Category Archives: Kit’s Tips

Appreciating the Introvert’s Gifts

I’m an extrovert. Always have been and always will be. But I couldn’t do all that I do in my business, my family and my community work without the partnership of many introverts.

This is what I love about introverts . . . they listen, they speak and then they listen some more. They contribute well thought-out ideas and they see what I don’t see. They concentrate on one thing at a time so they don’t seem as fragmented or constantly distracted as many of us do. They are often solid team members bringing another dimension and value to our busy work lives.

But it’s not easy – either being an introvert in today’s workplace or managing an introverted staff member. This month’s book, The Introvert Advantage is filled with wonderful tips on how to navigate today’s workplace as an introvert, but here are 3 of my favorite tips for the introvert’s manager to remember as well.

  • Introverts do best with a quiet place to work without interruptions.
  • Introverts may not speak up in meetings but be sure to ask them for their opinions.
  • Introverts will need time to think before responding to your request/questions.
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Be Welcoming, A Valuable Tip from Starbucks

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Starbucks Coffee distribution center located here in Northern Nevada. With beautiful views of the Carson Valley mountains, this distribution center is a huge operation shipping coffee throughout the western region. As I waited in the lobby, I was intrigued to read the Starbucks’ mission statement posted on the wall. Was it just words or does the organization really do what they say they believe in?

Within minutes I had my answer – yes, they really have a warm and welcoming culture that radiates out from all the interactions between HR, supervisors and the employees or “partners”. It’s not only words on the wall here at the distribution center but in every Starbucks store I’ve visited across the country. This core philosophy of “Be Welcoming” is included in The Starbucks’ Five Ways of Being which is captured in a pocket-sized book called The Green Apron Book given to each partner.

I love this idea . . . and how often we forget that being welcoming is not only critical to attracting new clients but to keeping our current and past clients engaged with us. Starbucks defines “be welcoming” as “offering everyone a sense of belonging”. It’s creating that sense of genuine connection (not just a transaction) that we all naturally want with others. Here are a few simple ways we can provide this in our own businesses and professional work.

  • Learn people’s names – remember & use them always
  • Listen to at’s important to people in both their personal & work lives
  • Be flexible in responding to people’s needs – everyone is different
  • Do a little extra for others – you will be appreciated and remembered
  • Stay in touch – don’t ignore people once they start to do business with you.
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Plan Ahead to Make Your Internship Worthwhile

Yes, an internship can be an excellent experience for both the college student and for the professional, one that takes on the care & feeding of this next generation. But it does take some planning and some care in ensuring that everyone gets something out of this commitment. For the students, I would recommend the following three strategies to ensure it’s a good experience for all.

First, what benefits do you think you will gain in this internship? Will it be skill development, increase of knowledge of an industry or respected references & connections? At the same time, think about what value you can bring to this company to make it worth their time to mentor/train you during your internship. What will make it worthwhile for both of you?

Second, securing an internship is just like doing a job search. You’ll get lots of practice doing that after graduation so practice now when the stakes aren’t quite so high. Learn how to target your desired industries, research opportunities, prepare your resume and then how to “sell” yourself to the hiring person. It’s a great time to practice because most professionals really like college students, especially if they have a few themselves.

Third, treat this job as seriously as if you were being paid the big bucks. Be professional each and every day. You want them to love you and invite you back. Soak up every bit of learning you can – volunteer to attend meetings, take on projects and seek out chances to shadow other people in the office. Keep smiling and building those positive relationships.

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Know Your Audience Well

I’ll be offering the Public Speaking tele-class again in early fall as one of three business classes for entrepreneurs. But here is a tip to get you started right now – know your audience! This is critical. Take the time to ask the folks who invited you to tell you important details about the needs and expectations of the audience.  Here are some of the things I ask right away.

  • What are the needs of the group (ie., why am I being invited)
  • How many people are expected to attend including ages & gender
  • What is the audience expecting to take away from my presentation
  • What is their experience already with my topic
  • Logistics: length of time I have; location; need for visuals etc.

Now you can develop your learning objectives – what do you want the audience to walk away with? You want them to take away one or two ideas that are meaningful to them. They will then remember you not only as an awesome speaker but also as someone who brings real insight, ideas and value to the conversation.

 

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How to Identify Your Natural Talents

Now you may be asking yourself . . . what actually is a “natural talent” and how do I know what my natural talents really are? As we get older and more skilled, experienced and savvy in the World of Work, it can be a bit challenging to remember who we are when we’re really at our best.

So try this . . . step back and simply watch yourself, especially when you really are enjoying what you are doing in that moment. What do you see? You’re seeing your natural talents in action! A natural talent is the way we think, act or behave that comes easily to us with genuine enjoyment. It’s like “second nature”.

Look for these five things:

  • What do I gravitate toward?
  • What appeals to me spontaneously?
  • What comes easily to me?
  • What attracts others to me?
  • What do they say I’m good at?
  • What do I genuinely enjoy doing?
  • Who do I enjoy being?

Identify 3-4 talents for yourself. Now take it a step further . . . is there a theme running through your talents? Our natural talents often have a central theme to them – much like a golden thread running through them.  Once you know this theme it’s easier to choose work settings and responsibilities that allow you to be at your best. This is a tremendous benefit to you and to your employer – you are genuinely, positively engaged in your work, you feel more fulfilled and you’re bringing the best you have to offer to your employer. It’s great for your company’s bottom line and for yours as well!

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