Giving feedback to an overly chatty employee

It only takes one social butterfly to distract a whole office, and as a manager, it’s on you to be sure that everyone can get their work done. If you need to reign in a chatty team member, first, acknowledge the awkwardness. You might say, “This feels uncomfortable, but I wanted to talk about something that’s been on my mind and may not be on your radar.” Be specific and neutral when you’re describing the person’s conduct. “You’re being too friendly at work” is an interpretation of behaviour. Instead, try something more neutral like, “I notice that on Mondays, you come into my office to tell me about your weekend without asking if I have a few minutes to chat. I’m usually trying to catch up on time-sensitive emails at that time. Would you be willing to first ask if I have a few minutes free?” Also, make sure you convey positive intent. You might say something like: “To be clear, I feel confident that you’re not trying to bother me intentionally, and that you want to be friendly and inclusive. Did I get that right?” Although these conversations can be hard, remind yourself that your ultimate intent is to create a culture of supportive feedback that will benefit all your employees.

(This tip is adapted from “Managing the Social Butterfly in Your Office,” by Deborah Grayson Riegel.)

Freelancers, build a rapport with potential clients!

From the initial conversation to the moment you seal a deal, success for independent contractors hinges on the client’s decision to invest in and engage with you. Many freelancers focus on the business aspect of the interaction, but relationships and authentic connections drive business, so tell your story. Begin with an idea that explains your passion and approach. For example, if your expertise is public relations, you could say, “To me, PR is about understanding an audience and giving them a good story.” Then, help your potential client understand your expertise, including relevant details about your career path. Finally, rather than ending on something about yourself, connect it back to them. For example, you might say: “The story you have is something people need to hear, and I can see it making an impact in a publication like Time.” Also, pay attention during small talk. Whether you’re talking about your rescue dogs or your shared sports fandom, you’re building a rapport that signals: “We are cut from the same cloth. Your goals are my goals.”

(This tip is adapted from “How to Negotiate as a Freelancer,” by Andres Lares.)

How to ask for — and get — an email introduction

Requesting an email introduction from a current contact can be a big ask. Busy people may get multiple similar requests each week, so it’s important to do what you can to reduce their burden. One option is to provide them with a forwardable email that they can pass on to the target contact. Make sure you include a relevant — and brief — summary of your experience. Show that you’ve thoroughly researched the third party by including a few specific lines about how you think the new contact can help you. Avoid using vague reasons like, “I want to expand my network.” When the connection is made, make it easy for the person to connect with you. Offer several options for meeting times and send a calendar invite with the dial-in information. Most importantly, thank your current contact for the introduction and let them know how it went. They are more likely to make another one if they know you appreciated it and see that it led to new opportunities.

(This tip is adapted from “How to Ask for an Email Introduction,” by Ruchika Tulshyan.)

Break out of your post-holiday funk

Many of us begin a new year reflecting on the past and feeling bad about what we haven’t accomplished. Instead of ruminating on the previous year, focus on the future. Treat what you want to accomplish as a new challenge. Set specific goals, and develop a realistic plan to get there. It’s natural to compare yourself to others, so use that instinct to your advantage. For example, identify a close rival — someone whose performance is similar to your own but maybe slightly better in an area you want to improve — and figure out what you could do to get to his or her level. Or compare your current self to your past self and use the recognition of your own trajectory to spur you to reach new heights. No one wants to start the new year in a rut, but with some small changes in your perspective you can hit the ground running.

(This tip is adapted from “The Post-Holiday Funk Is Real,” by Art Markman.)

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, February 3rd, 2020