Date Posted:09:03:47 09/04/04 Sat Author:dpego Subject: learn to take a deep breath
One of the hardest things to do in a professional career is to learn the value of a brief moment of silence during a business meeting.
There will be times this year when your boss is having a private conversation with you and suddenly asks a very difficult question. It may be asking you to take on much more responsibility at no additional pay. It may be asking you to do someone else's work.
When it happens, do not answer immediately. Nod thoughtfully and try to put on your best neutral facial expression. And as you do that, start quickly figuring out the best way to say what you want and need to say DIPLOMATICALLY.
Thinking before you talk is always a good idea. Always. But it also send a signal to your boss that not ready to be a doormat and have her or his footsteps all over your back. Be careful, but stand your ground as best you can. Once you lose some ground, it's hard to make it up.
