How to Communicate in the Office - The Muse

How to Communicate in the Office - The MuseHow to Communicate in the Office Stellar communication skills can get you out the usual workplace binds. You know cryptic emails, cranky clients, and hard-to-please supervisors.But sometimes, youll come across someone who isnt moody or confusing- shes downright awkward. The issue herein is that relationships are currency, and if you cant even get through a conversation with someone, how are you supposed to work with him?Read on for three of the worst office communicators- and how you can best work with them. (Bonus Weve included a handy guide so you can make sure that youre not committing one of these communication crimes.)1. The ComedianMaybe its a vibe Im sending out, but lately I keep meeting people who laugh throughout entire conversations- even when theyre pretty mundane. For example, the story of you getting to work 10 minutes late because your alarm didnt go off really isnt that hysterical.But if this rolle is your client (or your bos s), staring neutrally, or even placating her with a Thats funny can lead to awkwardness. In most cases, Id recommend being authentic, but in this instance a work laugh can go a long way. Of course, you shouldnt overdo it like Monica and Chandler, but you can smile wide and give the same sort of chuckle you would if your grandmother told you a story and you wanted to look amused.Instead of viewing the situation as one where youre forced to be insincere, think of it as a kindness. Either its a nervous habit (in which case pointing it out will only make the other person feel worse), or hes hoping to connect with you- and hes choosing to do so by trying to make you laugh. So, try to let a few out It just may smooth the way toward a better working relationship.2. The Disinterested PersonSure, discussing last quarters numbers is no Broadway show, but its your job. And its pretty uncomfortable when your co-worker spends an entire 20-minute meeting looking painfully bored.Honestly, theres n othing you can do about your co-worker tapping her foot or yawning. The only thing you have control over is how you internalize it. You can think, She has someplace better to be, or you can ask yourself why its bothering you so much. Yes, its rude- but why is it driving you crazy? Are you afraid that youre actually boring your whole gruppe? If so, ask a co-worker you have a close relationship with for some honest feedback. Are you eager to please this person because you think it will increase your odds for promotion? If so, ask her for targeted feedback.Just be sure you come from a constructive place. Forgo the targeted, Am I boring you? and try, Susan, do you have any suggestions for how I might spice up the middle part of my presentation? I feel like I might be losing my audience for a bit in there. 3. The Person Who Speaks in Internet SlangSometimes, you have to work with people who downright confuse you. Case in point Someone who uses obscure slang. Im not talking about slang an yone who watches primetime television would know, Im talking about slang youd have to really troll Instagram for. For example, you say, John, Could you give me an update on your latest project? Then he responds with, Its on fleek. Umm, what?This is a definitely a time you want to approach the communication gap head-on, but you can do so in a slightly self-deprecating way. Try this Im afraid I dont know what that means- Im never up on the latest slang. For starters, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Addressing the situation in a light-hearted way shows that youre not talking down to him, but also makes it clear that youre going to need him to use words you know. (Bonus This approach also works for people who speak like their main goal is to demonstrate how advanced their vocabulary is.)Now, if this person is a subordinate, youll want to set aside a time to talk about communication in the workplace. Its a pretty straightforward conversation- just as you can wear ripped jeans and sw eatpants outside the office, but at work you try to keep up a more polished appearance you should view language in a similar way.Are You the Culprit?Maybe you dont come into contact with any of the people mentioned above. (Lucky you) But before you do a happy dance, lets make certain that youre not the one committing the faux pas. If you regularly see the faces below, you may need to change up how you communicate- dont worry weve got you covered1. Youre the JokesterYou think you leave your team in stitches. But you may be mistaken if their laughter looks like thisImage courtesy of Giphy.If so, rein it in a bit. Instead of lightening every conversation with a joke, try to cut back and be a bit more serious. Believe it or not, this will actually lighten the mood, because your employees wont feel pressured to laugh.2. You Look BoredNot that youd ever try to look like Britney Spears at work, but you should never look like this Image courtesy of Giphy.Even if youre not that obvious, you might be putting other signals out that theres someplace youd rather be (think checking your phone or never asking follow-up questions). Next time, try to consciously look engaged and interested.3. You Dont Make SenseNot everyone will be comfortable telling you they have no idea what youre talking about. But you probably need to make a change if they look at you like thisImage courtesy of Giphy.Look familiar? Start taking an extra moment to think before you speak and translate what you might type to a friend into more formal language.Navigating different communication styles will help you connect with more types of people. So, be empathetic and try to adapt. And hey, you never know when your work laugh will come in handy. Photo of people talking courtesy of Shutterstock.

UCMJ Punitive Article 91 - Insubordinate Conduct

UCMJ Punitive Article 91 - Insubordinate ConductUCMJ Punitive Article 91 - Insubordinate ConductWhether it is conduct unbecoming or insubordination with a oben liegend ranking official, chances are if made public through social media, your military career is over. The exact phrasing of insubordination is as follows Text. Any warrant schreibstuber or enlisted member who- (1) strikes or assaults a warrant officer, non-commissioned officer, or petty officer, while that officer is in the execution of his office (2) willfully disobeys the lawful order of a warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or petty officer or (3) treats with contempt or is disrespectful in language or deportment toward a warrant officer, noncommissioned officer, or petty officer while that officer is in the execution of his office shall be punished as a court-martial may direct. Elements. (1) Striking or assaulting warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer. (a) That the accused welches a warrant officer or enli sted member (b) That the accused struck or assaulted a certain warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer (c) That the striking or assault welches committed while the victim was in the execution of office and (d) That the accused then knew that the person struck or assaulted was a warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer. Note If the victim was the superior noncommissioned or petty officer of the accused, add the following elements (e) That the victim was the superior noncommissioned, or petty officer of the accused and (f) That the accused then knew that the person struck or assaulted was the accuseds superior non-commissioned, or petty officer. (2) Disobeying a warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer. (a) That the accused was a warrant officer or enlisted member (b) That the accused received a certain lawful order from a certain warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer (c) That the accused then knew that the person giving the order was a warrant, noncommissioned, or petty o fficer (d) That the accused had a duty to obey the order and (e) That the accused willfully disobeyed the order. (3) Treating with contempt or being disrespectful in language or deportment toward a warrant, non-commissioned, or petty officer. (a) That the accused was a warrant officer or enlisted member (b) That the accused did or omitted certain acts, or used certain language (c) That such behavior or language was used toward and within sight or hearing of a certain warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer (d) That the accused then knew that the person toward whom the behavior or language was directed was a warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer (e) That the victim was then in the execution of office and (f) That under the circumstances the accused, by such behavior or language, treated with contempt or was disrespectful to said warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer. Note If the victim was the superior noncommissioned, or petty officer of the accused, add the following e lements (g) That the victim was the superior noncommissioned, or petty officer of the accused and (h) That the accused then knew that the person toward whom the behavior or language was directed was the accuseds superior noncommissioned, or petty officer. Explanation. (1) In general. Article 91 has the same general objects with respect to warrant, noncommissioned, and petty officers as Articles 89 and 90 have with respect to commissioned officers, namely, to ensure obedience to their lawful orders, and to protect them from violence, insult, or disrespect. Unlike Articles 89, and 90, however, this article does not require a superior-subordinate relationship as an element of any of the offenses denounced. This article does not protect an acting noncommissioned officer or acting petty officer, nor does it protect military police or members of the shore patrol who are not warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officers. (2)Knowledge. All of the offenses prohibited by Article 91 require that the accused have actual knowledge that the victim was a warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer. Actual knowledge may be proved by circumstantial evidence. (3)Striking or assaulting a warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer. For a discussion of strikes and in the execution of office,seeparagraph 14c. For a discussion of assault, seeparagraph 54c. An assault by a prisoner who has been discharged from the service, or by any other civilian subject tomilitary law, upon a warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer should be charged under Article 128 or 134. (4)Disobeying a warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer. Seeparagraph 14c(2), for a discussion of lawfulness, personal nature, form, transmission, and specificity of the order, nature of the disobedience, and time for compliance with the order. (5)Treating with contempt or being disrespectful in language or deportment toward a warrant, non-commissioned, or petty officer. Toward requires that the behavior and language be with in the sight or hearing of the warrant, noncommissioned, or petty officer concerned. For a discussion of in the execution of his office,seeparagraph 14c. For a discussion of disrespect,seeparagraph 13c. The rules are simple. Do not disobey, disrespect, or defame any military senior, the service, or its people without suffering the consequences. The higher up the chain of command a guilty persons actions climb the more quickly and harshly administered the punishment could be. Be smart. If you are going to be insubordinate or disrespectful do not post it on social media for the world and the military and political establishment to also witness.

5 tips to unlock your unlimited earning potential

5 tips to unlock your unlimited earning potential5 tips to unlock your unlimited earning potentialIf you want to unlock your unlimited earning potential, you have to make some bold steps. Just being good at your job is unfortunately not enough, you need the guts to make tough calls, like leaving your job and starting your own business or starting a side hustle. It scares the hell out of most people, but if you want freedom over your finances, this is the way to go. Let the following tips help you outHave confidenceThis is your key to success you can improve your potential and widen your expertise if you are confident about yourself and your capabilities. If you are already working a job, and want to prove, you have to make bold moves and show your worth. Stand out from the crowd and rise to the top. You better volunteer for assignments which will get you noticed. You can take night classes and learn new skills that will help you with your profession. Also, you have to beat the reluct ance of presenting your ideas. Confidence allows you to negotiate for a raise when the time is right. Therefore, confidence is your first step to unlimited earning potential.Learn a new languageThis might sound of the track, but if you want to impress your bosses, this is one smart way to do that. If you are competing in a global market, being bilingual makes you employable and more useful for your company. Learning another language adds a uni-language to your competition, and you appear very attractive to high paying companies.Your trajectory You cant move forward without having your trajectory platzset right. So, you ought to plan your next move if you want to progress. Look beyond the positions you qualify at the moment. Yes, you should focus on the positions you want in the next 5-10 years. What skills do you need to get there, and how can you go about learning those new skills?You might be surprised to find how easy it is to learn a new skill. Once you visualize your path, it b ecomes easier. There are many ways to learn a new skill you can get an additional formal education, do volunteer work, network or research. Nothing is impossible when you set your mind to it.Know your worthThis is where most of us fail we fail to realize our true worth and make the best of what we get. That too is great, but you need to improve with time. Your job pays you as long as you are beneficial, if you cease to be useful, they will ditch you. This is the hard truth, so yes if you get a chance to turn your life around, you better take it.Be flexibleKeep your eye on your end goal. Add flexibility to your outlook as career range wont be easy at first. It does act as the key to unlimited earning potential, but its going to be a rough ride at the start.But dont fret You will get the hang of it after a while. If you decide to go down this route to unlimited earnings you should expect the next year to be as hard as you can imagine but as they say, hard work does pay offThis post wa s originally published on YourCoffeeBreak.co.uk.