Your Attitude Atmosphere

Hello Office Dynamics blog reader,

I have been with Office Dynamics for quite some time now and my title has been Administrative Assistant. Just recently, Joan asked me if I would add an extension to my title. Drumroll…please…Client Concierge!

I feel absolutely honored that Joan has asked me to represent Office Dynamics as Client Concierge. This title signifies my personality and really proves the following excerpt from our new, best selling book Who Took My Pen…Again:

Attitude

Create a Friendly and Approachable Atmosphere

In our fast-paced world, people are becoming detached and desensitized. We are more transaction-based, unfocused on how our interaction is affecting other people. When you have that style of interaction with others, the world becomes decidedly colder. You must be aware of when that happens and take the steps necessary to turn it around:

• Your body language and facial expressions provide visual clues, whether you intend them to or not. You need to be aware of messages you might be sending that you don’t want to send. You should not assume you are communicating what you think you are! You must be open to inventorying your communication style and be aware of cultural diversities that could work for, or against, you.
• It is important to be genuinely interested when a person is communicating with you. Stopping, listening, and asking questions demonstrates your interest.
• Assess what kind of environment you work in. Do you post a warning sign that states, “Stop. I am in a bad mood,” when you are having a rough day? Some assistants will say that is exactly the message they want to send. However, even when you are in a bad mood, which is very possible, you want to be very cautious of the message you send to peers or your manager. Sending this message is not conducive to controlling your attitude or choosing what attitude to wear each day.
• What kinds of things do you surround yourself with that make you look unapproachable? (Your job is to support people whether you want to be bothered or not.)

What is your attitude atmosphere?