By Ignite Excellence

Consulting Engineers of Ontario has created a strategic alliance with Ignite Excellence, a training and development company, to provide a suite of industry specific communication skills programs to support its members.

Ignite Excellence specializes in influential communication to help its clients win and maintain business, build strong stakeholder perceptions and improve internal communications.

On that note, here are a few, albeit light-hearted, communication tips courtesy of our friends at Ignite Excellence that will hopefully help you avoid the “holiday faux pas”.

Manage Expectations

Avoid volcanic disappointment, lip wobble and perma-pout with loved ones by carefully discounting certain untenable gifts at an early stage (whilst being sure to create value with workable alternatives). If they are expecting Play Station 3, that book might not hit the sweet spot.

Ask Good Questions

When faced with “The Wish List”, be sure to ask “is there anything else?” Getting all the possibilities on the table gives us room to manoeuvre, challenge thinking and ultimately hone in on fiscally appropriate and eminently more realistic solutions.

Listening

Spare a thought (and both ears) for Grandpa when he launches into his annual “back in my day” oratory. He’s 83 and he LOVES being around you.

“Fire” Bad Shops

Rude? Disinterested? Overpriced? Ungrateful? In the manic quest for gifts, shops that are not part of your holiday solution will fast become part of your problem. Don’t go back. Find new stores that don’t cause us to foam at the mouth in frustration.

Take Control

Managing the holiday household can be like herding cats. With everything that is going on, someone has to have their finger on the pulse; guiding, leading, supporting. Let it be you. Don’t forget to say thanks to all involved when it’s all over.

Communicate Change

When things change at the last minute (and they will), make sure they are clearly communicated to everyone concerned. Be sure to negotiate suitable recompense for any unexpected change of scope that involves added output at your end. What is reasonable compensation for my in-laws “overstaying” their welcome? Hmmmm...

Creating the Right Impression

When thanking Aunt Mildred for the Lint Roller, propel yourself to favourite family member status by zeroing in on her with precision eye contact and no small amount of vocal modulation and sincerity. It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it.

Get Out of Your Own Way

Cousin Martin WILL drink too much, he WILL take Pictionary too seriously and he WILL fall asleep be-fore dinner and dribble all over that nice new tie you gave him. Don’t be surprised; it’s the way he is, don’t let it get in the way of your holiday. He does give good gifts after all!

Negotiate

If you have no clear walk away position, your kids will be all over you like a rash when it comes to gifts, bedtime and, let’s face it, Play Station 3.

When All is Said and Done

If the aforementioned hasn’t already helped you, saying thank you (and meaning it) to those who make it all possible should do the trick.

Ignite Excellence wishes you all a festive Holiday Season and a successful 2008.