
But I did have to overcome my own fears and feelings of unworthiness. I’ve used the lessons I’ve learned in my own life to help elevate other women, and I’m often asked what others can do to help women feel more secure in their abilities. On this International Women’s Day, I encourage people who want to support women to be BRAVE.
Believe
It’s natural to look at other people’s strengths in the workplace and see them as a threat to our own — after all, business is competitive. One of the best talents you can develop is the ability to see women as they could be and fully believe in their potential. Many women don’t envision themselves taking on greater responsibilities until someone encourages them.
Recommend
Invite women into decision-making roles and promote them through your words and actions. If you’re brainstorming how to fill a seat on a board, think of the professional women you know. If you have an excellent coworker, suggest that she apply for a promotion. We have a collective responsibility to open our imaginations and welcome women to the table.
Amplify
It can be difficult for women to be heard in groups. Studies have shown that women are perceived differently when they speak up than men are. We can combat this problem by lifting up women’s speech and thoughts at the board table. Instead of thinking or nodding your assent, vocalize it. When women contribute ideas, recognize them. Amplify women’s voices to ensure they are considered.
Validate
Take time to mentor and validate women. Your contribution can be as simple as sending an encouraging note about a creative solution to a problem or recognizing a special skill, or as involved as serving as a mentor. Whatever you can do to help a woman grow and develop her leadership potential will ripple out into a positive difference in the world.
Encourage and Elevate
The growth process doesn’t end when a woman attains a seat at a board. It’s a career-long — or even lifelong — commitment to shunning comfort and embracing challenge. Encourage women to make the jump to the next level of achievement. Let them know that you will support them as they make the leap.
It takes time to build bravery. I often tell clients that it’s like driving a car: At first, everything seems foreign. You might not know where the turn signal is or when to shift gears. In time, though, driving becomes second-nature and you’re driving hundreds of miles without an ounce of apprehension.
Women have an enormous capacity for bravery when they believe in their own abilities. As co-workers, colleagues, mentors, sisters, brothers, and loved ones, we have a responsibility to foster women’s confidence and empower them to reach their full potential. Encouraging women to be brave starts when they are young girls in school. Check out this inspiring Ted Talk by Reshma Saujani.
The world is a better place when women rise up. This year, let’s commit to lifting them.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Entrepreneur, Business, Personal development, Gender, Women, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged International Womens Day, women in business, women in leadership, women in senior management, leadership roles for women
September 22, 2020
Back in the early days of the pandemic, when Zoom calls seemed like a novelty with an expiration date, I advised against using cute Zoom backgrounds during meetings. The Eiffel Tower or a beach at sunset would be too distracting, I said. It just seemed a bit too unprofessional.
But now that Zoom calls are our new normal, I’ve changed my mind.
Why the shift in opinion? Backgrounds have improved exponentially in just a few months. And as backgrounds have improved, so have their popularity — recently, about ¾ of people on Zoom calls I’ve participated in have used lovely, thoughtful backgrounds. If you use a site like Unsplash, which offers thousands of beautiful stock photos for free, you can tailor your backdrop to your personality.
I’ve begun to see Zoom backgrounds the same way I see dressing for a speech or choosing jewelry for a meeting. Using one is a chance to express yourself and create a human connection with your colleagues and associates. But, just as I would advise against wearing too-bold statement pieces in the board room, I suggest you use a little restraint.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Business, Webinar, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged webinar, Zoom meeting, Zoom backgrounds, Zoom background, Online meeting
April 14, 2020
Many of us have jumped into the Zoom world out of necessity, with many aspects of daily life now handled via video chat — club and business meetings, family dinners, play dates, pub nights, and even holidays!
Thanks to my work with Toastmasters, which has clubs throughout the world, I’ve had the opportunity to work with online meeting platforms for 10 years. What I’ve noticed is that many of us are comfortable with in-person meetings, but not quite so comfortable handling the challenges of remote communication. After all, the cues that we usually pick up on in person — such as the way a person enters a room or body language — aren’t available on a platform like Zoom.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Entrepreneur, StartUp, Business, Webinar, Personal development, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged Zoom, Zoom Webinar, Video conference, Internet, Virtual Meeting
February 18, 2020
Think about career mistakes and big moments come to mind — not taking that plum job, bungling a big presentation, getting passed over for a promotion.
But it’s the day-to-day decisions that can really make or break your career. Your sum total of your everyday choices is your reputation, and it’s the often-overlooked key to unlocking success.
We’re all guilty of slipping up from time to time. But if you’re consistently doing the following, you could be sabotaging your reputation — and your future.
Bad Mouthing Others
It can be difficult to restrain yourself in the heat of the moment, but unkind words about your colleagues make you look untrustworthy. If you’re talking about a co-worker behind her back, how is the listener supposed to believe that you won’t do the same about him?
Using Foul Language
There are a few industries where blue language is tolerated and maybe even expected. But that’s not the case for 99 percent of us. Although some people might find off-color language provocative, or even funny, you run the risk of offending people and looking unprofessional.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Interviews, Business, Personal development, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged career, workplace, Reputation, career mistakes, promotions
January 21, 2020
Note: This popular post has been updated for 2020. Happy creating!
In public speaking or business presentations, passive is passé — but it can be tough to break out of a creative rut and find just the right phrase or hook to keep your audience engaged. I should know. I present before audiences hundreds of times a year. Fresh content can be a challenge!
That’s why I’m always looking for new helpful resources that will help get the creative juices flowing. Recently, these have been my go-to sites for extra inspiration and fun.
One Look
One Look: This is a one-stop shop for just about any word you can think of. Type in “bluebird,” for example, and you’ll get a list of definitions from 29 sources, plus a list of what the word means in various industries, professions, and casual situations (tech, medicine — even slang). You’ll also get synonyms, rhyming words, usage examples, and more.
The Noun Project
The Noun Project: I think this website is so much fun! Type in any word and The Noun Project will match your word with an icon. I like to use them for PowerPoint presentations — much more useful and unexpected than standard clip art.
SlideBean
SlideBean: SlideBean is a godsend if you struggle to create professional presentations — and it’s a wonderfully intuitive alternative to struggling through PowerPoint. Choose a professionally designed template, create your slide deck, and then share it with your team. You can even ask one of SlideBean’s designers for feedback and assistance or to revamp an existing slide deck. The first presentation is free, but the pricing is reasonable after that.
SketchBubble
SketchBubble: This site is in the same vein as SlideBean but offers an astounding 150,000 templates. It’s also great if you don’t love PowerPoint and instead choose to work in Apple Keynote or Google Slides — you’ll find templates designed specifically for those platforms. Plus, SketchBubble has a new Diagram Finder that makes it easy to plot your words to visuals.
Rhymer
Rhymer.com: Rhymes are great for developing memorable turns of phrase. Rhymer.com offers ideas for any type of rhyme you might need: end rhymes like blue/shoe, last-syllable rhymes like timber/harbor, double rhymes like conviction/prediction, and more.
Title Generator
Title Generator and Portent’s Content Idea Generator: I like to use these sites when I’m stumped for ideas. You need only one keyword to produce hundreds of title options in seconds.
Trainers Warehouse
Trainers Warehouse: Even professional trainers can find it difficult to create tools and icebreakers that are fun and meaningful. This terrific resource solves that problem with thousands of games, awards, toys, and other teamwork- and recognition-building supplies.
Clean Jokes
1,000 Best Clean Jokes from Reader’s Digest: This site is a great resource to stimulate humorous thinking, even if you’re not looking to add jokes to your speeches and presentations. You’ll discover riddles, one-liners, and many more.
Unsplash
Unsplash: If you’re tired of standard stock photos, Unsplash is the site for you. You’ll find thousands upon thousands of artistic stock photos, ranging from topics such as current events to travel to film and beyond. Each week, Unsplash provides curated collections of timely stock photos so you don’t have to spend hours searching. And the best part? It’s all free. (Of course, it’s good etiquette to give the photographer a credit.)
Canva
Canva: Canva has amassed a near-perfect rating in app stores because it is one of the simplest, easiest ways to create beautiful designs. You can create just about anything — including business cards, presentations, flyers, and more — by using Canva’s simple click-and-drop design feature. It’s especially useful for creating eye-catching social media posts and is definitely one of my most helpful resources.
What are your favorite resources for spurring creativity? Let me know in the comments below.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Entrepreneur, Business, Communication and tagged Creativity, Resources, Presentations, applications, computer, SlideBean, Noun Project, SketchBubble, One Look, Title Generator, Rhymer, Readers Digest
December 17, 2019
We all know that a thank-you card traditionally is expected after we receive a gift. This simple act might be less common than it used to be, but that doesn’t mean it’s less appreciated.
I believe thank-you notes are just as important as the gifts themselves. After all, don’t we give to delight our friends and loved ones or express our gratitude? A well-written thank-you note brings gift-giving full circle.
Four steps to crafting a simple, beautiful note
- In the first sentence, say “thank you for” and state the gift you’ve been given. Example: Thank you for the wine glasses you gave me at the holiday party.
- Next, express a further detailed appreciation by remarking on qualities about the gift. Example: The glasses have already found a home on our dining room table. They look so elegant next to our everyday dishes!
- Share specific reasons why you like the gift. Example: I love to entertain, and can’t wait to show them off the next time we have friends over for a wine and cheese get-together.
- In the closing sentence, sign it pleasantly and friendly. And you can even add “Thanks again!” before your signature.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Christmas, Personal development, Communication, Etiquette Tips, Everyday Etiquette and tagged Christmas, holiday, gratitude, thank you cards, thanks
November 5, 2019
Here’s How You Can Embrace Gender-Neutral Pronouns
It should come as no surprise that I am a big believer in the power of words. They can welcome or exclude, admire or demean. An exciting, recent example of this is the movement of people choosing their own third-person pronouns. Much like the way you strive to spell and pronounce people’s names correctly, using others’ chosen personal pronouns is a basic but important way for you to treat them with dignity and respect.
A Bit of Background
More than ever, people who do not identify as a man or a woman are feeling comfortable enough to truly be themselves. You may encounter individuals who see themselves as neither gender or as a mix of both. This can include non-binary, transgender, gender fluid, gender nonconforming, and genderqueer individuals. One of the ways in which they can communicate their identities is by choosing their own personal pronouns, or which pronouns they would like others to use when addressing them. These are commonly referred to as gender neutral pronouns or gender expansive, and they are a powerful way for those who use them to help others feel seen, valued, and included.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Personal development, pronouns, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged Gender, pronouns, gender-neutral pronouns
October 22, 2019
I have a question for the women reading this: When was the last time you did something special for yourself?
Not a vacation with your family that you had to plan and manage — an actual getaway, just for you.
If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Women disproportionately bear the unrelenting stress of trying to get ahead in business while managing the home. This mindset doesn’t just affect mothers and women in relationships, though — many of us, regardless of our home lives, also assume those tasks at work.
How do you know when you need a break? If the following rings true to you, it’s time.
Your creativity has dried up
Creativity is a battery that needs to be recharged. When was the last time you visited a museum or enjoyed connecting with the outdoors? When did you last create something just for the sake of creating?
You feel like you can’t connect
Women tend to put their own social needs on the back burner. Instead of recharging with friends over a glass of wine or meeting up with a running club before work, we tend to focus on making sure the people around us are OK. And yet studies show that people who cultivate their relationships live longer, happier lives.
You’re tired all the time
Women are more likely to suffer from insomnia than men — an astounding 57 percent of us report we experience insomnia at least a few nights a week. Without proper rest, we simply can’t handle the rest of our lives. It’s as simple as that.
You find yourself fantasizing about winning the lottery. A lot.
When your thoughts veer from daydreaming to escapist thinking, it’s a warning sign. Allowing yourself to indulge in too much escapism can create a cycle of low productivity and burnout.
If you see yourself in that list, consider recharging your battery with my Bike, Barge, and Bond 2020 River Cruise through the Netherlands and Belgium from Aug. 14-22, 2020. It’s a chance to forgo the usual madcap tourist dash for the slower pace of a bike and river barge. You’ll experience the Netherlands and Belgium propelled by your own power, with plenty of time to savor each new sight and sensation. During the evening, you’ll enjoy cultural walks, engage in thoughtful conversations, and learn how to maximize your potential.
By the end of the river cruise, you will have traveled from Brussels to Amsterdam and rediscovered your sense of adventure. This is a chance to do something for yourself, to recharge your creative juices, and to meet other fascinating women.
Space is limited to only 18 women, so sign up now — these spots will go fast! I hope you take this opportunity to carve out time for yourself.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Personal development, Travel, Communication, Etiquette Tips, Everyday Etiquette, Just for Fun and tagged Amsterdam canal, travel, personal growth, cycling, women, bike & barge, Amsterdam, Belgium, river cruise
October 8, 2019
Are you bringing your A game when you pitch your products or services?
You’ve worked so hard to build your business — think about the hours, the energy, and the money you’ve spent.
With so much on the line, it’s essential to nail the perfect pitch.
Your pitch is your shot to storm the big leagues and impress the investors who can make or break your future. It’s a big risk.
It’s time to bring your A game.
Continue Reading »
Print This Post
Posted by Margaret Page in Entrepreneur, StartUp, Business, Pitch Conference, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged entrepreneur, startup, Pitch conference, webinar, funding
