Funny Findings

Research has shown that humor in the workplace can:
1. Facilitate communication
2. Build relationships
3. Reduce stress
4. Energize co-workers

Tips to keep in mind when being humorous:
1. Know your audience
2. If you doubt, leave it out
3. Keep your politics to yourself (which can be hard in an election year!)
4. Avoid heavy topics
5. What is your point? Is there a message...and what is that message?

And remember, unfortunately, some humorless people actively seek disparaging messages even when there is no intent on the part of the speaker. Just a heads up...so you don't face plant.

However, research has also shown that humorless individuals experience greater stress levels and are at a substantially greater risk for heart disease & stroke...so, hang in there!

www.donnamariawalker.com

It's Monday...

Show 'em whatcha got!

www.donnamariawalker.com

Credit Check...Check!

If you are seeking employment, know that some employers will want to check your references...and your credit.

Visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com/, the only federally mandated & authorized source for obtaining a free credit report. You'll be able to instantly view your credit report from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Should you find any discrepancies, you'll be afforded the opportunity to dispute incorrect claims.

Good thing I did! Who in the heck is "Donna-Marla?"

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Need to clean up that resume? Contact me today!

"I was going to buy a copy of The Power of Positive Thinking, and then I thought: What the hell good would that do?"
--Ronnie Shakes



http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Like, Ahhh, You Know?

"Like" "ahhh" & "you know" are highly popular words that many, many people may not realize are seriously compromising the efficacy of their message(s).

Think of the great orators and greatest speeches in American history and imagine if they had said...

"Like, the only thing, you know, we have to fear, is like, ahhh, fear itself."

or

"Ahhh, Mr. Gorbachev, like, tear down this wall!"

Several of my clients are professionals who wish to improve their public speaking skills. If you would like for me to attend and provide gentle, yet constructive and useful feedback at your next speech, contact me today.

www.donnamariawalker.com

Not as Easy as 1-2-3!

Communication at it's roots can be broken down into 3 "simple" components.

1. Thought
Information (concepts, ideas, feelings, etc.) is formulated in the mind of the potential sender.
Many instances of communication should stay in this phase. I don't know anyone who has acquired a taste for shoe leather!

2. Encoding
Message is sent to receiver in the form of words and/or symbols.
A critical phase in the communication process. Select those words and/or symbols wisely!

3. Decoding
Receiver translates words/symbols into information they can understand.
This is the most unpredictable phase. Regardless of how carefully we select our words/symbols, we cannot control how others receive and interpret information. And, believe it or not, there are many people who intentionally seek problems or offensive information in any/all communication regardless of the intent of the sender.

Tip: When we absolutely must communicate with this type of person, try to manipulate the situation so they are the "encoders." You'll save yourself a lot of time, effort and needless stress.

For more information, contact me today!

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

The Birds & The Bees

Strong identification with either of these pictures says a lot about an office culture.

Which image reminds you of YOUR team?

Do your team members work together toward a common goal? If so, team members and the organization as a whole likely enjoy sweet golden rewards.

Is your organizational progress crippled by the "What's in it for me" mentality?
If so, those employees will NEVER be satiated and they'll NEVER voluntarily leave the nest (for various reasons).

Schedule a teambuilding training for your organization today!

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Mark Your Calendar!

My next speaking engagement will be with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) on July 22nd in Paducah, KY. Topic: "Beyond Compliance: Understanding the Competitive Advantages of Diversity in the Workplace."

Email dmw@donnamariawalker.com for additional details.

I will be teaching 2 sections of Public Speaking and 1 section of Interpersonal Communication at WKCTC in the Fall semester. Please contact the college for scheduling and tuition information! Classes begin soon...reserve your spot today!

I'll resume regular "blogcasting" on July 15th (due to family emergency).

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/