Making sense of the world.
Posts tagged Work Codes
Success Tips from a Great Entertainer
Nov 11th
It’s amazing how many of today’s success stories have had less than promising beginnings. Steve Jobs of Apple is one, Jay Leno is another. A great entertainer, Leno is also a consummate sales professional.
No overnight sensation, Leno began his career as a door-to-door salesman. Today, he engages his persuasive skills in selling his TV program and public speaking engagements. There’s much one can learn from him. Here’s a list:
- Unafraid of Failure. Some of Leno’s early performances were weak. Years went by before he appeared on television. But he kept honing his skills. This prepared him for the breaks that came his way, which led to his current success.
- Work is Fun. Leno spends his free time doing personal appearances that promote his career. He rarely takes vacations, though he is quite generous in giving vacations to his staff. Most people see work as a way to finance their “fun” activities, but Leno sees work as fun in itself.
- Take Risks. Leno sticks his neck out to further his career. When he began appearing on television, he was selected “Best Face to Caricature” by the “American Caricature Association,” an organization he had invented. Yet, this gave his career a big public relations boost.
- Connect with Everyone. Everyone is a potential customer. Leno is in the habit of being accessible. He will wave and smile when people spot him driving one of his rare automobiles. When hired for speeches, he greets and shakes the hands of as many people as possible.
- Give Back. Leno gives time to genuine community service. He has flown at his own expense to Chicago or Detroit to do benefits for the homeless. The spinoff is that people view him as a great guy. That’s image building and great for career progression.
- Be Thankful. When Leno’s article was published, he personally called the publisher and thanked him. He didn’t have to do that, but that’s the way he thinks, and why he’s so successful.
How’s Your Handshake?
Nov 11th
A University of Alabama study indicates that a firm, assertive handshake makes for a good first impression. That may be true for the western world. What about the rest? Is it always necessary to shake hands?
A handshake is a two way street. Similarly with eye contact. Cultural issues are involved and one needs to be sensitive. In Manali, Himachal Pradesh, men are given to shaking hands with men every time they meet, specially among friends. In some tribal communities where missionaries have gone, traditional ways of greeting have been replaced by the handshake, which appears quite absurd. In countries with non-western cultural values, an aggressive handshake or direct eye contact may be unwelcome and may convey the wrong message. It may even lead to trouble.
In some cultures, if a man ‘gazes’ or offers a handshake to a young woman during a religious-public ceremony, the man will have committed a public crime and could be punished. In another setting, offering a handshake to a subordinate of a leader would be considered a ‘disgraceful’ act and would end business negotiations. In certain countries, touching a female, for whatever reason including medical, is considered an illegal sexual act and may invite extreme punishment.
“A firm handshake,” says Alabama psychologist William F. Chaplin, “may provide an effective initial form of self-promotion for women.” He adds that it does not have the costs associated with other less subtle forms of assertive self-promotion. So, a firm handshake is a safe way for women to express confidence while avoiding negative perceptions.