Top Tips for Interactive Skills in Business: Quick reference tips that will help you improve your interactions with others in business

By Patricia Ryan

This is a heartwarming and comical story set in post-war Dublin.

It follows the trials and tribulations of a family from humble background. The father has illusions of grandeur, which results in them living far beyond their means. This is not helped by his habit of stopping off at the pub almost every night. The schemes that ensue in order to try and achieve this lifestyle lead to hilarious events.

The author uses his own experiences to depict a true example of how Irish families of that era used whatever means possible, be it humour and sometimes stretching of the rules, to cope with the hardship of the times.

The story centres on the youngest of the three brothers and includes many of the colourful characters that went into making Ireland the unique country it was at that time.

The story follows the family’s journey from the childhood of the boys through to their adulthood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DoctorZed Publishing
• Release date: Jun 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9780645184082

Patricia Ryan

BIOGRAPHY Patricia Ryan WRITER Patricia Ryan is a published and produced playwright, poet, and author. She has written two novels, SKYLARK and WAR IN A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY. Her account of 9/11 is published by Doubleday in SEPTEMBER 11: AN ORAL HISTORY, and included in the World Trade Center Memorial archives. Patricia Ryan’s book, LIVING WITH THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE, is included in the libraries of the Museum of the City of New York, The New York Historical Society, the New York Public Library, the New York City Mayor’s Office, the New York State Senate, the Office of the President of the Borough of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her published theater works are included in the archives of the Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts, and in Poet's Theater: An Anthology of Recent Works (Ailanthus). They are also listed in Theater World (Crown) and New York's Other Theater (Avon) Ms. Ryan's poetry and plays have been performed at the Double Image Theater, American Renaissance Theater, The American Ensemble Theater Company, Theater of the Open Eye, Soho Rep, New York University's Theater on the Square, Woman's Interart, the Writers' Stage, Inc., the Golden Fleece Chamber Opera Company, and the Pulse Theatre on Theatre Row, all in New York City. Her poetry has appeared in NEW YORK QUARTERLY, ISLAND FIRE, SEAWANHAKA, THE RAGGED EDGE, FRISSON, FREE FOCUS, and THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WHIMSYand HELIOTROPE, The Joiurnal of Poetry, She is also the author four poetry chapbooks: Small Betrayals of the Mind, How Many Bears Can We Run From, Candlestick, and At Eye Level. ------------- Email: [e-mail] BIOGRAPHY Patricia Ryan POETRY Patricia Ryan is a poet, playwright and author. Her poetry has appeared in NEW YORK QUARTERLY, ISLAND FIRE, SEAWANHAKA, THE RAGGED EDGE, FRISSON, FREE FOCUS, THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WHIMSY, FREE FALL and HELIOTROPE, the Journal of Poetry. Her poetry is included in the Poet’s House Collection, one of the most comprehensive poetry libraries in the United States. She is also the author four poetry chap books: Small Betrayals of the Mind, How Many Bears Can We Run From, Candlestick, and At Eye Level. Her poems have been set to music and performed by The American Ensemble Theater and the Golden Fleece Chamber Opera Company. Her published theater works are included in the archives of the Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts, and in POET’S THEATER : An Anthology of Recent Works (Ailanthus). They are also listed in Theater World (Crown) and New York's Other Theater (Avon) Ms. Ryan's poetry and plays have been performed at the Double Image Theater, American Renaissance Theater, The American Ensemble Theater Company, Theater of the Open Eye, Soho Rep, New York University's Theater on the Square, Woman's Interart, the Writers' Stage, Inc., the Golden Fleece Chamber Opera Company, and the Pulse Theatre on Theatre Row, all in New York City. Her book, Living With The Brooklyn Bridge, is included in the libraries of the Museum of the City of New York, The New York Historical Society, the New York Public Library, the New York City Mayor’s Office, the New York State Senate, the Office of the President of the Borough of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Ms. Ryan’s account of 9/11 is published by Doubleday in SEPTEMBER 11: AN ORAL HISTORY and included in the World Trade Center Memorial archives. She has written two novels: SKYLARK and WAR IN A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY. ------------- Email: [e-mail]

Book preview

‘To be agreeable, all that is necessary

is to take an interest in other persons

and in other things,

to recognise that other people as a rule

are much like one’s self,

and thankfully to admit that diversity is a

glorious feature of life.’

Frank Swinnerton (b, 1884-1982)

British novelist and critic

Preface

I believe communication in business starts with your work environment. Do you jump out of bed in the morning ready and enthusiastic to get to the business of the day, or do you struggle out bemoaning the fact that you have to go to work? It is right at that point in time that can make or break your day. Think about how you want to spend it; happy or grumpy.

How well you and your colleagues work together can make the difference between a successful organisation or a poor one.

Being able to deal with personality differences within the organisation is only a part of having effective interactive skills in business. We also need to be able to work within the team, at times being its leader, or perhaps you are a manager and need to concentrate on ‘the bottom line’ ensuring the company or organisation thrives and survives.

Solving problems, handling conflict and using mediation skills are all part and parcel of being able to interact effectively in business.

Social media and networking also play a large part in being successful in taking your business into the community. There is no area in which interactive and interpersonal communication is not a necessity.

‘You can close more business

in two months by becoming interested

in other people than you can

in two years trying to get people

interested in you.’

Dale Carnegie

Chapter 1

Interacting at Work

Getting Along with Colleagues

Personality Profiles

Emotional Intelligence

Workplace Values

’Don’t find fault, find a remedy.’

Henry Ford (1863-1947)

American Automobile Manufacturer

Getting Along with Colleagues

Being happy at work is a tremendous blessing. It means you will not only look forward to your working week but shouldn’t suffer from headaches, aches and pains, depression and a host of other ailments. How to achieve that state is the question. There could be a simple answer or a particular situation may need in-depth analysis.

If we look at some basics of communication skills we find that we shouldn’t criticise others, order them around, criticise them openly and in fact we are meant to care about others and understand shall we say, ‘what makes them tick.’ How often do you think we do this, and especially at work?

It is a fact that a happy workplace increases productivity and therefore delivers a better outcome for all concerned.

Throughout this book you will find many ideas, suggestions and processes to improve your interpersonal relationships, but for these couple of pages I’m starting with basics we all know but don’t always use. The following Top Tips should bring about some light-bulb moments for you.

Some Fundamental Basics

Arriving at work with a smile on your face and a hello for everyone usually creates a friendly atmosphere.

While it’s normally nice to get along with your colleagues try not to grizzle or complain about the weather, family or work.

A positive attitude often rubs off on others.

It’s not always necessary if working in a large organisation to remember everyone’s name, but necessary for those working in your department.

You can show your interest in others by enquiring as to how they are and/or follow up on any problems they may be facing.

It seems superfluous to mention some of these very basic things, but as I go into companies and businesses to assess their communication within the workplace I continually find they are lacking in these very basics.

Working with colleagues

Appreciate the persons you work with. Be courteous and give encouragement.

TOP TIPS:

•Your colleagues will be more productive if you show approval and appreciation

•Be a good listener

•Personal hygiene – you do wear deodorant don’t you?

•Overdoing the perfume or aftershave can be uncomfortable for those working near you

•If others are encroaching on your work, speak to them about it

•If others are not doing their share or pulling their weight, assess if this is your problem before making a complaint; and/or try using an assertive message

•Gossip is always a no-no

If you really want to get along well with your colleagues, know what interests them.

It’s always a good idea, as Dale Carnegie said many years ago, to ‘make the other person feel important.’ (This still works today). We can do this by asking their opinion or their ideas, and being interested in their answers.

12 Ways to winning people to our way of thinking

Once again, I mention Dale Carnegie in ‘Winning People to our Way of Thinking’, and have done up the twelve steps he (and others since) assure us work well. (I should add that I have trained many people in these steps even today, with excellent results, so try them yourself).

They are;

1. Avoid argument and confrontation. Nobody is ever convinced against their will.

2. Respect the other person’s opinion. Never say you’re wrong. Best to let it lie for a moment then say what you thought and why. You will be surprised how quickly the other person will see your point of