Being Woman is not easy. If you can't help her don't disrespect either

Before you start reading this blog and start thinking that it is the victim card that I am playing, that's not why I am writing this blog. This blog is for all those who are taking women in their life for granted. By women I mean your mother, wife, sister, daughter, boss or a subordinate.

Just because your ego gets hurt that does not mean you suppress her voice. She has her opinion too and has every right to voice it.

Just because you think she is wrong that does not mean that she is wrong. As father, brother or a husband don't crush her self-confidence.

She need not to take every decision based on your yes or no. It is her right to live and have experiences of her own. If she does something good you are proud and if takes one wrong decision you disown her. There are many platforms where she is disrespected. As a daughter sometimes she is disrespected for taking her decisions. As a wife sometimes she is disrespected because you don't like what she said. As a mother she is disrespected because she cares for you.

Men have difficult life too. They also have many challenges too face. This blog is not about who is right and who is wrong. This blog is about self-respect.

So, why I am writing this blog. That's because of an incident that took place today while I was returning from work.

I was standing by the roadside waiting for my friend as we had planned shopping together. I finished my work and left early and reached before her. I was still waiting when I noticed another lady standing by my side. She was waiting for someone too. Looking at her body language, I could make that out. I was still waiting when a man came towards her and said," Sorry dear I am late but I got stuck in an important meeting. Though I had informed my boss prior that I need to go early as my wife has an appointment with doctor, but the clients came and it was important to attend them." His wife smiled at him and told him that she was fine and had not waited much.

Before they could head to doctor, they decided to have juice at the juice corner which was next to where I stood. They ordered juice and started talking to each.

They seemed happy couple to me. Suddenly I heard man shouting at her (though his voice was not very loud, but it was loud enough for me and some of the students who stood to hear). He told her that she need not to speak to him on this matter (I am unaware what he was talking about). I will take my own decision I need not ask you. She stood there embarrassed and looking around she told her husband, " Please, don't shout. It is just my opinion. If you don't like it, that's fine. But don't shout." He told her that she could not be right every time. Before he could finish she added, "But, I cannot be wrong every time."

Her eyes were filled with tears and I decided to move.

I did not want to know the reason for the argument neither I don't want to prove her right. My only point is that she waited for him and even if he was late she did not complain. Even if her husband did not agree with her was this the way?


     

Importance of introducing yourself : Interview skills

Introduction plays an important role in the interview. A candidate introduces himself to the interviewer and gives the opportunity to interviewer to judge the candidate.

"Tell me about yourself"

This may seem an easy question to answer. If not answered properly it may complicate an interview.

To understand better let us do a case study

Case Study

Rahul was very excited as he would be appearing for a campus interview. He prepared a very impressive introduction. Just to make it more interesting he added reading to his hobbies. 

Finally, the interview day came. Rahul was nervous, when his name was called.

As expected interviewer asked Rahul to introduce himself to the panel. Interviewers seemed very impressed with him. One of the interviewer asked him about the recent book he read.

Rahul did not know what to say. The question was unexpected. He was not prepared. He kept quiet.

I hope you would have understood the importance of introduction. It is very important to introduce yourself effectively. 

How to prepare Introduction ?  

Before preparing your introduction remember few points.

• Read the job posting. Understand what employer is looking for. Read requirements and skills carefully.
• Read your resume. Know what is written in it.
• Be honest. You can lie to world but not to yourself.

Preparing and Practicing are the two effective ways.

Preparing your introduction

• Do not copy, paste blindly. You may google for reference but write your original.
• Introduce yourself to interviewer in such a way that you seem to be the right candidate.
• Do not include unnecessary details in your introduction.
• Introduction should not be too long or too short.
• Be honest and know what you speak.
• Prepare your introduction before interview and Practice.

Practice your Introduction

• Practice what you have prepared.
• Use simple language.
• Practice Pronunciation.
• Know the meaning of the words and sentences that you use.
• Practice with a family member or a friend.Let them act as an interviewer and practice with them
•  Practice in front of the mirror.

Do not forget that if you think you can, you can. Believe in yourself.

In this blog I have discussed Importance of introduction and what to keep in mind while preparing. Next blog would be how to prepare an effective introduction with some examples.

Handling Telephone at Workplace: Basic Skills

In this blog, we will discuss one of the important aspects of the business which is telephone handling. There are various calls received in a single day. Some examples are as below:

• A caller may call for the general enquiry.
• Call for sales.
• Sharing feedback.
• Business opportunity and so on.

Every customer calling is a potential business opportunity and handling the calls poorly may lead to loss of business. Moreover, it can cause damage to a company's reputation as well.

After reading this blog, you will be able to:

• Handle the telephone calls in an effective manner.
• Place a call on hold in the right way.
• Effectively transfer the call.
• Take messages accurately.

Before answering the calls:

• Make sure that the desk is clean and well organized.
• Be prepared all the time. Keep pen and writing pad handy.
• Clearly printed telephone extension list should be available at the desk all the time.

Opening the call.

• Do not chew anything while on a call.
• Pick up the phone within three rings.
• Always wear a smile and trust me it will reflect in your voice.
• Greet the caller as per the standard operating procedure of the company.
• Identify yourself, if it is in the standard operating procedure.
• Offer the assistance.

Some examples of call opening are written below:

 

While attending an external call.

"Good Morning, XYZ company, This is Y, how may I assist you."

 

"Thank you for calling XYZ company. How may I assist you."  

 

While attending an inter-departmental call.

 "Good Morning, Front Desk, Y speaking, how may I assist you." 

"Good Morning, Front Desk, Y speaking."

 

Note: Many companies have standard phraseologies, follow them.

Placing a call on hold.

In case you need to check the details then place the call on hold. Below points are to be considered when placing a call on hold:

• Take permission from the caller and tell the reason for doing so.
• Also, inform the amount of time it will take.

For example,

"Mr. D, may I place your call on hold for a minute while I check the details."

 

In case it will take longer than a minute return to the caller  and inform him/her as per below:

• Thank the caller for his patience.
• Increase the hold time taking his permission and explain the reason too.

Phraseology could be used as below:

"Thank you for your patience Mr. D, the extension number for Mr. X is busy. May I place you call on hold again for a minute or shall I ask Mr. X to call you back."

 

Note down the details carefully.

Transfering the Call.

In case, the call has to be transferred to someone else inform the same to the caller.
Inform him/her:

• why you are transferring the call and who is the concerned person.
• Also, inform the concerned person who is on the line and what he/she wants.

Below is an example to understand the process better:

The phone rings at the operator desk of the hotel.

Operator: Good Morning, ABC hotel, This is James. How may I assist you?

Caller: My name is Mike Brown. I want to amend my reservation.

Operator: Certainly, Mr. Brown. May I place your call on hold for a minute while I transfer your call to reservations department.

Caller: Yes.

Operator dials the reservation number and talks to the reservation department.

John: Good Morning, John

Operator: John, this is James. I have Mr. Brown on the line who wants to amend his reservation.
Operator transfers the call.

John to the caller: Thank you for your patience, Mr. Brown. This is John. I understand that you want to make the amendments to your reservation.

Caller: Yes


This is a simple example. However, there are many calls that telephone operator handles. Calls and situation may differ during the calls.

Taking Message 

 

It is a simple yet crucial process. Understand what caller wants.

If you have message slip it will probably have following details:

Date and Time of Call.
Callers Name.
Message for.
Telephone Number.
Message.

After, taking down the message re-confirm it with the caller.

 

Ending the call

• Thank the caller.
• Ask if there is anything else you could assist with.
• Finally, add a positive note and disconnect using the finger so that you don't sound banging the phone. 

For Example:

"Thank you for calling Mr. Brown. Is there anything else I could assist you with"

 

 The Caller says no.

"Have a nice day." or "We look forward to welcoming you and your family for a memorable holiday."