THE POWER OF SMALL - PART 1

SHORT NOTES FROM:

THE POWER OF SMALL

WHY LITTLE THINGS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

LINDA KAPLAN THALER AND ROBIN KOVAL

Broadway Books, New York

140 Pages

In the world where we are urged to see the big picture, it often feels as if we don't have the time to sweat the small stuff.  The small cues, the simple gestures, the random acts of kindness that give life texture and meaning are too often overlooked or ignored.  Taking the time to give a compliment, or being attuned to a colleague or customers subtle body cues are consequential actions.  They are the details that make or break a relationship.

Believing that it is the small things that make the greatness difference is not just an ideology.  The surprising power of our small actions, our subtle shifts in thinking, and our dogged attention to the everyday details in life is that they can change everything.  Small and seemingly insignificant acts are powerful agents of change and growth.  Unfortunately, we are often and constantly told to concentrate on the big things and not to sweat on the small stuff.

Milestone are celebrated, daily victories are ignored.  We do need to ignore a lot of the 'noise' to get on with our lives.  The small gestures, words and daily kindness, speak volumes about our attention to detail and commitment and concern to effect change and make a difference.  Sometimes the small spontaneous acts make all the difference.

We can't change other people.  All we can control is what we do.  by making small changes in ourselves, we can effect big, positive changes.  We need to learn to pay attention to the right details.

The secret to getting ahead in life sometimes involves changing our perspective from the grandiose and the difficult to the small and doable.  The positive impressions that we make through little words, deeds, and gestures are what lay the groundwork for success in life.  It takes commitment to do so.

TRUTH #1:   IT'S A BYTE-SIZE WORLD

A byte-size world means we are all but a click away from being totally visible and vulnerable to virtually everyone else on the planet.  The world is a stage, empowering each of us to steal the spotlight.

Be observant of the small things that potentially can make or break our 'performance'.  Use the zoom lens more.  Don't overlook that one item that seems almost too trivial to worry about.  The ability to pay attention to the smallest details can set you apart from your competitors.

TRUTH #2:   SMALL ACTS TELL A LONGER STORY

You can learn so much from the small details in life.

TRUTH #3:   EVERYONE MATTERS

The ripple effects of small actions can never be underestimated.  Consider the potential impact of a single individual of employee: that one voice may be able to solve an ongoing problem, galvanise a community, or change the world.

TRUTH #4: A LITTLE GOOD GOES A LONG WAY

When you do nothing, you are doing something; you are closing the door to an opportunity.

small change

- become a mini-tracker

- create a series of smaller stages for a big task

- appreciate the little things

-make small impressions

- look for ways to insert a positive impression

- compliments in meetings

SMALL TALK

There are nothing small about small talk.  We are now so pressed for time that we routinely dismiss casual conversation as idle chitchat, a waste of time and energy.  We are losing the human texture in even our simplest conversations.

When we 'cut the small talk' with others, we are driving a wedge between human interactions.  The purpose of small talk is to get everything started.  Small talk is the social lubricant that brings people together, regardless of their differences.

Small talk allows people to discover common ground.  Finding common ground usually takes a matter of seconds, but the groundwork it lays can last the life of a relationship.

We are often too busy and focused on getting from one place to another, and achieving results.  Sometimes we forget how important it is to let our armour down and let people see another side of us.  Making human connection takes only a few seconds.

SCHMOOZE OR LOOSE

It only takes us about 7 seconds to decide how we feel about another person.

Once someone mentally labels a person as likeable or unlikable, everything else you do will be viewed through that filter.

Ability to excel at small talk can make an enormous difference in how others feel about you.

Ability to master the art of small talk can be a huge boost to our professional and personal lives.

TIPS

Lighten up

Just say please

Curiosity kills the competition

cont........Part 2