Here’s how to become a better listener

listening to a colleague at work

Have you ever found yourself zoning off when someone is speaking? Well, that’s because the average person has an attention capacity of only eight seconds.

With so many electronic stimuli vying for your attention and so many duties at the workplace, it’s difficult to truly focus on someone else’s words.

Listening is also difficult since we are frequently preoccupied with ourselves. When you go into a conversation with only your target in mind, your goal is to control and manage the conversation so that you come out on top of the other party. But it’s critical to be receptive to new knowledge, even if it’s not what you’re seeking then.

Here’s how to become a better listener.

Ask questions

Asking more inquiries than you offer answers is one of the easiest methods to improve your listening skills. When you pose questions, you create a friendly environment for others to tell you information. Listening with genuine intent implies you will be open to being completely wrong, and you should be okay with that in a discourse.

Don’t interrupt

We’re sure you wouldn’t want to be in the midst of a statement when the other person opens their mouth repeatedly, breaking into your unfinished sentences. It’s anxiety-inducing and probably made you feel compelled to speed up what you’re saying just to get your message out.

When a speaker is interrupted to agree, dispute, or debate, the speaker loses track of what they are expressing. It’s quite aggravating. Thus, in a conversation, try postponing whatever you want to say until the other individual is finished. Wait for your time to come if it’s not something that urgent that you must disrupt.

Put judgments aside
a woman unhappy with her coworker

Image Credits: careercontessa.com

When done correctly, listening is an act of sensitivity. You’re attempting to see the world from the perspective of another person and to comprehend their feelings. That won’t happen if you’re passing judgment on the other person while they’re speaking.

Because you will be conveying all kinds of minute nonverbal signs that you have a viewpoint about what they’re asserting, it will stifle the dialogue. Folks will start opening up to you if you approach the conversation to discover their point of view without passing judgment since they will have the confidence over time that you will always appreciate what they have to say.

Be comfortable with silence

Silence might be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be. We frequently try to fill the void left by silence by talking non-stop, but this just serves to keep the conversation from progressing any further or more meaningfully.

People can think and acquire insights regarding whatever is being talked about when there are pauses. It allows us to process new data and evaluate how it affects us. It also enables us to think about what to say next and what follow-up questions to ask. This gives us the ability to feel and be honest with our innermost thoughts.

Because we communicate so much more online these days, listening might feel like a lost skill sometimes. That’s unfortunate, because being an active listener may benefit you in all aspects of your life, including your interaction with pals, family, and coworkers. Do you want to improve your listening skills? Review the advice we’ve provided in this post and see if you can start implementing them in your conversational routine.

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Tips to pack light for traveling

travelers at Changi Airport

When you pack light, you have greater freedom. You can effortlessly navigate through populated areas, zip through luggage claims, schedule last-minute arrangements without stressing about what to do with your belongings, and reduce the time spent lugging around your baggage if you’re shifting from hotel to hotel.

Traveling light is even more important given that many carriers impose penalties for suitcases that exceed dimensions or weight limits. Packing minimally for adventures may appear challenging at first, but as with any new skill, the more you do it, the more you learn and adapt.

This article gives you tips on how to pack light for traveling.

Wash it

Concentrate on pieces that dry swiftly and are simple to clean. If you’re going in the warmer months and it’s humid, you could consider washing your socks, gym clothing, undergarments, and possibly a couple of lightweight tops. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, make sure there’s at least one with a washer. If not, the bathroom sink will suffice.

Use organizers

To save room and keep your belongings orderly, roll your garments and use compression sacks or zip-lock bags. Loading with organizers allows you to quickly locate what you need without needing to rummage through your entire luggage. Also, compression bags flatten items by eliminating extra air, but be careful not to overpack.

Write a packing list
a packing list and a luggage

Image Credits: theportablewife.com

One of the most common mistakes people do while packing is taking out their luggage, packing what they need, and then adding more items they don’t need all in the name of having extra space. Make a checklist for yourself a few days before your vacation and keep to it. If you’re not sure what to bring since you’re clueless about what the trip needs, seek a packing list available on the web.

Wear the bulky items

Wear it instead of packing it if you require something substantial, such as a winter jacket. Carry your coat when going on a trip during wintertime. If bringing a coat for boarding is unfeasible, don’t bring one at all. When you arrive, buy an affordable piece and then dispose of it when you depart.

Hoodies and overcoats are the same way. We suggest omitting them in favor of the thinner ones. However, you can carry a thick sweater on cold-weather travels provided you wear it while in transit. Knits and hooded sweatshirts are ideal for chilly plane rides. Just don’t take up any of your valuable packing space with them.

Traveling light doesn’t have to mean losing coziness or fashion sense, but it does necessitate reconsidering travel items like coats and footwear. When it comes to preparing for a trip, minor increments like a kilogram here or there can quickly mount up. Whether you’re trying to travel with only a carry-on or simply want to reduce the size of your checked luggage, the packing recommendations in this article can assist.

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How to give feedback to our bosses

employer and employee conversation

Giving feedback to your manager or supervisor can be immensely nerve-wracking.

You want to give them feedback so they can change, but the power imbalances in your workplace might make an already complex task appear laden with more complications. Furthermore, there are so many examples of feedback gone bad that it’s difficult to know where to begin.

That’s why we’ve written this article so that we can all learn how to give feedback to our bosses.

Practice

When it comes to giving a face-to-face evaluation to your boss, rehearse your speech first. Request that a buddy or a trustworthy coworker observe you giving feedback. Pay attention to their comments and make changes to your speech depending on their suggestions.

Be impartial

If you want to reap the most out of the feedback session, you must be unbiased when offering suggestions to your superior. Detailed and direct observation, not your prejudiced conviction, can impact your assessment of their performance. Maintaining objectivity might also help you avoid emotional conflict if your boss rejects your statements.

Ask before you dive
coworkers talking

Image Credits: theladders.com

If you’re going to give your employer some constructive comments, ask if you can do so first. This is a standard courtesy that alerts your boss of the possibility of unfavorable comments. Prep a harsh comment with two sides of acknowledgments once they’ve agreed to receive input.

That is, expressing gratitude first to make managers feel you are appreciating their initiatives. Then, get down to business with the nature of the problem. Don’t pretend to know everything about the matter or discuss what you would do if you were the boss; this can make any individual feel defensive. Rather, think of feedback as a reflection of your perspectives.

During a performance review

Performance appraisals are an awesome chance to provide constructive criticism to your boss. In a performance evaluation, your boss will ask for your input on specific areas. Although you may be the topic of an assessment at times, addressing your connection with your boss is an integral part of it.

Your manager may also ask you to send an email rather than initiate conversations directly. You can take the next steps knowing that your manager desires honest reviews to keep tabs on overall workplace dynamics. As part of the performance evaluation, some companies may also provide employees the option to provide feedback through a staff survey so take advantage of that avenue to express your views.

Partnering with someone allows you to gain valuable insight into their abilities. This is particularly true with your supervisor, whom you are likely to encounter in a variety of contexts, including group briefings and one-on-one discussions. Giving your employer feedback, also known as upward feedback, is a difficult skill to learn. But your insight can not only aid your boss but also strengthen your professional relationship if delivered correctly and mindfully. Consider the abovementioned tips as you navigate uncharted waters.

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Questions to ask when buying an engagement ring

a diamond ring

Purchasing an engagement ring is a first-time experience for most of us and it’s no doubt a high-end item that we don’t commonly come across daily.

When it comes to a costly purchase like a diamond ring, you will want to make sure you’re making the proper choice before parting with your cash. Are you uncertain of the questions you should ask before purchasing a promise ring?

If not, read on.

Can it be modified?

It’s a good idea to inquire about the ease with which a ring can be adjusted, amended, or enhanced. You may not want to choose a style that is costly and difficult to modify if your companion leads an active lifestyle. Alternatively, you might want to start with a simple diamond ring with the goal of upgrading later. Check with the jeweler on how simple it will be to replace the stone or fuse on a new band.

Are there warranties?

Check to see if the ring includes a maintenance contract that will support future adjustments, and be sure you understand the agreements; Don’t forget that you will probably need to fix something on your band at a certain stage.

When purchasing a diamond engagement ring, request a copy of the stone’s certificate to check its validity. It’s also preferable if the ring has a return policy because you never know how well a ring will fit until you’ve worn it for a few days. Don’t forget to inquire about any additional warranties that may apply to your ring or its gems.

What’s your ring budget?
engagement ring budget

Image Credits: eshowmagazine.com

Because of the wide range of engagement rings available at varying prices, you must first decide how much you want to commit before shopping for a diamond ring. The cost of a diamond engagement ring can range from $1,000 to $30,000, with the typical cost being around $5,000.

Your exact budget should be determined before you look for an engagement ring to help you limit your search for the right piece of jewelry. Simply put, the type of ring style you can purchase is confined by your funds. For instance, common sense dictates that the larger the diamond, the higher the price, and vice versa.

One of the most pricey buys you will ever make is your engagement ring. When it comes to ring purchasing, there’s a certain amount of pressure that comes with it. You want to purchase the perfect ring or one that makes you as satisfied as possible. Knowing what questions to ask before selecting an engagement ring is crucial. You can significantly minimize your options to a ring that’s ideal for both you and your partner by using the basic questions listed above.

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How to negotiate a higher salary after a job offer

two ladies conversing and smiling

You will almost certainly agree that salaries and benefits are the most important factors to consider when contemplating job offers.

Salary negotiating, like price-bargaining, necessitates a fundamentally different approach. Instead of accepting the initial wage offer made, you should learn certain strategies and techniques to help you enhance the offer.

So without further ado, let’s get started on how to negotiate a higher salary after a job offer.

Start high

One basic tenet of pay bargaining is to offer the company a number that is somewhat greater than your target. This way, even if they lower their offer, you will still have a wage offer you can embrace. If you provide a wage range, the company will almost certainly skew toward the lower end of the scale, so be sure the lowest value you submit is still a good number you can settle for.

Consider your value
an Asian man in an interview

Image Credits: freepik.com

Your contribution to the organization may be greater than the post for which you are seeking. For example, if you interview for the role of Senior Business Development Manager and have 10 years of experience, you can expect a certain range of pay. But if you qualify for the same position with the standard expertise, plus the benefits of financial background or even content-creating skills, you will be bringing additional core competencies and significance to the salary discussion.

Understand the restrictions

Even if your potential employer likes you and believes you should get all you want, they might not grant it to you. This is because they may be bound by certain restrictions, such as salary ceilings, that no measure of the debate can change. It’s your responsibility to discover where they’re willing to compromise and where they’re not.

However, start dates, holiday entitlements, and performance bonuses can be variables. If you’re dealing with a smaller firm that has never recruited someone in your position before, you may have some leeway with the initial wage offer or job description, but not with anything else. The clearer you grasp the restrictions, the better you will be at directing the negotiation conversation.

When an employer issues an offer letter, they will normally present you with a pay and benefits package, together with a projected salary. You may choose to bargain for more compensation if you do not believe the salary matches your qualifications, level of expertise, and accomplishments. Knowing how to negotiate pay proposals is a critical skill that will help you get paid appropriately for future work. To accomplish this, nonetheless, demands prep and practice, just like any other skill. As you rejoice in a new job opportunity presented, keep the aforementioned suggestions in mind.

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