motivational-speaker-susan-young

Navigating relationships within our own culture can be challenging enough. When diverse cultures are involved, however, a huge potential for misunderstanding, disrespect, miscommunication, and intolerance is present.

Sociologically speaking, as Americans we often lack social, cultural, and mindful awareness. We hear the stories of how our arrogance has been known to offend, confuse, and alienate people from other cultures. Arrogance is the thief of mindfulness and it happens from both directions.

Active listening is the ultimate "Golden Rule" for sensational customer service. Just as the important people in your life will feel more valued and appreciated when you actively listen, so will your customers.

The way you deliver the words you say becomes your __ocal image. This "vocal image" can make or break your first impressions, impact your communication, and determine how people respond to you.

When you are mindfully focused, the person with whom you are communicating feels that you are making them a priority__hat you value their time and their perspective. It is in these moments that we can go to deeper levels of discovery, exploration, and connection. It is one of the most valuable gifts and finest compliments you can give to another.

Every time you speak, you are using your voice to connect with others, whether it is in-person, on the phone, or in a recorded message.

It is wise to use titles for people in positions of power, higher education, seniority, or maturity, unless otherwise instructed. This may sound old-fashioned, but practicing respectful traditions will earn you points and inevitably make you seem more cultured and sophisticated. This is especially true with older generations.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same. You wanna be where everybody knows your name.

As Americans, we typically move full steam ahead without much regard to mindfulness or thoughtful reflection, often to one__ own detriment. Yet it is that same propensity for bold action which makes fulfilling the "American Dream" possible__here an immigrant can come to our country with nothing and achieve extraordinary things.

Mindfulness means paying attention to what is happening at this very moment and being keenly aware of your surroundings and the people in it.

Add a fresh twist of creativity to make a stellar impression which people won__ soon forget. Granted, your venue will determine how far you can stretch and how creative you can be. Making small tweaks to your conversation starters can make a memorable impact!

What determines whether the usage is acceptable or inappropriate? If you want to make a great first impression with positive impact, it is essential that you know there is a difference.

ASK YOURSELF: How can you utilize active listening to provide sensational customer service? How will this help resolve complaints from unhappy customers?_ Give them your full attention and listen without interruption or defensiveness._ Thank them for bringing the issue to your attention._ Take their concerns seriously and share their sense of urgency to resolve the problem quickly._ Ask questions and focus on what they are really saying. _ Listen to their words, tone of voice, body language, and most importantly, how they feel. _ Beware of making assumptions or rushing to conclusions before you hear their concern fully._ Explain, guide, educate, assist, and do what__ necessary to help them reach the resolution._ Treat them with respect and empathy.When you do an amazing job of resolving an unhappy customer__ problem, you may end up impressing them more than if the problem had never occurred. You may have just earned their loyalty . . . forever!

Wouldn__ it be wonderful to be a natural communicator and know exactly what, when, why, and how to speak so that your message is conveyed and received as you intend?

Active listening is key to all healthy and effective communication, however, it doesn't necessarily come easily.

Variety is the Spice of Life. Voices come in all shapes, tones, and sizes. Some are compelling and effective, while others are grating and agitating.

You can have the perfect message, but it may fall on deaf ears when the listener is not prepared or open to listening.These listening "planes" were first introduced by the American composer Aaron Copland (1900-1990) as they pertain to music . . . 1. The Sensual Plane: You__e aware of the music, but not engaged enough to have an opinion or judge it.2. The Expressive Plane: You become more engaged by paying attention, finding meaning beyond the music, and noticing how it makes you feel.3. The Musical Plane: You listen to the music with complete presence, noticing the musical elements of melody, harmony, pitch, tempo, rhythm, and form.

My friend John is an urgent care physician who has several patients who come to see him for various ailments on a regular basis. In addition to being brilliant and taking wonderful care of his patients, he has a unique ability to empathetically listen to his patient__ needs. One of his patients is a repeat visitor, even when she's not exhibiting symptoms. He takes the time to listen to how she's feeling and responds with kindness, empathy, and caring. He has come to realize that her visits are filling her deep need to feel validated, cared for, and understood in ways which she does not receive at home. His empathetic listening delivers incredible customer service for patient care and makes him a better health care provider. Wouldn__ it be incredible if this was the manner for not only doctors, but all professionals?