Novel Brand Presents Part II of Workplace Communications Series: the Values-Centered Communicator

Communications consulting group continues workshop series teaching organizations the habits that can transform the workplace

Atlanta, GA, November 01, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Novel Brand Communications is a consulting group based in Atlanta, GA. The group provides consulting services to growing companies including stakeholder communication strategies; workplace communication practices; and coaching to decision-makers.

Novel Brand just introduced a 7 part series to help companies address communication lapses in their organizations, by empowering employees to improve their ability to interact and produce at work. Following is part two of the series.

Habit #2: Be a values-centered communicator

"Develop a principle-centered personal mission statement. Extend the mission statement into long-term goals based on personal principles."
- Stephen Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Conversations with many officers, managers and employees lead to inquiries about why others don't respond to them as they desire. Knowing that it usually boils down to likability, Novel Brand usually starts by asking them to ponder: From others' perspectives, are you approachable? Are you trustworthy? Are you authentic?Are you admirable?

Hard questions for the average professional to answer objectively. Many have never placed importance on personal branding, the identity against which you measure your time and activities. Yet if your communications always reflect a consistent set of values, you can build strong confidence in your capabilities and gain support for your objectives. So, let's talk about how your communications can unleash the admirable, sought after leader you aspire to become.

Share your values, your personal brand
What do you stand for? What are you passionate about? What experiences have made you who you are today? What principles do you stand on, how do you describe your values? These are inherent to you, but how do you make them clear to others? Don't be afraid to share who you are with others in the workplace. Remember that people tend to trust others who are transparent and have a healthy sense of "self", and know what they will and will not accept. The ability to ensure that your messages and actions display this brand empowers your ability to build valuable relationships and influence people.

Be consistent - even when that's risky
Let's say you've been given a directive that you must communicate to co-workers or your staff, which conflicts with your values. Is it okay to admit that you don't agree with your superiors? And, will you come off as a "yes" person not able to stand up for yourself? My opinion is that it's best to let your team know that, though you don't agree with the decision made by others in control, you all must be team players and support the decision. Let them know that you are there to help them make the best of the situation, and continue to show your support (up to, of course, excessive complaining). Be sure your message echoes your values, including sometimes agreeing to disagree for the greater good. And move forward, move forward, move forward... with your sense confidence still in tow!

Ensure alignment to the larger goals
You are there to make sure that all the little pieces and the small steps lead up to the larger goals of the company. You must be sure that company objectives, directives, feedback and information that you communicate are aligned with the messages communicated from higher up the ladder. It is also important that all your communications are written/facilitated with an end goal that gets met. For instance, make sure your meetings accomplish their clearly stated objectives. Or, a disagreement should always be brought back around to the larger goal (and the perspective that best meets that goal). If you manage others, your staff should understand how to be effective - and goals focused - in all their communications.

When all is said and done...
What is the bigger picture of your career? Your life? As time marches on and your priorities change, what remains constant is that you want to feel good about who you are and what you've done. Companies grow, companies fail and companies continue to thrive after you've moved on. People come and go with opportunities to help or hurt them. And opportunities to be a good or bad person will come and go.

Stick to your values.

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Novel Creative Communications
Audrey Glenn
4049363835
www.novelbrand.com
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