Career Change Quiz
Career Change QuizThis Career Change Quiz is designed to serve as a Career Change Self-Assessment. Rate each of these job or job or career change reasons (internal and external reasons) on a scale of 1 to 5. It starts with 1 being “does not apply to me or doesn’t affect me” to 5 being “affects me greatly.” As you rate your answer from 1 to 5 for each of the items below, write your answer for each item and then add up your score.
23-46 points: You’re starting to see reasons to make a change, but there’s no urgency. 47-69 points: Look for opportunities to make little adjustments and see if that helps. 70-92 points: You probably need a change. Start thinking about what you want to do. 93-115 points: This ship is going down! It’s time to take action. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Job Change Or Career Change
Job Change OR Career Change?There’s a saying in the careers industry that you’ll know it’s time to make a job or career change when you start asking yourself if it’s time to make a change. While there is truth to that, there’s more to making your decision. Below are tips to help you identify some of the reasons why you may want to make a job change or career change and give you practical strategies to use as you make your decision. Reasons for a Job or Career ChangeThe first step is to assess the reason — or reasons — why you may desire a change. Change can be difficult — it usually is — so you want to make sure that the reason you are considering a switch isn’t something temporary that will fix itself, if given enough time.  INTERNAL reasons for a job or career change Some of the reasons why you may be considering a job change or career change are INTERNAL REASONS. These can include:
 EXTERNAL reasons for a job or career change EXTERNAL REASONS — that you have no control over — can also impact your decision to make a job change or career change. These can include:
Remember, you want to assess whether the INTERNAL and/or EXTERNAL reasons that are prompting you to consider the change are temporary (short-term) or something you would be permanently affected by. You should also assess the “temperature” of these reasons and how they affect you. Some of them may be more of a “minor inconvenience,” while others may feel “unbearable”. For example, while you may be working in a declining industry, as long as you have a job, you may not be interested in switching jobs or changing careers. But that’s almost like being a frog in a pot of water that is slowly heating up. The question isn’t “if” you will eventually be affected by changes in the industry, but “when.” If you take charge of managing your career, you will be in a better position to handle career change, not just react to it when your boss summons you into his office sometime down the road to let you know your services are no longer needed. Change Jobs Or Change Careers?Do you want to change the company you work for, or change your career path entirely? Take a look back at the assessment you just completed. Ask yourself if making a change to a new company would fix the issue or issues you identified. Or are they issues that are embedded within the industry itself, and would only be fixed if you changed industries entirely? Also, think about how you feel about the actual work you’re doing. Do you still have a passion for the type of work you’re doing, but maybe not in this particular work environment? If that’s the case, changing jobs could improve your situation. You might not need to change careers. Things to Consider Even if you’ve identified that there are internal or external reasons that you may want to consider making a change, ask yourself this: “Is there an opportunity to improve my current situation?” As previously mentioned, some of these things may be temporary and the issue may resolve itself. But the other piece of the puzzle is you. Is there some way that you could make a change that would improve the situation? For example, could you transfer to a similar position in a different part of the company? Could you talk to your supervisor and see if there are opportunities for additional responsibility or advancement that you may not be aware of? Could improving your skills (for example, pursuing additional education, training, or certifications) help you? If you feel your current situation can’t be improved, the next thing to do is develop a plan. Make sure you have a plan for what you want to do next before you decide to make a change. Think before you act — don’t be impulsive. Change can be difficult — the bigger the change, the more difficult it may be. Also, you want to make sure you’re running towards something you want to do, and not running away from something you don’t. Being impulsive may lead you to do something you may later regret — like one of those viral “I Quit” videos that are fun to watch, but may lead to long-term ramifications when prospective employers Google your name. Assess your marketability at another company or for another career path. What skills, education, and experience do you have to offer? Inventory your accomplishments. In the next section, where we address practical strategies, we’ll talk about the value of having your résumé professionally written so you can see how you stack up on paper for your desired next job or new career. Consider the timing of making a change, if you decide that’s what you want to do. For example, you may not want to leave your job in November if you’d earn an annual bonus if you stayed another month. The same is true for things like vested options in a stock plan or retirement account — make sure you manage the timing of your departure to maximize your benefits. Basically, don’t leave money on the table if you can help it. Along with considering the timing of your departure, do you need to do some things before you change jobs or careers? Perhaps you need to take some classes or earn a certification before you’ll be prepared to make a job or career change. Create a Personal/Professional Development Plan (PDP) for yourself, outlining the steps you need to take to bridge the gap between where you are now (skills, education, and experience) and what you need in your new job or career. Checking off as many of those items as you can will help make the transition smoother. Finally, it’s easier to find a job when you have a job, so don’t just quit your job. And don’t burn bridges at your former employer, if you can help it. Give ample notice, offer to train your replacement, prepare a checklist or cheat sheet for your replacement, etc. Practical Steps For Your Job or Career ChangeOnce you’ve decided that you do want to make a change — whether that’s a new company or a new career — here are some practical steps to take to make your transition move along smoothly.  Practical steps for your job or career change The first step is to get your financial house in order. You’ll be in better shape to make a change if you’re on sound financial footing. As you start this process, make sure a financial evaluation is part of your plan. Are there expenses that you can cut out — even temporarily — that will help you stockpile cash in the short term? Maybe you need money for additional training or certifications. Identify how you can save that money so that you have it ready when you need it. If your research shows that you may need to take a pay cut initially in order to make a job or career move, start cutting back now so that it’s not as big of a shock later. The next step is to decide on a target — what do you want to do? How will your next job — or career — be different from what you’re doing now? Take some time to identify what you want. Invest in career testing and/or meet with a therapist or career coach who specializes in helping with job change/career change. (This will also help you identify whether you may be suffering from anxiety or depression, which can affect your work, your decision-making ability, and your choices.) Next, research your new career. Talk to people who are actually doing the job you want to do — especially if you’re moving into a new career field. Research the qualifications for candidates who do what you want to do. Again, consider the idea of creating a Personal/Professional Development Plan (PDP) so you are prepared to make the transition. Once you decide you are going to make a change, start slowly compiling the information you need and slowly start disengaging yourself from your current job/current employer. You don’t want to take a full box of knick-knacks home at once, but you may start decluttering your files (both paper files and on your computer) and taking some personal items home so that you don’t have to pack them up all at once. Be careful when doing this, however, as it may tip off co-workers — or your boss — if too many personal items start disappearing. Take calls from recruiters — or reach out to connect to them. However, keep in mind this strategy will only work if you’re staying in the same industry. Recruiters specialize in placement, so they want to put “round pegs in round holes.” They won’t be interested in helping you make the change from being a computer software developer to a teacher. Finally, one of the best things you can do, once you have a job target in mind, is to engage a professional résumé writer to help you develop a résumé for your desired job. Especially if you are considering a career change, this can help you identify transferable skills that you have to offer and boost your confidence when you see the evidence of your qualifications on paper. Your résumé writer can also help guide you in collecting the information you need to develop your new career documents. Be prepared to invest in yourself and in the development of this document, because your résumé writer will have to spend a considerable amount of time to prepare a résumé that demonstrates how your skills, education, and experience are applicable to your new career path. But it can be a worthwhile investment as a tool as you make a change in your job or career. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Living Your Best Year in 2022
Living Your Best Year in 2022DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PLANNING WORKBOOK BELOW Although most of the world see a new year as a time to make massive changes in their lives, it’s the daily choices that lead to lasting change. That’s why New Year’s Resolutions are so ineffectual. This year, you can start and finish strong by making better choices each day. Here are some tips for making sure this is your best year ever.
Source: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/living-your-best-year-in-2022 2022 PLANNING WORKBOOKClick below to download your FREE 2022 PLANNING WORKBOOK 
About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Easy Ways to Impress Your Boss
Easy Ways to Impress Your BossFiguring out how to impress your boss can be tough. On the one hand, you want to capture their attention and make them consider you for any promotions or bonuses you might have coming your way. On the other hand, you don’t want to appear desperate or look like a suck-up to your colleagues. The good news is that it’s definitely possible to capture the attention of any business leaders and supervisors responsible for making a difference to your job. The bad news is you’re going to have to put a little work in. Here are some quick and simple steps you can take to improve your chances of having the right impression on your boss Get to Know ThemWe’re not saying you should take your boss out for drinks, but you should be paying attention to their values and expectations. It’s hard to impress someone if you don’t know what matters most to them, so watch your boss for signs of what they like or dislike. You’re specifically looking for things that make your boss unhappy or cause them to be unimpressed with a colleague, so you can avoid those issues yourself. You’ll also want to pay attention to anything that gets extra recognition, like punctuality or attention to detail. Make a note of the things that really make other people stand out to the person in charge. Pick Up the SlackPicking up the slack doesn’t have to mean that you’re constantly doing other people’s jobs for them. While you can still have work/life balance and say no to things that you don’t want to do, you could also be looking for opportunities to go above and beyond. When your boss asks for someone to volunteer for a specific task, or looks for someone to help out with something, be the first to raise your hand. You’ll probably be spending more time working on things than you’d like but being willing to work harder will definitely grab the boss’s attention. It’s also worth doing the little things, like helping team members when they’re behind, fetching coffee from time to time, and helping to keep things in their proper place. Commit to LearningIt’s hard to be impressed by someone who acts like they know everything. Being eager to learn at work is part of having a positive attitude about your current skills and your future. Showing that you’re willing to focus on gaining additional skills will prove to your boss that you’re not afraid of a challenge. It’s also a chance for you to prove you’re capable of more than just the job you have now. Regularly invest in opportunities to learn new skills and volunteer for chances to develop your knowledge in things that might be valuable to your boss, like leadership skills or time management. Be A Team PlayerWhile always being the person at the top of the pile is a good way to get attention, it can also make you look conniving and difficult to work with. You want to stand out as a leader and someone capable of independent work, but it’s also important to be a team player. Commit to helping your peers out whenever they need extra assistance and stand up for your team whenever you can. Take Responsibility and Be HonestAlthough you might think a mistake will set you up for failure when you’re trying to impress your boss, the reality is that most managers understand their people are only human. The worst thing you can do if something goes wrong in your career is try to sweep the issue under the rug or pin it on someone else. Taking responsibility for your actions and committing to learning from them shows you’re an honest, trustworthy, and reliable person. We all make mistakes, but it’s difficult to feel respect for someone who just can’t admit they’ve done something wrong. Owning up to your errors shows integrity and bravery. It’s also a chance for you to stand up and suggest solutions to the problem. Impressing your boss might seem like a challenge, but once you learn how to demonstrate the values your manager holds close to heart, you’ll be on the right track. Have passion for your job and commit to the work you do. Even if it’s not your dream job, showing you’re invested is a great way to make your boss feel like you’re a great hire. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Quick Tips for Successful Career Development
Quick Tips for Successful Career DevelopmentYour manager, boss or supervisor isn’t responsible for your career. While these people can give you access to more opportunities, or help you grow – it’s up to you to decide what you’re going to do to ensure your success. This means dedicating some time to effective career development. If you’re keen to make more of an impact in your chosen career, it’s important to start with some planning. Ask yourself regularly what you want to accomplish in your professional life and take steps to figure out how you’re going to reach those targets. Here are some quick tips to really help you enhance your career development. Goal for the FutureWhen it comes to annual reviews, there’s a lot of focus on setting massive targets for yourself to accomplish sometime in the distant future. While it’s nice to have a good vision of what you want to accomplish eventually, focusing exclusively on long-term goals can make it difficult to maintain motivation. When you’re only making little steps, you’re not as inspired to push forward. Setting smaller, more achievable goals will help to keep you on track. For instance, rather than setting the goal of becoming the manager of your team and waiting to achieve that, start by setting the goal of developing more leadership skills or volunteering for more opportunities. Stretch YourselfAlthough it’s important to choose tangible and realistic targets for your career, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be challenging yourself too. Ultimately, if you want to be satisfied with your accomplishments, you’ll want to start by setting goals that really push you to test your limits. Look for ways to step out of your comfort zone – even if it’s only a little. Do something that scares you slightly, but that you can still handle. For instance, if you don’t like public speaking, you could make a plan to speak to a small local forum to test your presentation skills. This will give you some anxiety, but it’s much easier than planning to host a presentation at an event with thousands of people. Learn, Celebrate, and GrowAs you push yourself to achieve your small, short-term goals, pay attention to everything you accomplish. Celebrate those little wins, no matter how small they might seem. While it's very important not to lose sight of your goal for the future, you must also remember to acknowledge yourself as you should. While celebrating yourself is crucial, it’s also important to examine areas where you’ve been unhappy with your performance tool. Rather than beating yourself up for not being good enough, ask yourself what you’re not happy with and why. If you can get feedback from leaders and other members of your team, this could be useful too. Every time you’re unhappy with an outcome in your professional career, it’s an opportunity to build on your skills and accomplish something new. Look for Opportunities to Develop KnowledgeKnowledge is power in the business landscape. If you want to successfully develop your career, it’s important to commit to developing your knowledge. Gaining education through experience, whether it’s with positive feedback or advice about something you did poorly, is a good start. However, remember to look for other ways to learn too. There are countless courses and skill development tools online for people from virtually every industry. If you can’t find a course linked to your specific sector, you can even consider looking into certifications that are transferable across all industries, like better communication or leadership skills. Read up on blogs and articles from thought leaders in your industry and follow podcasts which could give you valuable industry about your landscape. Network EffectivelyNetworking is another important part of building a successful career. Although it can be nerve wracking to connect with others in your industry – particularly if you’re an introverted person -- it’s crucial. In many careers, it really is who you know that matters most. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to network in today’s digital landscape. You can join groups on social media forums and dedicated industry websites. There are also digital events you might look into attending, and online expos. If you can meet people in real-life, do try to make some time to do so. The connections you make in person are often the most meaningful. You could even look into getting a mentor to help you network with a wider range of industry professionals. Time to Build Your Future?It’s up to you to take control of your career and pursue the kind of accomplishments that matter most to you. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can sit back and wait for opportunities to fall into your hands. Follow the tips above. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Make a Good Impression at a New Job
How to Make a Good Impression in Your First Month at a New JobGetting a new job is a nerve-wracking experience. There’s the stress of the application process to consider, the headache of the interview, and the agonizing wait while you wonder whether you’ve been accepted. Unfortunately for those who hate the process of getting a new job, the work doesn’t stop after you’ve been offered the role either. During the first thirty or so days at your new job, you’re going to be under the watchful eye of your manager, supervisor, and even the head of the company. These people need to ensure that they’ve made the right decision in hiring you. In some cases, you might even need to prove yourself before the end of a trial period to keep your new role. So, how do you make a good impression during this crucial initial stage? There are a few ways to start. Start on a Positive NoteStart positively, with a good attitude. Rush into work each morning before you’re due to be there with a smile on your face and a can-do attitude. Make sure you look the part too. Dress to impress according to the standards of the company and look cleanly pressed before you walk through the front door. If you’re working remotely, you can still try this strategy by sending messages to the group chat for your business first thing in the morning and getting dressed properly just in case you need to drop into any video meetings. Get to Know PeopleYou’re much easier to get rid of in a new company if you maintain your position of being “the new guy”. For people to remember your name and get a feeling of affinity with you, they need to actually speak to you regularly. With that in mind, make an effort to get to know as many of the people you’ll be working with as possible. While you shouldn’t necessarily be a chatterbox while you’re meant to be working, you can always make time to socialize on your breaks, at lunch, and even after the workday is over. Getting to know people and remembering their names will make you more memorable in return. Take Initiative and Ask QuestionsDon’t be afraid to be the inquisitive type when you’re getting started in your new job. Staying quiet and blending into the background will mean people forget all about you, which might not be the impression you’re going for. Failing to ask questions also means you’re more likely to make mistakes in your work. Asking questions will show you’re committed to doing things right. Just make sure you don’t ask the same things over and over. Make a note of what you discover and try to learn as you go. It’s also worth taking initiative as often as possible, inquiring to see if there’s anything you can do to be more valuable or helpful. Get a MentorWe’ve already mentioned getting to know people, but if you really want to improve your chances of success, you can go beyond internal networking and choose a mentor. A mentor is someone in a leadership position you can turn to for guidance. You’ll need to ensure that this person is comfortable with being your mentor, but getting one can be extremely useful, as it gives you access to constant support and expertise. Having a mentor also means you have someone in the business who’s invested in seeing you succeed. When someone chooses to mentor another person, they can’t help but feel a sense of responsibility for what happens to that person. Set GoalsSetting goals is a great way to ensure that you actually accomplish things in your new role. While it’s tempting to simply hold on tight and go with the flow during the first few weeks of a new role, you should always be looking towards the future. Setting goals will help you to figure out what to focus on as you begin to develop new relationships and work on your skills. Goals will also come in handy when you have follow-up meetings with your manager to discuss how your new role is going. You’ll be able to talk about what you’re hoping to accomplish and show the person in charge that you’re envisioning a future with the company. Although the first thirty days in your new role can be scary, using a plan with the tips above can make you feel like you have more control over the impression you make. With these hacks, you’ll be able to capture the eye of the people in your new job for all the right reasons and avoid missing out on a long-term position. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Creative Commons photos from Pixabay
Your Negative Attitude Impacts Your CareerWhen you have a negative mindset, it’s going to affect every aspect of your life. Your energy impacts those around you. So, if you bring a negative energy into the workplace, it’s going to have several repercussions. Here, you’ll discover how negativity affects your job. You will also see how you can start to eliminate your own negativity in the workplace. How does negativity impact your job?There are a lot of ways negativity can impact your job. When you have a negative mindset, it can affect your performance, work relationships, and overall wellbeing. The trouble with negativity, is that it attracts more negativity. Therefore, if you go into work with a negative attitude, it is going to rub off on your colleagues too. This will lead to a toxic workplace where nobody is happy and stress levels are increased. As well as impacting the work environment, a negative outlook can also cause issues with performance. You may not apply for new opportunities as they arise, forcing you to miss out on a potentially better job. You will also notice your energy levels aren’t great, and the quality of your work will suffer. These are just some of the ways negativity can impact your job. So, how can you fix it? Ways to become less negative at workThere are ways you can become a more positive person at work. However, it might take quite a lot of effort to overcome your negative thinking. The best ways to combat negativity at work include:
Identifying the cause of your negativity is crucial. There could be numerous reasons why you have a more negative attitude at work. Maybe you keep getting passed over for a promotion, or you are bored of your current role? Identifying the cause enables you to figure out the best ways to combat it. Whenever you feel yourself slumping into a negative mood, think of something you are thankful for. After all, it’s difficult to remain negative when you are thinking of something positive. You may also find it useful to talk to your boss if you haven’t already. If you are unhappy with something, let them know. Ask them for a promotion, rather than waiting for one. You could also ask them for further training opportunities and more responsibility. If you have colleagues who are negative, make sure you distance yourself from them. It could be that others are putting you in a negative mood, so distancing yourself from them will protect your energy and your positivity. If they see you with a more positive outlook, it will also help them to develop one too. As you can see, there are several ways you can address your negativity in the workplace. Identifying the root cause is the key to finding the right solution. If you are just naturally negative, working on developing a more positive mindset will help. However, this will take time so don’t expect results overnight. About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
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How To Handle Your Performance ReviewAre you anxious about the fact that your next performance review is just around the corner? If so, don’t despair because you are not the only one. Performance reviews can keep almost every professional up at night leaving you worried about whether or not you will be able to excel in them. That’s quite normal. Nonetheless, it does not have to be that way. You have to view yearly reviews as an opportunity to improve where you should and a chance to reflect on your mistakes and correct them. Think of employee assessments as better ways of understanding what your company expects from you, etc. Employee reviews give managers a chance to better understand where you are going wrong and guide you in the right direction. If you know effective methods of doing well in your yearly reviews and prepare for them throughout the year you will not be worried about the nerve-wracking experience. 5 Tips For Acing Your Next Performance ReviewBe Equipped For It One mistake that most workers make when it comes to performance reviews is over worrying about assessments to the point of failing to prepare for them and allowing the nervousness to negatively affect their work. The only way you can nail your next performance review is by preparing for it all through the year. Do the work, remain dedicated to what you do, and exceed expectations. Be Mindful Of Your Behavior and The Way You Treat Others Throughout The Year Your manager doesn’t just evaluate your work performance at the end of the year and stop there, your behavior, your effective communication in the workplace, as well as the way you work with your fellow employees is just as important. So, be wary of how you treat other employees or customers throughout the year. Don't be one of those people whom everyone labels as “grumpy, rude, and not fun to work with". You really don't want to be the reason for your colleagues to seek advice on how to deal with feuding coworkers. Such comments often arise from your failure to be a team player, failing to value other people’s opinions or just failing to control your temper during misunderstandings. Know and Understand What You Are Expected To Accomplish This may sound a bit obvious but knowing and understanding what your employers are expecting from you will give you a reason to not be agitated when the next evaluation is around the corner. So, write down everything you are expected to achieve and work towards making it happen. Learn how to quantify your accomplishments. It is also very important to know how to quantify results when your job isn't big on numbers. Make sure you do not forget your deadlines. Set constant reminders for your deadlines to avoid missing any deadlines. Bring Your Successes To The Performance Review Conversation If you realize you have failed to meet or reach some of the set goals, make sure you bring or mention all of your successes during the review meeting with your manager. This will make you look good despite any failures you may have had. It is also a smart way of getting your manager to focus less on your shortcomings and more on what you have achieved as well as your ability to still achieve more. Highlight Areas You Have Improved In Don’t forget to talk about how much you have improved throughout the year and the fact that you are still improving. The most important thing to note is that you can only talk to your supervisor about how much you have improved, if you have. The best way of ensuring you keep on improving your work, attitude, or behavior, is by having a teachable attitude. Learn how to get along with your coworkers or Director and be willing to offer your assistance where needed. In short, be a team player throughout the year and be constantly on the lookout for ways of improving your overall performance. Source: www.market-connections.net/blog/how-to-handle-your-performance-review About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay;
How To Step Down The Corporate LadderMost career advice revolves around moving up the career ladder. However, there are also those times when you must step down the corporate ladder. If that is your current situation, chances are high you had not planned for the changes. Our economy is fluctuating and the pandemic is not fully over yet. Certain businesses or industries were hit harder than others. Despite having a great job at a successful company, you may still be considering a career change. Or, you may just wonder about what to do if you are in a declining industry. In the end, you just may have to resize your career. Regardless of the reason, one thing is for sure. Making conscious choices and decisions will make it easier for you to move into your next role. Learn the modern rules for stepping down the career ladder with finesse. Benefits Of Stepping Down The Corporate Ladder
Strategies To Step Down The Corporate Ladder
Downsizing your career may open the door to new opportunities and establish a new balance in your life. Be prepared to explore your alternatives and market yourself to new employers. You may find that the outcome may be more fulfilling than what you left behind. Life has a way of often surprising us! About the AuthorMandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes. 
Civil Conversations In The Workplace
Civil Conversations In The WorkplaceCivil conversations are engagements aimed at sharing views or information on topics of high importance in the lives of the general public. They usually stem from and are dictated by our analysis of what mainly influences our social, economic, and political lives, among other things. However, the level of engagement and the success thereof is so much dependent on the personalities of the parties involved. Some people strongly dislike civil conversations citing that, depending on the mental state of the person one is conversing with, the conversations can move from simply sharing information to showing off one’s intelligence and trying to convince the other party that your views are more valid than theirs. Where one is not open-minded, there is a tendency to want to defend beliefs or anything one holds dear to them, which defeats the whole purpose of the engagement. It can easily lead to arguments or fights while where verbal aggression and abuse are present, the focus is lost, and the time invested in the conversation is wasted. Also, it is easy to step out of the line with civil conversations. Controversial issues may arise which may cause trouble for an individual or the company. Colleagues are also the people that we spend the greater part of the day with, as such, it is important to be careful not to ruin our relationships with them to ensure that we remain the team the company can rely on to achieve goals. The following points can help us engage in civil conversations without the risk of messing up our relationships: Know When To StopIt is important to know how to get along with your coworkers. It is also very important to have the ability to tell when things are spiraling out of control and to know when to stop to avoid having the conversation turn into a conflict. We cannot control how other people react to us but always have power over our own words and reactions. Set Your LimitsWe need to set boundaries with regards to how farther we allow our discussions on certain topics to go. We can choose to avoid anything likely to spark an argument or to offend the other person. Controversial topics about individuals or the company itself must be avoided especially when the conversation is not aimed at contributing positively to changing issues of concern. Discussing the absent must be out of bounds especially if the issue does not concern us unless we are helping them to mend relationships. Choose WiselyWhen you have worked with people for a while, you get an idea of how they reason as well as their emotional state. It gets easier to know the right people to engage in meaningful conversations with. If you do not know the person too well, then you probably should not have too much to say to them. Even when we have chosen wisely the people to engage in discussions with, we still need to go further to choose our words wisely. We need to consider the possible impact of our words while they are still just thoughts. The language we use to express ourselves can determine the outcome of expressions that would otherwise be harmless when said right. Where we have our own assumptions, the best way to present them would be in the form of questions that seek clarity or a deeper understanding of an issue rather than an accusation. We should also avoid sarcasm and derogatory language especially when the person we are conversing with is not a close friend. Be Open-Minded | ||
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