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Blogs > soan > SomeOne Absolutely Nice


soan 45F
93 posts
8/25/2006 11:25 am

Last Read:
8/5/2009 8:09 pm
Being Nice in Business
I knew that I was good at what I did, but when I first started back in business it seemed that nothing I did was good enough. I felt I was lost at sea. It seemed that people were mad at me for no reason, or people didn't like the things I had to say. My work was good, but not fast enough, and on and on. Sometimes I would leave the office so stressed out that when I got home I couldn't be cheery when I reached home.

I was determined to get out of my rut so I started analyzing what was going on. I knew I did a good job, and that I was a pleasant enough person. It had to be something else. I asked my dad what he thought, and he brought up office politics. He said that, in a lot of businesses, your social skills and behavior have as much or more influence as your actual job performance on how you were treated. He told me to open my eyes and ears and to start noticing what was going on around me and to try to adapt.

The first thing I did was listen to the morning conversations in the break room. I was usually pretty chatty with the friendlier people, but I decided to keep it down for a few days. What were people talking about? It seemed that people were talking about business issues and current events. I guess I'd forgotten that everyone didn't care about cutie staff, and that cool videos and stuff weren't popular office topics.

I made a commitment to myself to read the morning paper on the bus, instead of the latest romance novel, at least 3 days a week, and to make an input in the more serious office conversations. Of course I'd still talk about my gymn work-outs with the ladies I'd become friendly with, but on our own time. The guys in the office really started responding. They even ask me my opinion on issues now.

Next I decided to figure out why my boss, who was seemingly so friendly, would sometimes complain about me behind my back. I really started listening to what she was asking for, and I realized that she was a little vague sometimes, and therefore maybe I wasn't always understanding what she wanted.

I decided to start asking more questions to make sure I was up on things. One thing I figured out in this process was that when she said, "Could you try to get to this," she really meant, "I need this right now!" Well, I was worried at first that she'd think I was bugging her, but after a few days of my new approach, she actually pulled me aside and thanked me, and told me my work was really improving.

I was also a little worried about asking for help so much around my area. Computers were new to me and I wasn't really good at using them. I started asking the people near me to help me with the different programs, and they were pretty willing to help, at first. I didn't catch on really quickly, and I started noticing sighs and glares when I would ask for help yet again.

Well, the first thing I decided to do was to thank everyone for their help, so I made up goody baskets for everyone in my area one Monday. I came in a little early and left cookies and homemade candy, along with a card saying "thanks for the help," for everyone in my division. Everyone loved them, and the smiles returned.

Next I went down to the community college and registered for a six week office applications seminar. I missed my mtv's for a few nights, but it was sure worth it. Soon I was one of those people who gets asked the questions, and my boss commended me on my initiative.

Well, my experience at that office went from bad to great, and with only a little effort on my part. I'm in business for myself now, but I find that everything I learned during that period still helps me with , and even with my family. It definitely pays to pay attention.

Everybody needs a hand 2hold,its a long trip alone
alvin84 39M
910 posts
8/25/2006 4:36 pm

 I like the tips you presented here. It happens really in the workplace, some people can be intimidating and anti-social.


macbel 38F
407 posts
8/25/2006 5:28 pm

 They're good ones. I will remember this. thanks for sharing.
Search & U will find me hidden in your heart [bling3519]


Lacetone 40F
1238 posts
8/25/2006 9:38 pm

 Listening to a person esp. our superiors at work make them feel we are connected to them and we are serious about ur job.
CHEERS to the HAPPY VALLEY PEOPLE!


soan 45F
457 posts
8/26/2006 3:33 pm
    Quoting alvin84:
    I like the tips you presented here. It happens really in the workplace, some people can be intimidating and anti-social.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who had this experience. On the other side of it who knows? Maybe those intimidating people are having the same insecurities too.
Everybody needs a hand 2hold,its a long trip alone


soan 45F
457 posts
8/26/2006 3:34 pm
    Quoting macbel:
    They're good ones. I will remember this. thanks for sharing.
Glad that you find it good. Welcome and hope to seeyou more!
Everybody needs a hand 2hold,its a long trip alone


soan 45F
457 posts
8/26/2006 3:36 pm
    Quoting Lacetone:
    Listening to a person esp. our superiors at work make them feel we are connected to them and we are serious about ur job.
Yes I did find out that is exactly the key to a good relationship @ work.
Everybody needs a hand 2hold,its a long trip alone


soan 45F
457 posts
8/26/2006 3:37 pm
    Quoting  :
Likewise, I wish you all the best Ched. See you back!
Everybody needs a hand 2hold,its a long trip alone


kycir 47M
197 posts
8/27/2006 6:26 pm

 Good tips and useful too. Nice of you to share.
I never can say goodbye!


kycir 47M
197 posts
8/27/2006 6:27 pm

 In a work environment, you don't have to be popular, but you have to get along with everyone.
I never can say goodbye!


kycir 47M
197 posts
8/27/2006 7:29 pm
    Quoting macbel:
    They're good ones. I will remember this. thanks for sharing.
Knowledge of business etiquette and manners enhance personal effectiveness.
I never can say goodbye!


kycir 47M
197 posts
8/27/2006 7:30 pm
    Quoting macbel:
    They're good ones. I will remember this. thanks for sharing.
In today's competitive business climate and global economy, manners, dining skills, protocol and etiquette are playing a paramount role in day to day business encounters. Strategic alliances and corporate restructuring require that the savvy executive master the nuances of protocol in business and social situations. Manners Really Do Matter.
I never can say goodbye!


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 7:57 pm

 We must also have a knowledge of different cultures, so that through understanding we may become more tolerant of each other.


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 7:59 pm

 Put your best foot forward, every time.

Quoting Soan:
"It definitely pays to pay attention."


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 8:00 pm
    Quoting cruzeli:
    Put your best foot forward, every time.

    Quoting Soan:
    "It definitely pays to pay attention."
Good manners play an integral role in every business encounter. Whether it is a client luncheon, networking event, job interview, or sales call, social etiquette can make or break your success.


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 8:01 pm
    Quoting cruzeli:
    Put your best foot forward, every time.

    Quoting Soan:
    "It definitely pays to pay attention."
Business Manners need training in international etiquette, formal dining, and the social graces to help you shine in any situation.


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 8:02 pm
    Quoting cruzeli:
    Put your best foot forward, every time.

    Quoting Soan:
    "It definitely pays to pay attention."
It is a way of showing to contacts and clients that the company is well staffed and educated.


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 8:03 pm
    Quoting cruzeli:
    Put your best foot forward, every time.

    Quoting Soan:
    "It definitely pays to pay attention."
It paves the way for rapport and increases company popularity in the business circle.


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 8:04 pm
    Quoting cruzeli:
    Put your best foot forward, every time.

    Quoting Soan:
    "It definitely pays to pay attention."
People from all walks of life - from senior executives of major corporations to small business owners - should polish their image and improve their social confidence.


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 8:06 pm
    Quoting cruzeli:
    Put your best foot forward, every time.

    Quoting Soan:
    "It definitely pays to pay attention."
In addition to seminars, workshops and personalized consultations, interaction and practice of business manners among employees should be encouraged.


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 8:08 pm
    Quoting cruzeli:
    Put your best foot forward, every time.

    Quoting Soan:
    "It definitely pays to pay attention."
Etiquette, manners, and cross cultural, or intercultural communication are critical elements required for all International and Global Business executives, managers, and employees.


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 8:08 pm
    Quoting cruzeli:
    Put your best foot forward, every time.

    Quoting Soan:
    "It definitely pays to pay attention."
As international, multinational, transnational, multi domestic, and global business continues to expand and bring people closer, the most important element of successful business outcomes may be the appreciation and respect for regional, country, and cultural differences - known as cultural diversity.


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 8:10 pm
    Quoting cruzeli:
    Put your best foot forward, every time.

    Quoting Soan:
    "It definitely pays to pay attention."
Learning the skills of proper etiquette, manners, and intercultural communication will give you a wealth of information and resources that you can immediately apply during your international business travels and overseas assignments.


cruzeli 51F
268 posts
8/27/2006 8:11 pm
    Quoting cruzeli:
    Put your best foot forward, every time.

    Quoting Soan:
    "It definitely pays to pay attention."
Employees and staff must know the importance of understanding the uniqueness of cultures around the world and how to apply the skills of cultural understanding to become more successful in the global business environment.


LadyPRADO 51F
1473 posts
8/28/2006 6:16 am

 I knew that I was good at what I did, but when I first started back in business it seemed that nothing I did was good enough.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

In business when you're in for the first time, you go through some sort of initiation.
Love makes the world go round


LadyPRADO 51F
1473 posts
8/28/2006 6:19 am

 I felt I was lost at sea. It seemed that people were mad at me for no reason, or people didn't like the things I had to say.
===================================================================

Usually it goes like this ... but you will adjust as yuou stay on ... Sometimes you feel intimidated, it may be intentional, but most of often it isn't the case.
Love makes the world go round




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