"Helping you gain
.control of your career"

In this issue we look at the steps you could take to turn your career dreams into practical reality; consider a possible future in Project Management and show you the best way to resolve conflict.

• Editor's Desk
• Bite 1
• Bite 2
• Bite 3
• Working Web
• Last Word

This year seems to have whizzed by. Partly because I’ve been so busy and there never seem to be enough hours in the day to meet deadlines (quick plug here, folks, for our Effective Time Management course. Partly, I suspect, because I’m getting older and people reckon time speeds up the further we get through our lives. But whatever the reason, it will soon be a new year with all the challenges and opportunities that brings.

But if you want to improve your chances of success next year – both at work and socially - then you should seriously consider polishing your communication skills. Being able to communicate well is essential if you want to get the best from your workforce, influence your colleagues and make a good impression on those you do business with. So, how can you improve?

First, stop talking and listen! You’ll only find out what people really want and need if you focus on them and take in what they are saying.

Ensure the other person knows you’re listening; so give them your full attention and make eye-contact.

Next, try to put yourself in their shoes. Think what kind of reaction you’d like in similar circumstances and try to provide it – it’s called empathy.

Finally, even in the most serious business situations a sincere smile goes a long way towards getting people on your side. And once you’ve won their trust you’ll find communication a lot easier.

So if you feel you need more help with communication – written and verbal – then you might want to have a look at our Business English with Spoken English Diploma course.

But what else have I got in store for you this month? First we look at how to banish those Monday morning blues. You might not have a dream job, but you can go a long way towards making it more satisfying and rewarding.

Next we’ll be looking at Project Management and whether it’s a job that might provide you with satisfaction. Finally, we’re going to bring together ideas about communication skills and project management by considering how you can work to resolve tensions that build up when you’re working as part of a team.

Until next year...enjoy!