Whether we manage people or plan to become a team leader in a corporate world, our success will depend on how well we present ourselves, how well we communicate with others, what we wear and our basic manners. Not only our “hard skills” but also our “soft skills” are what differentiates us from the competition and the key ingredients for our continuous success. How do we project a highly professional image and avoid being labeled as someone who is “difficult to deal with”, “unethical”, “too authoritar”, “has no class”, etc? In fact how do we influence others and become their role models and mentors?
Below are some useful recommendations that will help you gain confidence and influence your team in a positive way:
Verbal communication. Do you greet every person in the morning with a smile or ignore those who are unimportant to you? Do you compliment others for the great work or congratulate with achievements? Is the tone of voice calm or too loud, too quiet so people can’t hear when you speak? Never interrupt people when they speak, wait for your turn. Avoid giving, negative feedback in a group environment, rephrase it into a positive language and only discuss it 1 on 1. And avoid asking personal questions, for example: “how’s your tinder search going?”, “when is your next operation?”, “have you ever done botox?”…
Below are some useful recommendations that will help you gain confidence and influence your team in a positive way:
- Attire. Your business wardrobe should only consist of business clothes. Choose the right size, suitable colours, the right fabric depending on the season so that your business suit / business dress looks like it has been tailored specifically for you. Avoid too short classic trousers (on men), lost buttons on jackets, creesy shirts, any stain or torn pieces, short socks that slide down, party / picnic dresses, sport clothes, see through or tight clothes.
- Body language. As a team leader be mindful of your posture in meetings as it says all about your intentions, attitude and thoughts without even saying a word. Be mindful of negative body language and taboo gestures. Do you lie on your chair crossing hands on the back of your head during meetings? Or point fingers or pen (which is the same) at others?
- Lunch. Do you have a habit of eating lunch at your desk (not to mention in a meeting room during a staff meeting or during a virtual call so people see you chewing)? Well if you have a kitchen that is the best place to eat lunch without distracting anyone working around. Some foods create an unpleasant odour when reheated, for example seafood. Choose your lunch boxes wisely. Avoid chewing gum, especially when talking to people.
Verbal communication. Do you greet every person in the morning with a smile or ignore those who are unimportant to you? Do you compliment others for the great work or congratulate with achievements? Is the tone of voice calm or too loud, too quiet so people can’t hear when you speak? Never interrupt people when they speak, wait for your turn. Avoid giving, negative feedback in a group environment, rephrase it into a positive language and only discuss it 1 on 1. And avoid asking personal questions, for example: “how’s your tinder search going?”, “when is your next operation?”, “have you ever done botox?”…