WORDSMITH'S
TOOLBOX
Being
able to use the right words for the right occasion, writing or saying them correctly
in the proper context...it's a skill that anyone
aspiring to be a "better communicator" must learn to acquire and constantly,
improve on. As the line in that popular song, "Words", by the
Bee Gees says: "It's only words, and words are all I have to take your
heart away....", the right words are the key to bridging that
communication gap and bringing people closer and working well with each other.
So, from our wordsmith's toolbox, here are some tips on
how we can make "words work for us".....
You
can be assertive and nice too!
Here are some assertive but friendly phrases
you can use when you find yourself in these situations:
- You want
something from someone : "I would like you to..."
- You fear
being assertive : "I'm afraid you'll think I'm being pushy, but
will you..."
- You're not
sure about what you have a right to expect from others : "Pardon me.
Can you tell me if you..?"
- Someone resists
giving you what you want and deserve: "I know you're resisting
me, but I want you to..."
- You detect
a lack of assertiveness in others : " I want you to tell me what
you want from me and not to be afraid to do so."
Source: Good Intentions
: The Nine Unconscious Mistakes of Nice People by Duke Robinson, Warner
Books Inc. New York 10020.
Have you ever wondered "What Leaders Really Do?" In an articles of
the same name, John P. Kotter listed down the best distinctions between
managers and leaders. Some of these include:
| Managers |
Leaders |
| Cope with complexity |
Cope
with change |
| Plan and budget |
Set direction |
| Organize and
staff |
Align
people |
| Control and
problem solving |
Motivate
and inspire |
"Management is the process of maintaining, while leadership produce change."
|
