Sales copywriters persuade, and good ones are paid big bucks for their craft. You may never write a sales letter for American Express, but you can follow the secrets of sales copy pros. Follow this basic outline to write more persuasively and you will see more success in your attempts to inspire change: State the problem, state the impact (issues, symptoms, etc.) caused by the problem and state how the problem has been managed ineffectively until now, and discuss the risk that will continue if…

It's tough to watch a coworker suffer with a personal problem, and it's natural to want to help. But when does helping turn to enabling? This question helped give rise to employee assistance programs to assist employees with personal problems and is a popular route by which many clients seek help. But when should you recommend the EAP (or another source of help if your organization does not have an EAP)? The answer is simple: at the very beginning. You can be a friend and recommend the EAP at…

Fear is one of the most significant hurdles with upcoming organizational change. To face change with determined fortitude: Accept that fear of change is normal and don't deny your concern about it. Try "moving your fear to paper" by writing down concerns. Consider each concern's potential solution. Small things count - losing an office, giving up a pretty commute, coming home later - see if you can identify exactly what the change may bring. Find supportive friends or a counselor with…

Workplace conflicts are quite normal. However, they deserve speedy attention because they are easier to resolve early-on. Don't fear conflict. View it as an opportunity to advance your relationship. Learn the "I-Thou" approach when engaging to resolve differences. The idea is simple: Use an attitude that views your co-worker as a whole person with a desire equal to yours to have compatible, mutually beneficial relationships at work. Seeing him or her as a unique and valuable person with hopes,…

Ask managers what they value in employees and you'll hear "dependable," "self-motivated," "rises to the occasion," or "has a positive attitude." These all represent "commitment." Are you demonstrating behaviors that prove the commitment you feel? The following behaviors show you're an engaged and committed employee: 1) takes initiative (makes the first move to get something done), 2) keeps the boss informed on progress, 3) spots problems and solves them, and 4) shows passion and demonstrates…

You are probably familiar with Nike shoes' motto "Just Do It," and "McDonald's "You Deserve a Break Today." You also have a brand motto. That's right - your reputation. What do you think it might be right now? Think about this: You either control this message or you let it emerge by default. A blind survey might tell you what is right now, but instead, decide what you want it to be. Your tools are your words and actions as you interact with others on the job. Every time you interact, what you…

No matter what your goals are in 2017, staying pumped and staying energized usually begins at an inspiring moment, but action steps maintain this momentum. Remember this: "Success is attracted to action." To boost self-confidence, take action with steps, "sub-steps," and if needed, "sub-sub-steps" so you don't feel overwhelmed. Expect normal lulls in motivation and you will plateau through them faster instead of giving up. Hang out with like-minded persons pursuing goals like yours. Celebrate…

Here's a switch: For your New Year's resolution this year, commit to planning your time off more effectively and start checking off all those items on your "bucket list." Avoid the result of not thinking through your time off - often it becomes watching TV, "hanging out," or having time nibbled way to have Monday morning sneak up on you. You plan your work, so why not your leisure? If your answer is "no way, that's the one part of my life I don't want planned! think again. Memorable leisure…

Since decisions can have life-changing consequences, it's worth studying the mechanics of how to make a good one. There's lots of advice out there, but most tough decision making involves common "pieces" in the process. They include weighing the information and the choices, examining potential outcomes, paying attention to your feelings and your instincts as you go through the process, and stepping away from the pressure or urgency (if possible) to ensure that it is not interfering with making…