Soft Skills Enhancement

How beautiful You look stunning Is this how you give compliments at the workplace The most underrated workplace etiquette is how to pay genuine compliments ❌Appearance-Focused Comments: Avoid compliments solely focused on physical appearance. Avoid: "You look stunning today." Opt for: "Your presentation was impressive and well-prepared." ❌Personal Life Intrusion: Steer clear of compliments that delve too deeply into personal matters. Avoid: "I heard about your recent breakup; you'll find someone better." Opt for: "You handled that project with resilience and professionalism." ❌Overly Casual Remarks: Be cautious with overly casual or informal compliments in formal settings. Avoid: "Your work is cool, dude!" Opt for: "Your analytical skills in the report were outstanding." ❌Comparisons to Others: Avoid compliments that compare colleagues. Avoid: "You're much better than John at handling clients." Opt for: "Your client relationship skills are excellent." ❌Backhanded Compliments: Refrain from compliments that disguise criticism. Avoid: "You did well considering your limited experience." Opt for: "Your approach to the project showed great creativity." ❌Stereotyping Comments: Avoid compliments that reinforce stereotypes. Avoid: "You're really good with numbers for a woman." Opt for: "Your analytical skills are exceptional." ❌Overly Familiar Language: Be cautious with overly familiar language. Avoid: Using personal nicknames without consent. Opt for: Addressing colleagues by their professional titles or preferred names. ❌Public Criticism Disguised as Praise: Avoid: "Great effort, but you missed some critical points." Opt for: Providing constructive feedback in a private setting. Compliments to Give at Workplace: ✅Acknowledgment of Hard Work: "Your dedication to meeting tight deadlines has significantly contributed to the success of our projects." ✅Team Collaboration: "The seamless collaboration between you and your team members has strengthened our project outcomes." ✅Problem-Solving Skills: "Your ability to analyze complex issues and propose effective solutions is truly commendable." ✅Leadership Qualities: "Your leadership during the challenging phases of the project demonstrated resilience and inspired the team." ✅Effective Communication: "Your clear and concise communication style significantly contributes to the efficiency of our team." ✅Positive Attitude: "Your positive attitude in the face of challenges sets a great example for the entire team." ✅Mentorship and Support: "Your willingness to mentor and support your colleagues has created a positive and collaborative work environmen #communicationskills Dr.Shivani Sharma

Smart Doesn’t Scale but Grit Does. I’ve worked with some of the smartest people around. Many of them didn’t last. Some didn’t rise. In a long career of over 30 years now, I have worked with a range of people. And I have observed a lot. Those who shine with their intellect don't always last. It's like sprinting the 3 to 6 km part of a 42.2 km marathon. You will win for a bit, but can you last? Look at your favourite companies... Disney Toyota Apple All have lasted the test of time. And it's because the people in them lasted as well. Of course, there are exceptions. Some new-age businesses, especially those around Tech, may appear to shine bright for long. However, a company's lifespan is not 5 years, but 50. Or more. Eventually, even these companies will need GRIT and Resilience to scale. NRN once famously said - The true test of a company is to last 100 years. What he meant was - if a company lasts 100 years then it would have done well, been profitable. Else it would have been shut down a lot earlier. And companies are nothing but people. Reasons Why Smart Doesn’t Scale: Smarts don’t survive friction - When things get messy, smart alone isn’t enough. Resilience is. Smart is about answers, grit is about persistence - Projects, people, and politics demand endurance, not IQ. Being smart can make you impatient - And impatience kills teamwork and trust. 3 Ways to Build & Show Grit at Work: Stick with problems longer than others do - Grit shows up in how long you stay in the game. Do the unsexy work, repeatedly - Show up. Show consistency. Ship outcomes. Bounce back visibly after setbacks - People notice who gets up, not just who shines. 📘 Book Recommendation: “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth. A modern classic. Talent gets you noticed. Grit gets you promoted. ++++ 🧱 Brick by Brick – Building a Career that Lasts

Most professionals are great in meetings… until it’s time to close. It’s not just about saying “thank you.” It’s about leaving a mark and I’ve coached professionals on how to do just that. Here’s my proven framework for ending any professional meeting with impact: The 3-minute warning "As we wrap up..." → Gives everyone space to share final thoughts. - Summarize key points clearly "Today we covered X, Y, Z. Our next steps are..." → Shows you were present and aligned. - Confirm action items List who’s doing what, and by when. Be specific. Clarity wins. - Schedule follow-ups immediately Don’t leave it open-ended. Keep momentum alive. - Express genuine appreciation Make it personal. Not just “Thanks everyone” — but something meaningful. - Stand up first A subtle physical cue that signals it’s time to end. Others follow. - Exit with presence Good posture, confident walk — leave them with a strong final impression. 💡 Pro tip: Keep a notebook handy to capture immediate follow-up notes. It’s simple, but it shows you’re serious. ❌ Avoid these common mistakes: - Rushing out without closure - Letting the meeting drag - Forgetting to schedule follow-ups - Not clarifying ownership Because the last 2 minutes of any meeting can either build your credibility or silently break it. ✅ Want more practical strategies like this to ace your job search and career growth? Join my FREE webinar: 🎯 Get Your Dream Job with My Career Spotlight Framework. 📌 Booking link is in the comments. Let’s make sure your next opportunity doesn’t slip through the cracks, just because of how you ended the conversation. #meeting #careercoach #etiquettes #professionals

DISCIPLINE protects your 3 most precious resources: Your Time, your Energy, and your Attention. You start the day with good intentions. But by noon, your attention gets pulled into ten different directions - and your priorities get buried under notifications, meetings, and mental fatigue. By the end of the day, you feel scattered, behind, and quietly disappointed - not because you didn’t work hard, but because you didn’t work on what matters most. The good news: you can change this. Not with willpower, but with small, repeatable habits and conscious choices. Here are 7 practical ways you can turn discipline into your super-power: ✅ 1. Define Your Why As Nir Eyal says in Indistractable: "If you don’t know what you want, everything becomes a distraction." ✨ Start with this question: What am I actually working toward - and why does it matter? ✅ 2. Timebox What You Value Discipline isn’t about controlling every minute - it’s about aligning your calendar with your values. Block time for your top-most priorities: deep work, relationships, work-outs. ✨ If it’s not on your calendar, it’s not a priority. ✅ 3. Master Internal Triggers Most distractions start with discomfort - stress, boredom, self-doubt. ✨ When an urge hits, pause and ask: “What am I trying to avoid right now?” Then do a 2-minute reset: take a short walk, stretch, breathe deeply. Self-awareness helps dissolve the cycle before it takes over. ✅ 4. Master External Triggers Contain the noise - don’t eliminate joy. ✨ Create a “scroll slot” each day: 15 minutes of guilt-free scrolling with a timer. ✨ Move distracting apps off your home screen to reduce mindless habits. ✅ 5. Protect Your Energy Discipline isn’t just time management - it’s energy hygiene. ✨ Know your peak hours and reserve them for deep, high-value work. ✨ Watch out for energy drainers - back-to-back meetings, constantly checking email/messages, context-switching etc. ✅ 6. Anchor to Identity It’s easier to follow through when your actions align with who you believe you are. ✨ Say: “I’m the kind of person who protects their attention.” Identity makes discipline sustainable. ✅ 7. Celebrate Progress Discipline grows with positive reinforcement. Acknowledge even the smallest win - It trains your brain to enjoy the process. ✨ Every time you do what you said you would, name it: “I kept a promise to myself.” Begin with one small promise today. That's how you build self-trust and the kind of discipline that lasts. What conscious choice will you make today to build discipline? I talk more about conscious choices that guide your attention toward your purpose in my book The Conscious Choice (available for pre-order). 🔁 Repost to help others build the muscle of discipline. 🔔 Follow Bhavna Toor for more on conscious habits.

In the 90s, a simple game called Tetris taught an entire generation a profound life lesson—adapt or get buried under the weight of your past decisions. The game never stopped speeding up, the blocks never fell in predictable patterns, and success wasn’t about playing perfectly but about adjusting quickly. Leadership today feels a lot like Tetris. The pace of change is relentless, the challenges are unpredictable, and the ability to adapt is more valuable than ever. Traditionally, we’ve measured leadership potential through IQ (Intelligence Quotient)—the ability to analyze, solve problems, and strategize. Over time, EQ (Emotional Intelligence) became just as critical, helping leaders manage relationships, build trust, and lead with empathy. But in today’s rapidly shifting world, another factor has emerged as the ultimate differentiator—AQ (Adaptability Quotient). AQ (Adaptability Quotient): The most crucial skill in today’s unpredictable world. AQ defines how well an individual adapts to change, overcomes challenges, and continuously evolves. It reflects mental agility, resilience, and a forward-thinking mindset. The speed of change has outpaced conventional leadership models. AI, automation, and shifting market forces are redefining industries at breakneck speed. According to the World Economic Forum, adaptability is among the top skills required for the workforce of the future. How to build a high AQ: #Grit & Resilience : The ability to sustain effort and motivation despite setbacks. Resilient leaders view failures as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. #Learning Agility: A commitment to continuous learning ensures leaders stay ahead of disruptions. Those with high AQ actively seek new knowledge, experiment, and pivot when needed. #Mental Flexibility: The capability to shift perspectives, challenge old paradigms, and embrace innovative solutions. #Decisiveness in Ambiguity: Leaders with strong AQ don’t wait for perfect data—they make bold decisions, adapting in real time based on evolving circumstances. #Purpose-Driven Execution: High-AQ leaders align adaptability with long-term vision and values, ensuring that change is not just reactive but strategic. At UST, we’ve embedded AQ into the very fabric of our leadership philosophy. Our leaders are empowered to navigate uncertainty with confidence, balancing agility with purpose. Whether it’s through our AI-driven career mobility platform, skills-based talent marketplace, or project-based internal gig economy, we prioritize adaptability in how we develop careers. One powerful example is our Workday implementation—an industry-first where cross-functional teams worked beyond their primary roles to meet what was considered an impossible deadline. The result? A transformation delivered in 9 months instead of the industry benchmark of 18 months—a testament to the power of adaptability and cross-functional collaboration. At UST, we don’t just prepare for the future—we shape it. 

"Just work harder and grind it out." Is it wise to force yourself to grind? Or is glorifying overworking causing stress and burnout? I've forced myself to work harder to solve problems... This forced me to burn out and miss opportunities to discover what was truly broken in my business. I needed to simplify things to increase efficiency, not run at problems head first with blinders on. But it's hard to see that when you're wearing the grinding badge of honor. 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗮𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶. -- Grit is about finding joy in the challenges and purposeful persistence. -- Grit is about working smarter and with passion. -- Grit leads to sustainable success and resilience. • Faced with a challenge? Good.    • Stuck in mundane business tasks? Good.    • Feeling like something is off in your business? Good. Grit is a gift because every challenge is a lesson that will teach you how to adjust. All you have to do is slow down, observe, and find joy in the lesson you're being taught. Then, adjust your approach. Grinding holds you back because you end up "powering through" one challenge to the next, which leads to exhaustion and burnout. I don't know about you, but I'd rather increase resilience and build a business of purpose and freedom through perseverance and joy. [Questions for the comments] What would you add to this post? Have you struggled through burnout in your career? What do you think about "Grit over Grind" as a way of being? ---------- If we haven't met, I'm a Lifestyle Business Coach specializing in helping aspiring and pivoting online entrepreneurs grow a business of purpose and freedom without sacrificing their well-being or quality time with loved ones. Hit follow+ turn on all notifications if any of this resonates. Repost or share with a friend if it was helpful! Thank you 🙏

We all have days when we wake up full of energy, ready to conquer the world, and other days when even getting out of bed feels like a Herculean task. Motivation is fleeting—some days it’s there, some days it’s not. But here’s the key: success isn’t built on motivation alone; it’s built on discipline. Take the example of Sachin Tendulkar, one of India’s greatest cricketers. Sachin might not have always been motivated to train or play, especially after enduring injuries, losses, and immense pressure from the public. However, what set him apart was his unwavering discipline. Regardless of how he felt on a particular day, he showed up, put in the hard work, and gave his best on the field. His career wasn’t just a series of motivated days but a testament to his discipline and commitment to his craft. In our professional and personal lives, we often wait for that surge of motivation to start a project, hit the gym, or learn a new skill. But what happens when that motivation wanes? This is where discipline steps in. It’s about showing up and doing the work, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s about creating habits that keep you moving forward, no matter what. As James Clear explains in 'Atomic Habits,' even the smallest habits, compounded over time, can lead to astonishing results. By focusing on the system rather than the goal, you can make significant progress, little by little. This approach aligns well with the concept of discipline—habit formation is not about having a daily surge of motivation but rather about the incremental improvements you make consistently. From my experience, I’ve learned that relying solely on motivation is a risky game.  Discipline, on the other hand, is reliable. It’s the bridge between goals and achievements. So, when motivation fades, let discipline carry you through. Remember, it’s not just about starting strong; it’s about staying the course, day in and day out. #DisciplineOverMotivation #SachinTendulkar #SuccessMindset #CommitmentToExcellence #DailyHabits #StayTheCourse #CoachSharath

Why Staying Disciplined Outweighs Staying Motivated In the journey toward achieving our goals, motivation often gets the spotlight. It's the spark that ignites our initial enthusiasm, the burst of energy that gets us started. But what happens when that spark fades? This is where discipline – the less glamorous, but infinitely more powerful force – takes center stage. Discipline vs. Motivation: Motivation is fleeting; it's based on emotions that can fluctuate daily. Discipline, on the other hand, is about commitment. It's the structured approach to making progress, regardless of how we feel. The Power of Habit: Discipline transforms actions into habits. While motivation can kickstart a routine, discipline cements it into our daily lives, making excellence not an act, but a habit. Consistency Leads to Results: The magic of discipline lies in its ability to help us maintain consistency. Achievements are not the result of sporadic efforts fueled by momentary inspiration but of consistent action, day in and day out. Building Resilience: Discipline builds resilience. It teaches us to push through adversity, to keep going when motivation has long left the building. This resilience is what separates the successful from the rest. How to Cultivate Discipline: Set Clear Goals: Know exactly what you're working toward. Establish Routines: Create a daily structure that aligns with your goals. Monitor Progress: Keep track of your actions and outcomes. Stay Accountable: Find a mentor, coach, or community that supports your journey. Reward Progress: Celebrate the small wins to maintain momentum. In conclusion, while motivation is the spark, discipline is the fuel that keeps the fire burning. Let's shift our focus from seeking perpetual motivation to cultivating unwavering discipline. Here's to achieving our goals through the power of disciplined action! 🌟📘 Please follow Varun Anand - PfMP/PMP/ CSM /PMI-ACP/CAPM #Discipline #SuccessMindset #AchievementThroughDiscipline #GoalSetting #PersonalDevelopment

🎯 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝟑𝟎 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬. Anjali had just stepped into her new role as a first-level manager. Smart? Absolutely. Responsible? Always. Respected for her work? Without a doubt. But something unexpected happened in her first team meeting. She walked in five minutes late, didn’t acknowledge the room, and started straight with, “𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬…” No “Good morning.” No “How is everyone doing today?” No eye contact. Just… data. 📉 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬. People nodded, but they didn’t connect. They heard her, but they didn’t listen. Later that day, a teammate gently shared, “𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐀𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐥𝐢. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐚𝐲. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭.” That moment? It stung. But it stuck. 👨🏻💼 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭: → Leadership doesn’t begin with strategy. → It begins with etiquette. → Not the textbook kind. → But the human kind. ✅ Greeting before guiding. ✅ Listening before leading. ✅ Presence before performance. Because no matter how brilliant your ideas are, If people don’t feel seen, heard, or respected… They’ll disengage silently. 👣 𝐄𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 “𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭.” It’s about being intentional with people. So the next time you walk into a room, Pause. Smile. Acknowledge. Then start your agenda. Because teams don’t just follow instructions. They follow energy. And etiquette is where that energy begins. #Manager #Management #Corporate #Corporatetraining #Etiquette #WorkplaceEtiquette #SoftSkills #RealLeadership #PeopleSkills #ProfessionalGrowth #TeamCulture #KrittikaSharda

From Pajamas 👖 to Professionalism 👔 : Navigating the Digital Frontier with Style! In today's world, working remotely has become common, which forces us to have all our communications digitally. As we navigate this digital landscape, mastering the art of online communication has never been more critical. Whether you're collaborating with colleagues across the globe or engaging with clients virtually, effective digital etiquette is essential for maintaining professionalism and building strong relationships. Here are 10 indispensable tips to elevate your online communication game and leave a lasting impression in today's professional landscape: 1️⃣ Craft Clear and Concise Messages: Keep your communications brief yet informative to ensure clarity and avoid confusion. 2️⃣ Mind Your Tone: Be mindful of your tone and language to convey professionalism and respect, even in casual online interactions. 3️⃣ Use Proper Grammar and Spelling: Double-check your messages for typos and grammatical errors to maintain credibility and professionalism. 4️⃣ Respect Response Times: Acknowledge and respond to messages promptly, demonstrating courtesy and attentiveness to your colleagues and clients. 5️⃣ Be Thoughtful with Email Subject Lines: Use descriptive subject lines that accurately summarize the content of your email and facilitate efficient communication. 6️⃣ Practice Discretion with Confidential Information: Exercise caution when discussing sensitive or confidential matters online, ensuring privacy and security for all parties involved. 7️⃣ Avoid Overusing Emojis and Abbreviations: While emojis and abbreviations can add personality to your messages, use them sparingly in professional communications to maintain professionalism. 8️⃣ Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of others' preferences for communication channels and frequency, respecting their boundaries and preferences. 9️⃣ Practice Active Listening in Virtual Meetings: Stay engaged and attentive during virtual meetings, actively listening to speakers and contributing meaningfully to discussions. 🔟 Follow Up with Meeting Summaries and Action Items: After virtual meetings, send concise summaries and action items to participants to ensure clarity and accountability. Embracing these tips will not only enhance your online communication skills but also strengthen your professional relationships and contribute to your overall success in today's digital age. Which tip resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #DigitalEtiquette #ProfessionalCommunication #OnlinePresence