Hi ,

I am writing this from Cairo, Egypt where I am working with HSBC bank employees on sales and customer service. Everything has been going great; the people are enthusiastic and willing to learn so I am enjoying the experience very much.

What I have realized being here is that we are all the same. We all have the same dreams, hopes, joys and aspirations, and at the same time, we also have similar problems, difficult relationships and hurdles to jump. So how do we overcome them? The first step is to realize that we have a choice.

We cannot control events or how other people are going to react to situations, what we can control however is our reaction, and that is what gives us the choice and the power. Do we want to take the hard road and create battles and conflict, or do we want to take the easy road and create peace, joy and harmony.

I know some people may say, “I’ll take the hard road because I am not going to give into this situation or this person.” And while I agree that sometimes there is a time to take a stand and make a point. It is what you choose to take a stand about, or make a point about that will create you having an easy life or a hard one. Always ask yourself, ‘is it worth it?’

In fact, taking the easy road is sometimes the most difficult thing to do. To turn the cheek, to forgive and ask for forgiveness, to smile when inside you don’t feel like smiling, to make amends when you don’t feel it is your fault. All these things are sometimes hard to do yet they create a happier life. The hard road is the one that seems easier at first but actually creates a lot of stress in the long run.

Here are five steps to help you achieve amazing communication results:

• Don’t take things personally. Remember that it has nothing to do with you if the other person is angry or upset. It is their anger and upset and you just happen to be in the line of fire. So take a breath and (mentally) step out of the way, give them the space and let them vent.
• Take a breath before responding. Sometimes you just need a moment to think about your response before ‘firing from the hip.’ A moment or two can save many a relationship both at work and at home.
• Ask yourself before you respond, “is it kind, necessary or wise.” How would you react to this person if they were someone you respect and care for? How would you treat them if they were your friend, or family member?
• Sharpen your listening skills: Remember the 80/20 rule. Listen 80% of the time and talk 20% of the time and you will gain knowledge and knowledge is power.
• Communication: Body language 55%, Tone 38%, Words 7%: It’s not so much what you say, but how you say it. How are you standing or sitting when you communicate? Are you open and approachable, or closed off and shut down? How is your tone of voice? Everything you say and do creates a picture—you are the artist—what kind of picture do you want to make? 

Rock N Roll

Jeff

P.S. Don't forget to join Jeff and Val this Friday morning for another edition of The Winner's Attitude radio show.

The Winner's Attitude Radio Show Every Friday 10am CST