Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life

The telephone is a common business tool and its proper use is essential for career advancement.

Talking with a potential client, customer or colleague on the phone can sometimes be challenging.  Without seeing an individual’s face, messages can become muddled and meanings misinterpreted.

To strengthen telephone communication skills, ace the following:

Make a great first impression

Show the caller you’re helpful, confident, competent.

When you answer the phone, smile as you greet the person on the other end of the line.  A smile creates positive energy which translates to the person on the other end.

Speak briskly but pronounce words clearly. When you talk fast, you may sound hurried or excited, and are difficult to understand. When you speak too slowly, you may sound tired, lazy or uninterested.

Strive for an energy level that matches your normal conversation. A soft voice suggests shyness or uncertainty; a loud voice implies anger or worry. Be alert to your caller’s needs. If he’s having trouble hearing, speak louder, more slowly.

Control your rate of speech and pitch. The average individual speaks at a pace of 130 to 150 words per minute. Try to match this rate while on the phone.

Keep your voice pitch moderate. A high pitch connotes youth and may fail to suggest an authoritative image. A low pitch may sound harsh.  Find a middle ground, and vary your inflection to ensure you sound natural, interested. A monotone sounds boring, unenthusiastic.

Use the person’s name

As soon as you receive a caller or customer’s name, write it down. This will help you remember the person’s name, and will personalize the call for you.

Include it naturally throughout the conversation.  Don’t be afraid to ask them for the proper pronunciation.  Most customers will appreciate this gesture.  Get the spelling correct, too.  Callers will value the personal touch you provide with a name.

Be genuine

Avoid scripted greetings as most sound artificial, inauthentic.

When you answer the phone include the company’s name, the department, your name, and offer your assistance by giving the caller requested information. This shows you’re a professional ready and willing to be of assistance.

Provide the person with honest answers. Use positive words to ensure a pleasing exchange.  Avoid phrases such as “I don’t know,” or “I can’t do that,”  State what you can do to help, and specify how long a hypothetical task may take.

Be courteous, respectful

Always say hello and identify yourself. Ask how you can help. Use courtesy words, “Thank you for waiting.”  If you need to put the caller on hold, ask, and wait for an answer. If you need to phone back, indicate when you’ll call.

End the call positively

Ensure the caller understands the information you passed along before hanging up. Summarise your conversation.  Ask the person, “Is there any other information I can give you”  Answer any final questions the caller may have to ensure complete comprehension and satisfaction.  Also, provide information the caller may require in the future. If the caller needs to call back, share optimal contact times.

When necessary information has been shared, finish the call in a friendly manner.  Say, “Have a nice day” or, “It was a pleasure speaking with you.”  Let the caller know you’re willing to assist anytime.

Let the caller hang up first. This gives the person control of the ending as well as an opportunity to ask further questions.

Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, offers additional strategies for succeeding in your life career.

The audible version is available: https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Check paperback edition: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

 Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, psychologist, coach and author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

– Know yourself and job target.

– Prepare elevator speech.

– Build online professional profile on social media channels. Network at business and community events.

Award-winning audio book, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, provides more tips for advancing life career: https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

© carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

Are your communication skills hindering your career development? Do you welcome others’ ideas even though they differ from yours? Or, do you talk down to people?

Good communication enhances relationships, contributes to productive work environments, and advances career development  Thinking about what we say and how we say it can minimize misinterpretations. Below are common communication don’ts and dos.

Do

– Trust and respect everyone.  Respect is essential for cultivating relationships. Treat others as you wish to be treated and value their opinions. Avoid stereotyping. This reinforces negativity and alienation.

– Listen without judging. Don’t interrupt, fidget or jump to conclusions before someone finishes a sentence. Ask questions when you’re unsure. Ensure your message is understood, as well. Summarize what you hear to minimize misunderstanding. Let the speaker know you hear and understand his thoughts. Consider what someone is feeling but not saying. Empathize: “I’d be angry if that happened to me.”

– Use verbal and non verbal strategies. Superior verbal, problem solving and reasoning skills establish credibility. However, words seldom capture the total message. A caring touch, smile or other nonverbal cues say a lot. They can reinforce messages and establish sincerity. The same sentence can have a different meaning when voice tone differs.

Project a confident, professional, energetic image. Attend to environmental factors such as comfort and colour to enhance communication.

– Address mistakes and conflict immediately. Schedule meetings to resolve issues. Aim for win-win solutions. Both you and the other party should express views, documenting facts. Ensure you understand each other’s viewpoints, and explore potential solutions. Agree on a plan to resolve the conflict, and know how you’ll measure success.

Never blind side coworkers. Always discuss problems with those directly involved, first.

– Polish telephone skills.  Create a professional first impression. Be courteous. Speak briskly, but pronounce words clearly.  Leave concise, understandable messages. Repeat your name and phone number twice. Give the date, time and reason for your call. State whether you’ll call back or want the person to call. Indicate when you’ll be available.

– Keep information flowing. Advise others of important developments and stay informed about company and industry news. If you can’t meet deadlines, ensure all affected people know what happened. Provide a new due date, and honor the deadline.

– Share credit and praise. Thank, recognize and specify contributions of people who helped you succeed. Praise often, and publicly link praise to a specific activity or attribute.

Offer constructive feedback. Instead of criticizing, begin with a compliment, and offer suggestions for improvement. Help others identify and harness strengths.

– Participate in company projects and social activities. Creating something with others is an excellent way to develop friendships. Casual discussions during lunch or coffee breaks can also strengthen relationships. Don’t engage in idle nasty chatter. What you say can haunt you later.

– Request feedback. Ask a valued colleague to list three communication skills you do well, and three you could improve upon. Practice refining needed skills.

Don’t

– Play the one-upmanship game. “That’s nothing. Here’s my story.” This tendency, often used by insecure types, turns others off. Colleagues won’t share because it’s tiresome to have comments “topped.” Let the speaker know you hear him. Ask questions to draw out pleasant memories

– Send unprofessional emails. Be precise, brief, focused. Never type all caps. They have the same effect as screaming.  Think before posting. Realize you’re making an impression and leaving a written record. Avoid offensive language, and don’t criticize or complain. Never respond negatively to inflammatory mail. Schedule face-to-face meetings to discuss concerns. Review and proofread.  Address the recipient to communicate respect, and type your name.

– Be sarcastic. Although some people tell the truth by sarcasm, the receiver often feels angry. Sarcasm can make the recipient feel abused, embarrassed, and unwilling to share information. If someone directs a sarcastic remark to you, say, “Are you concerned about X?” After listening, say, “Next time, please tell me about your concern directly.”

– Keep your door closed all the time. A closed door sends the message you don’t want to be disturbed.  If you need quiet, leave the door slightly ajar. When working under time constraints or engaged in a confidential discussion, tape a message on your closed door. For example, “On deadline. Please leave a note, and I’ll get back to you.”

– React defensively and angrily when criticized. This gives the other person power over how you’ll behave. Maintain your power. Don’t speak when you’re angry or upset. Take time to prepare and mentally rehearse a response that will benefit both parties.

– Blame. This creates distance and defensiveness. Although you may need to identify people involved in a problem or ask what system caused a failure, don’t publicly identify and blame others.  Think about what you can do to resolve the situation.

– Display personal items in your work area. Give your space “personality” but don’t offend others.  Items you feel are “humorous” might be perceived “unprofessional.”  As`well, avoid displaying controversial materials that could create conflict.

– Overdo business casual. Avoid wearing flip-flops, sweat suits, tattered, revealing or flashy clothes. You could be sending the message you’re not a serious professional.

Additional tips for enhancing communication are discussed in award winning Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life by Carole Kanchier: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/15r-Life/dp/08408963

Check audible edition; https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach and author of Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cru, University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact: carole@daretochange.com; carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

How do you react to unexpected challenges?  Do you rebound from major setbacks stronger than before? Or do you play the victim, blame others?

It’s essential to strengthen resilience to adapt and succeed in changing times.

 How resilient are you?

Answer “yes” or “no.”

1. I like trying new ways of doing things.
2. I find it challenging to recover emotionally from losses.
3. I adapt quickly to new situations.
4. I can’t tolerate ambiguous situations.
5. 5. I’m persistent when working on challenging projects.
6. I’m a sequential problem solver.
7. I’m comfortable being myself.
8. I’m cautious.
9. I’m usually non-judgmental about people.

Scoring: One point for each yes to odd-numbered statements, and each no to even numbered statements.

Interpretation: 7 or higher, very resilient; 4 to 6, moderately resilient; 3 or lower, consider suggestions below.

Resilient people thrive on challenge and change. Confident, creative, and growth-oriented, they turn setbacks into opportunities. They use both left-brain and right-brain thinking styles, and maintain optimism during tough times.

Questers, described in Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, are resilient.

The audible Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life shows how to strengthen resilience and other Quester traits like courage to risk.

https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Get a copy of the paperback edition; Questers Dare to Change:https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Developing Resilience

Resilience is learned. Below are tips for strengthening flexibility.

 – Look upon something different or unknown as an opportunity to challenge yourself. If you don’t try something new , how will you  find out you can do it? Expect things to work out. View mistakes as learning experiences.

 – Note what you’ve learned from a negative experience. Indicate how it has made you stronger, wiser. Identify early clues you ignored, and what you’ll do differently.

 – Detect and dispute inaccurate thoughts and causal beliefs. Are you or your circumstances responsible for your beliefs? Are your beliefs based on fact or fallacy? Why or why not?

 – Approach problems from different perspectives. Ask for feedback from people with diverse backgrounds. Take things out of their ordinary context and create new patterns for them. Notice the number of ways you can use eggs or milk cartons. Develop a playful, childlike curiosity. Ask questions, experiment.

 – Build self-confidence.  Make a list of everything you like about yourself. Include personal traits and accomplishments. Post this where you can see it.  Set your own standard of excellence. Realize that perfection is an unattainable goal. Accept the ideal as a guideline, not to be attained 100 percent. Work toward improving your performance each time.

– Be authentic. Your actions should be consistent with your thoughts and feelings. Don’t succumb to peer or family pressures.

– Develop meaningful, supportive relationships. Link up with like-minded people with whom you can share feelings and receive positive feedback and assistance.

– Continue to learn. Keep updated on local and international news. Build knowledge in your discipline. Develop critical thinking skills. Ask questions. Compare and contrast, link ideas, and evaluate.

– Learn to risk.  Identify three successful risks you’ve taken. What did you do to make each turn out well?

Take small risks daily.  Experiment with a different hairstyle or food. At work, offer new ways of tackling a problem. Reduce risk by developing back-up plans.

What can you do to strengthen resilience today?

Award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Carole Kanchier, offers additional tips to strengthen resilience and other winning Quester traits: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Contact: carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questersdaretochange.com

 3 tips for achieving goals

– Measure success by internal standards.

– Set attainable goals.

– Enjoy process of learning, mastering, attaining.

Award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, provides additional3 tips for advancing life career: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963. Get the audible version of Questers:. …….

Self talk can boost you up or take you down. Athletes use positive self-talk to reach their personal bests. Some people use negative self-talk to justify the ruts they find themselves in. Kirk and Mike are examples.

Kirk an aerospace engineer whose organization was terminating employees kept telling himself and others he will lose his job. Mike, on the other hand, researched options and sent updated resumes to potential employers. Kirk lost his job. Mike was offered a job the day he received his pink slip. When Kirk learned to restructure his thoughts, and updated skills, he attained his desired position.

Is the conversation you have in your head about yourself and the world around you positive, growth-oriented, or negative, constraining?

What does this quiz say about you?
Answer “yes” or “no.”
1. I learn from my mistakes.
2. I’m too old to compete with younger job applicants.
3. I know and accept myself.
4. I prefer the tried and true ways of doing things.
5. Career success is defined personally.
6. I do what I “should” rather than what I want.
7. I welcome criticism as a way to grow.
8. I won’t consider relocating for an attractive job elsewhere.
9. My successes are the result of hard work, determination and some ability.
10. I’ll accept a promotion to a job I don’t think I’ll like for money and prestige..

Scoring: 1 point for each “yes” to odd numbered statements, and each “no” to even numbered ones. The higher your score, the more you possess positive, growth-oriented attitudes. A score of less than 4 suggests your career could benefit from positive self-talk.

Self-Talk Tips
– Reevaluate your definition of career advancement. View career growth as a lifelong process of personal and
professional growth — a continuing quest to maintain harmony between who you are and what you do.

– Know yourself and options. Identify your skills, major accomplishments, needs, purpose and other attributes. Explore options that are compatible with your personal characteristics. Specify your ideal job; include field or industry, title, tasks, type of company and location.

Don’t choose an occupation because experts predict it will be in demand or to please others. Rather, select one that is congruent with your personal qualities. If you follow your heart instead of “shoulds,” money may be a by-product.

– Restructure your thinking to that of creating a job rather than applying for one. Reevaluate your career goals periodically. Modify these as you learn more about yourself and your changing environment. Embrace and grow with change.

– Continue to learn. Welcome opportunities to discover new technologies and enhance transferable skills, such as computer literacy and verbal communication.

– Develop and use intuition. Take quiet time daily to tune into your inner self. Meditate on an object, such as a candle flame or mantra. Ask your dreams for direction before falling asleep sleep. Keep a journal. Communicate with nature.

Create a vision board with pictures of your self living your desired lifestyle so it’s in your vision every single day. Affirmations can be excellent tools to keep you motivated towards attaining your goal. You must bring your desired goal into the present moment and fully, emotionally and positively believe that it can and does exist in your current reality.

– Maintain optimism. Expect good things to happen. Every time you hear your inner voice criticize, stop and think of something positive to say such as “I’m making progress.” Write down things you like about yourself such as “I’m flexible and creative.” Post the list where you can see it often.

– Exhibit flexibility and resilience. If you’ve been blocked from attaining a desired career goal, investigate other ways of achieving it.

– View risk as a learning opportunity. Start with small risks in daily activities. Then proceed to more challenging ones. Think of an important risk you’d like to take. What’s the worst thing that would happen if it turned out badly? Where could you get information and support to make the goal less risky? Break the goal into small steps. When can you take the first step?

– Live in the present. Don’t worry about what might happen. Depersonalize failure. View setbacks as learning experiences. Persist. Have faith that you’ll achieve your goal.

– Start a daily gratitude journal. Thank the universe daily for positive experiences you had each day. Recognize and practice small acts of kindness daily.

Additional strategies for empowering self talk are described in award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

The audible version of Questers Dare to Change is available: The audible Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life shows how to realize potential! https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Author Bio: Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist and author of Questers Dare to Change. Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz and University of Alberta, and other institutions of higher learning. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential. www.questersdaretochange.com

© Carole Kanchier, PhD

For most people, Labor Day means two things: a day off and a chance to say goodbye to the summer. But why is it called Labor Day?

In the United States and Canada, Labor Day, a national holiday, always falls on the first Monday in September. This year (2019) Labor Day is Monday, September 2. Labor Day is also celebrated on this day in Puerto Rico, the Canal Zone, and the Virgin Islands.

The day is set aside to pay tribute to working men and women. Labor Day weekend is also considered the unofficial end of summer.

In European countries, China and other parts of the world, May Day, the first day in May, is a holiday to celebrate workers and labor unions.

Test your knowledge of Labor Day

Respond T (True) or F (False):

1. Labor Day is the affirmation of the dignity and worth of workers.

2. Labor Day began in Canada in 1872, when the Toronto Trades Assembly organised the first significant workers’ demonstration to support exploited workers.

3. In the US, the first Labor Day, held in 1883, stemmed from the desire of the Central Labor Union to create a workers’ holiday.

4. Many view Labor Day as a day of rest, the end of summer, a last chance to make trips or hold outdoor eve

A trade or labor union is an association of workers whose purpose is to improve economic status and working conditions primarily through collective bargaining.

6. The term “closed shop” refers to company that hires only union members.

7. Elton Mayo’s research in the 1930s demonstrated that workers were more motivated by recognition and social interaction than by material rewards.

8. Historically, labor unions developed in response to the need to protect the common interest of workers.

9. In the process of collective bargaining, an employer agrees to discuss working conditions with employee representatives usually a labor union.

Answers

1 True. Labor Day is the affirmation of the dignity and worth of workers. Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of North American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our nations.

2. True. Labor Day began in Canada in 1872, when the Toronto Trades Assembly organised the first significant workers’ demonstration to support exploited workers.

3. True. In the US, the first Labor Day, held in 1883, stemmed from the desire oh the Central Labor Union to create a workers’ holiday.

4. True. Many view Labor Day as a day of rest, the end of summer, a last chance to make trips or hold outdoor events. In some communities, people organize fireworks displays, barbecues and public arts or sports events.

5. True. A trade or labor union is an association of workers whose purpose is to improve economic status and working conditions primarily through collective bargaining

6 True. The term “closed shop” refers to company that hires only union members. A closed shop is a form of union security agreement under which the employer agrees to hire union members only, and employees must remain members of the union at all times in order to remain employed

International Labor covenants do not address the legality of closed shop provisions, leaving the question up to each individual nation. The legal status of closed shop agreements varies widely from country to country, ranging from bans on the agreement, to extensive regulation of the agreement to not mentioning it at all.

7 True. Elton Mayo’s research in the 1930s demonstrated (The Hawthorne Experiments) that workers were more motivated by recognitionnd social interaction than by material rewards. Companies subsequently introduced various incentives to increase employee motivation and productivity.

8 True. The labor movement in the United States grew out of the need to protect the common interest of workers. For those in the industrial sector, organized labor unions fought for better wages, reasonable hours and safer working conditions. The labor movement led efforts to stop child labor, give health benefits and provide aid to workers who were injured or retired

9 True. Collective bargaining is the process in which working people, through their unions, negotiate contracts with their employers to determine their terms of employment, including pay, benefits, hours, leave, job health and safety policies, ways to balance work and family, and more. Collective bargaining is a way to solve workplace problems. It is also the best means for raising wages in America. Indeed, through collective bargaining, working people in unions have higher wages, better benefits and safer workplaces.

Ongoing technological, economic, and social changes are forcing us to continue to reassess our views of the meaning and structure of work. Ways in which we honor the dignity and worth of workers may also be modified.

 Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life describes lifelong career growth, change, and decision making. https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963

Audible Questers is available: https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Author, Carole Kanchier is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach, speaker, and author of award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact Carole: carole@questersdaretochange.com; www.questerdaretochange.com

Are you a Quester? Would you like to become one? What are Questers, anyway?

Take the Quester Quiz: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

Questers, who have been around for centuries, pursue causes important to them. Many have made significant contributions to humankind. Galilei Galilio, the Italian physicist, proved the earth revolved around the sun; Abraham Lincoln inspired the nation to abolish slavery; Miklhail Gorbachev had courage and character to give up power of soviet communism; Nelson Mandela campaigned for justice and freedom in South Africa, Albert Einstein the scientist campaigned for a peaceful world, Marie Curie was awarded a Nobel Prize for her discoveries with radiation; and Martin Luther King inspired millions to aspire for a more equal society.

Other Questers, from all walks of life, create work in harmony with their purpose. Could you do the same?

My ongoing research on lifelong career decision making, described in audible, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, shares Questers’ success secrets.

https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Questers are authentic, innovative, and have courage to risk. They’re confident, resilient, and value intrinsic rewards such as autonomy and challenge more than external rewards like status and security. Most view failure as learning experiences and measure success personally.

Periodically, they reevaluate goals and make modifications to maintain congruence between who they are and what they do. Career advancement, to them, means growth of the whole person.

Fred studied mechanical engineering because he loved “fixing things.” He created a maintenance position in an apartment complex that enabled him to fix things.

Attuned to changes within and around them, Questers anticipate layoffs. While her colleagues worried about being laid off, Manu upgraded her skills and contacted employers. She was offered a job the day she received the pink slip.

People, who report relatively high scores on Quester traits, tend to have higher job and life satisfaction than those who report lower scores.

We are all born Questers. You see these characteristics in toddlers as they excitedly explore their homes. Unfortunately, as we grow older, we set up barriers to growth which are demonstrated by behaviors like fear, denial, and delay. It is crucial to strengthen our Questers traits to succeed in uncertain times.

Tips for Strengthening Quester Skills

– Clarify purpose. Identify themes: strengths and accomplishments, absorbing childhood activities, recurring dream, what you’d wear to a costume party, people you admire, how you’d spend time if you had billions?

 – Focus on the positive. Look for and expect good things. Each time you catch yourself thinking something negative, replace it with a more positive thought.

– Strengthen resilience. Note what you’ve learned from traumatic experiences. Indicate how these have made you stronger, wiser. Identify early cues that you’ve ignored, and what you’d now do differently.

– Stretch yourself. Read, take courses. Don’t compare yourself with others. Judge your accomplishments against personal standards of self-improvements. Challenge conventional beliefs.

– Be authentic. Do what’s right for you, not what others think. Ensure actions are consistent with thoughts and feelings.

– Strengthen courage to risk. Review three successful risks taken. Note what made these successful. Identify perceived barriers for taking another risk, and explore ways to overcome them.

– Manage fear. Identify worrisome issues. Minimize them by researching relevant information and resources. Live in the present. Let go of “attachments.”

– Create a life in which you continue to grow and have choices. Use your Quester power. The audible Questers Dare to Change shows how:

Carole Kanchier, PhD, is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist and author of award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Dr. Kanchier has taught at University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz, University of Alberta, and other institutions. Her columns have been published in Wall Street Journal, New York Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Vancouver Sun, Toronto Sun, Boston Globe, South Africa National Magazine, Malaysia Business, and Indonesia Inistar. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact: carole@questersdaretochange.com; carole@daretochange.com www.questersdaretochange.com.

 ‘Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, truth loving.’ James E. Faust

Have you ever lied at work? Do you tell half-truths to get the sale or job? Do you keep promises?

 What does this quiz say about you?

Answer yes or no.

1. I’ve lied on my resume or fudged reports.

2. I call in sick when I’m not.

3. I surf the internet on company time.

4. I fail to disclose pertinent information.

5. I’ve cheated on school or employment tests.

6. I’d tell a face-saving lie to protect my career.

7. I exaggerate the truth or tell white lies to avoid hurting someone.

8. I’ve stolen office supplies or padded expense accounts.

9. I lie to better serve my employer or clients.

10. I’ve copied software or reproduced cassettes.

 Scoring: One point for each “yes.” The higher your score, the more you could enhance honesty.

 Lying is stressful, and stress harms health and accelerates aging. Frequent lying and fear of exposure keeps your body’s “fight or flight” response on. Long term activation of this system may result in health conditions like heart disease.

 The Pinocchio Effect also kicks in when you lie. The temperature in the muscles around the nose becomes hotter, according to Emilio Milán and Elvira López at the University of Granada. There is corresponding action in the insular cortex of the brain which controls emotions. Fear of being caught in a lie increases activity in the insular cortex, leading to more heat emanating from the nose. The researchers called this the Pinocchio effect. In Walt Disney’s Pinocchio, the boy puppet’s lies are revealed whenever his wooden nose grows.

 Lying damages a person’s self respect and credibility. Dishonesty also affects company productivity. Using company time and stealing small items add up. Honest employees pay for others’ lack of integrity through stricter rules, or other..

 Why people lie

Children learn to lie. Many don’t view cheating on exams as unethical. Dishonest behavior is encouraged when schools fail to show disapproval of students’ cheating. The same message is given when parents cheat on taxes. Children learn all methods for achieving goals are justified.

 We fib because we need to appear competent, want to avoid hurt or conflict, desire to protect our jobs, or not rock the boat. Some workers may lie about a sick child to protect themselves from taking another business trip. Others who call in sick are tending to personal needs. Not all supervisors understand employees’ need for family or relaxation time. Business behaviors such as not disclosing pertinent information or selling defective goods are rationalized along the same lines.

Political and business leaders have lied for centuries. Recent studies conducted by Paul Piff, social psychologist, at the University of California, Irvine, found that self-interests tend to spur the elite to lie and cheat.

Lies have hidden costs, not only in productivity and teamwork, but in a person’s self-respect. It’s difficult to stop, once you start exaggerating the truth. People who lie don’t remember who knows what. A major consequence is damaged credibility.

Various workplace situations facilitate untruthful behaviors. Employee dishonesty may be a sign of outdated company policies. Workers may take time off for questionable family needs because the employer has no flex time or personal care days.

 Demonstrating Truthfulness

 William Shakespeare offers sage advice: “Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honor, I lose myself.” Additional suggestions follow.

 – Love and accept yourself. Know what you want. Surround yourself with supportive people who accept you for who you really are.

Don’t compromise your integrity and reputation by associating with people whose standards of integrity you mistrust.

– Speak the truth. Communicate in an open and honest fashion. Exaggerating your ability to meet expectations will hurt your status and business more than being honest up front. Truth and trust go together. Lies erode others’ faith in you.

– Say what you mean and mean what you say. Present both sides of an issue to ensure objectivity. Simplify your statements so that others understand your message. Tell people the rational behind your decisions so that your intent is understood.

 – Keep promises. If there is a genuine reason you can’t reveal your position, such as when you’re negotiating, consider saying, “I can’t discuss that now.”

 Hold people accountable when their actions don’t match their words.. If you have a personal bias or a conflict of interest make it known to people with whom you are interacting.

 – Avoid compromising situations. If your boss tells you to lie about a given situation, gently decline saying you’re not comfortable with the idea, or offer an alternative way to achieve the goal.  If you find yourself in many compromising situations, think about moving on.

– Shift mindset. Lying is a learned survival strategy that can be unlearned. Note what triggers your decision to lie. What fear (e.g., being wrong, hurting someone) is behind this choice? Why do you believe the lie will have a better outcome, and for whom? Reflect on your answers to uncover your motivation, and make needed modifications.

When you sense yourself crafting a lie, ask yourself. “What’s the worst that can happen if I tell the truth?”

– Visualize an image of your honest self. Focus on this image to maintain truthfulness in all situations.

 Additional tips for maintaining truthfulness and strengthening other Quester traits are discussed in award winning audiobook, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life by Dr. Carole Kanchier:

 https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

 Dr. Carole Kanchier, registered psychologist, career and personal growth expert, is author of award winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life.  Carole Kanchier inspires people to realize their potential and look at career advancement in new ways.  Dr. Kanchier pioneered the unique model of lifelong growth and decision making which she shares in “Questers Dare to Change.”  www.questersdaretochange.com.

Audible, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, shows how to succeed by being yourself!

Are You A Quester?

Are you a Quester? Would you like to be one? Who are Questers anyway?

Questers redefine careers and work!  Questers are growth-oriented individuals with a sense of purpose, confidence, resilience, perseverance, and other traits needed to prevail in changing times.

Check your Quester traits: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/services-2/quester-quiz/

Questers shows how to realize potential!

https://www.audible.com/pd/Questers-Dare-to-Change-Your-Job-and-Life-Audiobook/B07VZNKGJF?asin=B07VZNKGJF&ipRedirectOverride=true&overrideBaseCountry=true&pf_rd_p=34883c04-32e5-4474-a65d-0ba68f4635d3&pf_rd_r=TN801GRP49AWQSSYMDYC1

Please review sample book chapters: http://www.questersdaretochange.com/book/excerpts/

Best wishes in your life career,

Carole Kanchier, PhD

Author, Carole Kanchier is an internationally recognized newspaper/digital columnist, registered psychologist, coach, speaker, and author of award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life. Dr. Kanchier is known for her pioneering, interdisciplinary approach to human potential.

Contact Carole: carole@questersdaretochange.com

www.questersdaretochange.com