MindToolsVideos

To learn more about Professional Networking, see our article at https://www.mindtools.com/professional-networking Do you shudder at the thought of networking? If the answer is yes, chances are that you’re simply out of practice. A strong professional network has the power to boost your personal brand and improve your ways of working. In this video, we’ll show you how to plan and build an effective professional network that benefits everyone involved. Join the Mind Tools Club today to access the full video.

How can people with conflicting priorities, or different levels of power, work together effectively? In this video, you'll see how Eldred's Power Strategies can help you to redress any damaging power imbalances and secure outcomes that are beneficial to all. Join the Mind Tools Club to access the full video.

Stories are powerful things. They fire our imaginations and stir our emotions. They can move us to action, but just as easily reduce us to tears. In the business world, stories help you communicate more effectively, build rapport with customers, and gain buy-in for your ideas. With this simple structure, you'll be able to create stories that engage and inspire your audience. Chapter 1: The Hook All good stories begin with a hook: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." With this famous opener, Jane Austen sets the scene for "Pride and Prejudice." It tells the reader what to expect from the book whilst hinting at Austen's subversive intent. In business storytelling, the first question you need to ask yourself is, "What do you want your story to achieve?" Are you trying to sell an idea to a prospective client, or do you want your team members to buy into a new initiative? Consider the wants and needs of your audience, and how you can tailor your delivery to appeal to them. Chapter 2: The Opportunity You've convinced your audience to listen to what you have to say. But they'll quickly lose interest if you don't give them a reason to stick around. Using clear, unequivocal language, explain what they stand to gain by investing in your story, or what they stand to lose by ignoring it. Commercially speaking, this could translate into anything from improved sales to more efficient working practices, but it's crucial that your audience understands what's at stake. Use facts and figures to help get your message across, and explain in concrete terms what's going to happen next. Chapter 3: The Close The final chapter of your story is where you tie up loose ends. Just as Elizabeth Bennet marries Mr Darcy at the close of "Pride and Prejudice," your story needs to conclude in a way that doesn't leave any questions unanswered. Wrap things up by reinforcing the points you raised in the previous chapter. This will make your story memorable, reminding your audience why they were interested in the first place. If you've told your story well, they'll want to return to it again and again.

For many leaders, leading ethically isn't always easy. When budget or time is restricted, it can be tempting to "fudge the numbers" or tell the odd white lie in order to get the job done. But unethical leadership is a slippery slope, and can quickly land you in hot water with your team and your boss. In this video, we look at how defining your values and preparing for crises can help you to lead an ethically minded team to be proud of.

If you want to learn more about how to motivate yourself, read the article at https://mindtools.com/motivate-yourself Motivation comes in two different forms: extrinsic and intrinsic. Being paid a salary is extrinsically motivating. Meanwhile, enjoying your job is intrinsically motivating. No matter how much we love our jobs, it's likely there are some tasks that we don't enjoy. Use these five intrinsic and extrinsic motivational strategies to tackle undesirable tasks. 1. Change your perspective. Admin or filing may not be motivating in itself. But, what if you saw it as an opportunity to prove your organization skills to your boss? 2. Ask yourself “why?” If you start to question your work’s purpose, think about why you do what you do. Listing the positive outcomes of your job can help to invigorate you. 3. Develop accountability. Inform your colleagues or boss that you will complete your task by a certain day or time, and use their expectations to motivate you to get the job done. 4. Master time management. Create a schedule to manage your workload efficiently, and don’t procrastinate – it will only prolong the process! 5. Set goals and rewards. Make mundane tasks more fulfilling by setting yourself goals and rewarding yourself at the end. You can also make daunting tasks more manageable by breaking them down into smaller “easy wins.” With these tactics, you'll motivate yourself to get those undesirable tasks done. Then you can get on with the parts of your job that you really enjoy!