Interruption Fix

Don’t interrupt; easier said than done, huh?  Stop yourself and apologize as soon as you realize you’ve done it, even if you are mid-sentence. When you and another start talking at the same time, insist they share their thoughts first. Realize that every time you cut someone off, you are preventing the flow of new ideas.

Be a Boundary Spanner

Leverage your propensity to socialize into a career and organizational advantage. Establish relationships with colleagues outside of your department, function, geographical location, business sector, or industry. Things often come up in casual conversation that can help break down organizational silos or bring new life to stalled projects. Be generous with connecting people within your network.

Quick Tips

• Listen. When others are talking, listen patiently, and pay attention to nonverbal and potential hidden meanings.
• Pause yourself. Ask if you have answered the question or check for understanding. Are people listening or simply being polite?
• Be concise. You may be long-winded with sharing experiences and giving examples. If you cannot keep it short, be sure to summarize.
• Ask for an opinion. It is likely that everyone is familiar with your stance on a subject. Allow others to share theirs.
• Create stimuli. If the office is too quiet, play some music to help you work. Use headphones to be considerate to nearby introverts.

In our day to day actions, it is good to plant little red flags that snap us out of it in situations where we've crossed a line that we wish to improve upon. This list offers a few instances where it can be healthy to plan those red flags so we can work on these behaviors that greatly effect those around us and our ability to get things done with our team.