Mixed Messages: Are your messages congruent or confusing?

With all the cooking shows on television at the moment, mixing different ingredients together sounds like a recipe for success, but in some cases, mixing things can go horribly wrong.  

Mixed messages at work don’t tend to leave a nice taste in the mouth.

Perhaps it is saying one thing, and doing another:

In the weekly team meeting the boss demands other people be more accountable and responsible for their actions, yet they are consistently ten minutes late for the meeting...

Or maybe it is someone doing something, then saying something that flies in the face of their actions:

A staff member chooses to stay at their desk working rather than going to the social lunch function arranged by coworkers, but then a week later bemoans their workplace is boring and there is no team spirit... 

Mixed messages breed distrust. And lack of trust has a devastating effect on so many areas including productivity, morale and creativity. The concept of trust rests on a foundation of consistency; we don’t tend to trust what we cannot predict.

So examine any areas where you might be sending mixed messages, then try and remove the confusion.

The judges will give it high scores (and don’t think people aren’t judging you!)

Warm wishes, 

Darren and Alison 

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The PLUG: Dealing with the Tough Stuff Program General Sessions

After the amazing success of our Dealing With the Tough Stuff Exclusive Showcase, three general sessions will be presented between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  Want to know why you don't want to miss them?  Check out our Rave Reviews!

Thursday 26 May 2011
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Location: John Wiley and Sons. 42 McDougall St, Milton. Qld.  4064.



Thursday 16 June 2011
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Location: Robina, venue TBA.

Having trouble delivering results from critical conversations?

'Dealing with the Tough Stuff' gives you, your management or organisation practical tools to deal with the really tough conversations within your workplace.

Many managers struggle with the process of dealing with tough conversations and in many cases actually avoid them completely.  This strategy of avoidance reinforces undesired behaviours and may precipitate further problems.

One of the biggest responsibilities with a leadership position is the importance of addressing and dealing with staff issues.  At times this requires you to 'step up to the plate' and ultimately deal with the tough stuff.

Visit www.toughstuffprogram.com for more information on Dealing with the Tough Stuff.

To register your interest  for a Dealing with the Tough Stuff program either on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane on please contact Matt on 0418 577 277 or matt@pragmaticthinking.com. 

THE GIFT:  Book review on 'The Thank you Economy' by Gary Vaynerchuk

This weeks gift is a book review from Darren on 'The Thank you Economy' by Gary Vaynerchuk.

Gary's book talks about how the business world needs to get connected with is customers again by engaging with and treating people exceptionally well in an online setting as well as offline. This book is essentially a customer service book that looks at strategies to drive a 'pull' into your business rather than a constant 'push' of your products and services. If you are in business put this book on your 'must read' list.