Word Count: 761 Character Width: 60 Resource Box: Find Your Passion at www.BookShaker.com

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"Find Your Passion"

- by Jo Parfitt

(c) Jo Parfitt. All Rights Reserved. http://www.BookShaker.com

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The idea that you can find work that makes you happy seems to be catching on. Only last week, I heard that a local insurance company was running a series of 'Engagement' seminars for its staff. It was hoped that training would teach employees how to connect with each other and build stronger relationships.

We tend to make friends with people with whom we find a common bond or a shared interest. If we care about our colleagues we should be more motivated at work and thus more productive.

Donna Messer, Canadian networking guru, suggests that best way to build stronger relationships with both colleagues and clients is to find not just a shared interest, but a shared passion.

'One of secrets of networking,' says Donna, 'is not to talk about business at all, but to talk about your passions.'

Whether you run your own business, or are employed by a company, finding a way to do something you are passionate about, is key to success in workplace.

Maybe you are passionate about self-development, being creative or working in a team? If so, then it should not be too difficult to find or create your own niche at work in which you can really thrive. But for most people, it is just not that simple. Through conditioning, need to be financially secure and fast pace of life, many of us have no idea how to work what we love to do or even remember what we used to enjoy doing before life got in way.

Self-discovery Ideas ----------------------- In her inspiring book, 'Work With Passion', Nancy Anderson explains how you can write your life story in order to see patterns emerge that will help you to dig up your childhood dreams. Anderson suggests that you start this autobiography beginning with your grandparents and continuing for up to 50 pages.

1. Don't get Hooked !!!

When people behave towards you in a manner that makes you feel angry, frustrated or annoyed - this is known as a Hook.

We can even become "Hooked" by way people look, how they talk, how they smell and even by their general demeanour.

If we take bait then we are allowing other person to control our behaviour. This can then result in an unproductive response.

We have a choice whether we decided to get hooked or stay unhooked.

2. Don't let them get to you.

We often allow other persons attitude to irritate or annoy us. This becomes obvious to other person through our tone of voice and our body language. This only fuels a difficult situation.

When dealing with difficult people, stay out of it emotionally and concentrate on listening non-defensively and actively. People may make disparaging and emotional remarks - don't rise to bait!

3. Listen - listen - listen

Look and sound like you're listening. - When face-to-face you need to look interested, nod your head and keep good eye contact. Over 'phone - you need to make occasional "Uh Hu - I See"

If other person senses that you care and that you're interested in their problem, then they're likely to become more reasonable.

4. Get all facts - write them down.

Repeat back (paraphrase) problem to ensure your understanding and to let other person know that you are listening.

5. Use names

A persons name is one of warmest sounds they hear. It says that you have recognised them as an individual. It is important not to overdo it as it may come across as patronising to other person. Make sure they know your name and that you'll take ownership for problem.

6. DON'T blame someone or something else.

7. Watch out for people's egos

"Don't interrupt "Don't argue "Don't jump in with solutions "Allow them to let off steam "Don't say, "Calm down".

8. See it from other person's point of view

Too often we think "difficult" person is making too much fuss. We think - "What's big deal; I'll fix it right away". It is a big deal for other person and they want you to appreciate it.

You don't necessarily need to agree with person however you accept fact that it's a problem for them.

9. Be very aware of your body language and tone of voice

We often exacerbate a situation without realising it. Our tone of voice and our body language can often contradict what we're saying. We may be saying sorry however our tone and our body language may be communicating our frustration and annoyance. People listen with their eyes and will set greater credence on how you say something rather than what you say. It's also important to use a warm tone of voice when dealing with a difficult situation. This doesn't mean being "nicey- nicey" or behaving in a non-assertive manner.

10. Words to avoid

There are certain trigger words that can cause people to become more difficult especially in emotionally charged situations. These include:

"You have to" - "But" - "I want you to" - "I need you to" - "It's company policy" - "I can't or You can't" - "Jargon" or "Buzz" words - "Sorry" - "I'll try" 11. Stop saying Sorry