A note on communication at the workplace.

In today's marketplace, on a scale of one to ten, skills and talents and assets acquire the number one place whereas character is sifted down to the very bottom of the pile.

It's mainly because character is weighty. Yes, because it needs depth and a lot of work. Today we have instant coffee and instant microwave stuff and the instant glory is what many are after just for fame and recognition. Once achieved there is a struggle to either maintain or a breakdown in some area of the individual's life which could be financial, social, personal or anything-al and eventually affects his life, and who he is.

Which brings me back to character. For communication today we learn that we need to have the language and the soft skills right. Which is good. I would like to add a few that I think are pretty basic but VERY NECESSARY to be successful in communication.

Being SECURE in what you do reflects how you communicate WHAT you do. Security in who you are at your work reflects in your commuincation.

A feeling of insecurity leaves you half-hearted and you sound half-hearted over the phone or even in a live conversation. You may sound happy and speak with a smile on your face but it would be very plastic. Not from deep within.

When you know WHO you are and WHERE you are going it builds in you a self -respect and a self-confidence that won't allow you to dress up or put on a front for others....and eventually lose that self-respect.

Being who you are is important. But you have got to love yourself in that case.

If you are not comfortable with your own character and feel guilty about yourself, you are carrying around that dislike within you which reflects in your communication. Stay comfortable with yourself and if you get uncomfortable always get it right. With God, with yourself, with whoever...it's totally up to you.

Joy , I believe comes from within. From being who you are. Happiness comes from what is on the outside-- your circumstances and your friends and family. If you were left alone on this earth, would you be happy with yourself... why are some people constantly joyful?

Be a person who wants to give more than wanting to get. I tell you , it helps. Build your character. Something happens when you give of yourself. It doesn't mean you should open up yourself to abuse.

Believe in what you do. It will help you communicate much farther. You will reach a level of communication that exceeds your information on the subject and will allow you to be so animated in the process it will infect the other person or people around you.

Choose to not get offended and hurt. It's your choice. Ultimately, EVERYTHING in your life is your choice. Except , maybe your family. Smile.

Be so secure that even if the world around you is collapsing, you have what it takes. Not over-confidence and pride, but security, joy, self-respect for yourself & people.

You will communicate well.