We all have our particular and comfortable way we approach breaking the ice in an awkward conversation, telling others about ourselves on a first date, or even how we start dancing. However do you have effective “go-to” moves for career-related situations? Here are seven “go-to” ways that you should have in your professional toolbox to help you maximize real work life scenarios that almost everyone encounters.
1. Introducing yourself to strangers at work meeting: Find a way to strike a balance between taking over the conversation and being the person in the room that everyone wonders, “who the heck is that?” Do something that will help people remember you. For example, if everyone is going around the table introducing themselves beginning with “Hi I’m Stacey and I work in human resources …” - mix things up and begin your intro with “greetings …” Also, don’t wait for your boss or co-worker to introduce you. Take the initiative and share one fun fact about you, such as that you sit in the cubicle next to the bathroom, work on a particular company-wide project or with someone who almost everyone in attendance is sure to know.
2. Standing out from the crowd at a networking event: Do your homework about the keynote speaker or panel members before the event. Be memorable by doing something that most people won’t do like honestly sharing how you feel, such as “these events make you nervous because you don’t know what to say.” Perhaps introduce yourself by revealing something or someone who you have in common like attending the same school, working for the same previous employer or simply loving the same genre of music. A final word of advice when it comes to shared people, places and things – choose wisely. Years ago when I met the Mayor of a major city, I introduced myself by saying that I knew their ex-spouse. Needless to say the response was not warm and fuzzy. In hindsight it was clear to see that ex-spouse is an ex-spouse for good reason.
3. Making your proposal memorable: Whether you are submitting a structured response for a Request For a Proposal (RFP) or sending an email to a potential pro bono client, find a unique way to share who you are and what you can do. You can accomplish this by finding a way to weave in a hobby or interest into your core skills or services. For example, create a metaphor comparing what you do to a particular genre of music. Find a way to let others see a glimpse of your personal side and what makes you tick will enable you to better connect with others.
4. Initiating a “cold call” regarding a positon or work opportunity: Sometimes we get a lead or someone recommends an opportunity. Often we have to be proactive and pick up the phone or send an email to a complete stranger. Try to use a proven advertising and media strategy, by posing an interrogative headline. Ask a rhetorical question that you know almost anyone and that specific person would answer “yes” to.
Do you remember being 25 years old and having your eye set on your ideal dream job? or “If you could choose between having a persistent person who thinks well on their feet or someone who has a background in __________ but no work experience, you would you pick? Make sure the question you pose is something that resonates with that person and allows you to positon and present yourself as the “answer.”
5. Giving an apology: There are times in your professional lives when you need to clear up a misunderstanding or simply say you’re sorry. When this happens take a “less is more” approach. Find a neutral place, preferably out of the office to apologize and find a way to move on. You don’t rehash everything that happened or what was said. Focus on the three A’s: Acknowledge that what happened or was you said was wrong; Apologize for your role in what occurred; and Acquiesce, meaning make some effort to right the wrong and try to ensure it won’t happen again. A great go-to phrase to end the conversation is “I hope you take this in the spirit of what I meant and not as an attack.”
6. Telling people what they don’t want to hear: This is tough for many people, but you sometimes have to give others feedback that they won’t like. Take a constructive criticism approach and begin with something positive and then focus on one way that that person could try a different approach next time. Give a brief example of what they could do next time and change the topic to neutral or even fun subjects.
7. Breaking the ice: Take note of social cues and observe when someone’s body language may have been affected by someone’s words or actions. Be a professional peacemaker and say something to lighten the mood and bring everyone back to the objective of what you are trying to do.
It’s said that success happens when preparation meets opportunity. Practice these and develop some of your own go-to career moves that will enable you to be prepared and “shine” when one of these or other situations occur.