Skill, Supply And Demand

We talk about ability and skill development in the context of continuous improvement in this column. Let's put skill into the context of supply and demand. To improve your earnings you should apply your abilities in areas with high demand and seek to differentiate yourself in such a way that few others can compete with what you offer (minimize supply). The resulting equation would look like this: Ability multiplied by Demand, divided by Supply equal Earnings.

Make Use Of "Yes-Tags"

A good communicator gets others to say yes, through the creative use of language. One such example is the "yes-tag", a suffix asking a rhetorical question easily answered by a "yes". For example, "I think this is important to you, isn't it?" or other short and sweet expressions like; wouldn't you, could you..., etc. They can be used anywhere in a sentence, really, in the end, in the middle or in the beginning;"Would you mind staying late and finish that rapport?" "Don't you think it is awfully cold in here?" Try yes-tagging yourself, wouldn't that be a great idea?

Listening Power

If you believe in the proposition that information is power, active listening is a source of more power. The better you listen the more information power you will gain. This is true in a negotiation or in a sales call but work the same with bosses, colleagues and at home with friends, your partner and children. Listen attentively with both ears, not only at the words but their tone of voice also carries lot of information once you start listening for it.

Complete, Start Or Stop?

It is good to review your list of current projects every once in a while. What projects do you have that are not finished you would like to complete? If it's not moving forward, ask yourself; "What is the next action to get it going?" Do you have projects that you haven't started but want to start? Can you make the time and resources available to do it? Finally, are there projects underway that that no longer seem meaningful? Maybe you should stop and scratch it. Try not to think about sunk cost, such as your time and energy spent. Stopping something provides time for starting something else.

Retain Your Good Ideas

The other night I must have been very creative because I woke up four times, each time with a new, what seemed to be, brilliant idea. The thought appeared so clear to my mind I thought I would never lose it again and I fell back to sleep. When I woke up later in the morning, I had lost all four ideas. It is a good idea to have a pad and pen by the bed to be able to catch the idea immediately when you get it. I will equip my bedroom tonight. What do you do to retain your good ideas?

Determination To Follow Through

In order to reach anything of significance there is sacrifice and hard work involved. Once you set your mind on an objective, are you determined to stay the course no matter what price you have to pay? Be cautious with your commitments in the first place but once given follow them through to the end. They that mind don't matter and they that matter don't mind. Determination wins the day!

The Acorn

The small acorn has within it everything it takes to become the great, giant oak tree. It's just not fully developed yet. Similarly you have the seed of greatness in you to become all you can be and reach your full potential. We don't expect a child in second grade to be able to read fluently and solve difficult math problems. The child has to develop it's capabilities over time and the journey doesn't end at graduation. You have to continue to grow and develop all your life to develop your full potential.