Welcome to the Fulfillment@Work Newsletter
Published by Joel Garfinkle, Dream Job Coaching
ISSN: 1533-3906

Contents

1. Feature Article: See MY Point of View at Work
2. Quotes
3. Tip of the Week: Setting Powerful Goals
4. We Recommend: The Lost Art of Listening

Feature Article
Point of View

"My employER doesn't see my point of view." "My employEE doesn't see my point of view." These two quotes, usually accompanied by sighing, gritted teeth or other signs of frustration, are quite commonplace in today's workplace. We often have "tunnel vision" and only see our side of a situation.

Other people involved in the situation are busy being focused on their side. Communication lapses, frustration and anger increase and situations turn into major problems. How can this be avoided? How can you get your employer or employee to see your point of view?

The most effective way to get someone to see your point of view is to see their point of view. This sounds simple enough but how can you actually do this? Put yourself "in their shoes" so to speak.

If you're an employee, imagine that you were the CEO of the company. Consider your daily responsibilities and all of the tasks you would have to complete. Think of the overall vision of the company. What needs and concerns would you have? What roles would you play? This will allow you to have empathy for your boss' broader perspective and you can change how you verbalize your concerns to address this.

You can begin with a statement of understanding and be able to address your superior's concerns. This will allow them to feel heard and understood and they will be more open to hearing your concerns and needs.

If you are an employer, view things from your employee's perspectives. What are their responsibilities and daily tasks? Who do they work with and what is their daily environment? What are their concerns and needs? What roles do they play and how does their position at the company fit into the overall picture? Many companies have programs where management spends a day filling an employee's position so that they can get hands on experience and really see what their employees go through. Find out if your company has one or suggest one.

Now that you have a better understanding of the other person's perspective, the next step is to communicate your needs and concerns to them. Begin, as stated earlier, by mentioning their concerns and that you understand their position. Next, look at their style of communication. Do they prefer e-mail, phone calls, in person conversations? Use the means that they are most comfortable with. Are they a morning or afternoon person?

Consider the timing of your conversation as well. If you approach someone when they are rushed or stressed, they may not be receptive to you. With an understanding and show of empathy for their point of view and the right style and timing of communication, your needs and point of view have a much greater chance of being heard, understood and acted upon.

If you want to learn how to Find Your Dream Job, click here:
http://www.dreamjobcoaching.com/coaching-overview.html

If you want to learn about Executive Coaching, visit:
http://www.GarfinkleExecutiveCoaching.com

~ Joel Garfinkle
Dream Job Coaching:
Live Your Dream Life!

Quotes of the week

"Do not be desirous of having things done quickly. Do not look at small advantages. Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly. Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished."
~ Confucius

"Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that."
~ Norman Vincent Peale

" Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tip of the Week
Setting Powerful Goals

A career change or dream job hunt can be a difficult endeavor unless you create an action plan that includes powerful goals. Goals give you discipline, motivation and the drive to stay focused and persevere. The process of goal setting includes daily, weekly and monthly goals. These keep you focused and in pursuit of your dream job. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. Goals are important because they ensure that your activities and decisions are aligned with your values and overall career vision. By setting goals, you enable your creative imagination to create a dream so real that it simply will come true.

We Recommend
The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen Can Improve Relationships
by Michael P. Nichols

Related to our Feature Article on Points of View, "The Lost Art of Listening" can help to restore good listening habits. Nichols offers ways to get your point of view through to others while effectively hearing the other point of view. Suggestions for handling interruptions, defusing anger and breaking through assumptions are also featured.

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Coaching Services

Joel Garfinkle is available for coaching. Send him an email at joel@dreamjobcoach.com or call (510) 339-3201.

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Copyright 1998-2006, Joel Garfinkle, all rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute DreamsWork so long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached.